Metal stamping is the process of converting flat metal sheets into desired shapes to make different components. It is a commonly used process in agriculture, electronics, oil and gas, automotive, aerospace, and other industries. The various techniques used include blanking, bending, punching, piercing, etc. Through these processes, complex parts can be produced in large volumes.
The following is a guide to illustrate the process, techniques, advantages, and disadvantages of custom metal stampings.
The Process of Metal Stamping
Before forming the material, stamping experts design the tool using CAD/CAM engineering. The design must be precise to ensure that each bend and punch is clear. Hundreds of parts might form a single 3D model, making the designing process extremely time-consuming and complex. After making the tool design, the manufacturer uses machining, wire EDM, grinding, and other methods to finalize the production.
The process of metal stamping involves placing a flat sheet of metal into a stamping press in blank or coil form. The press has a die and tool surface that turns the metal piece into the required shape. Flanging, embossing, coining, bending, blanking, and punching are a few techniques to stamp the metal.
Different Techniques of Metal Stamping
These are the different types of metal stamping techniques:
- Progressive Die Stamping: The process involves a series of stamping stations with progressive dies. The dice move with the press, and the metal moves to the next stamping station. While the part stays connected to the strip, it separates to form the required part at the final station.
- Transfer Die Stamping: The process is similar to the method of progressive die stamping, but the part gets separated at an early stage and travels from one station to the other through a conveyor belt.
- Four-Slide Stamping: This metal stamping technique is most suitable for making parts with numerous twists and bends. It has several sliding tools to make the part without any dies.
- Fine Edge Blanking: This technique provides smooth edges and high accuracy to the parts. Usually done on mechanical or hydraulic presses, the process consists of clamping the workpiece, performing the blanking operation, and ejecting the final piece.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Stamping
Significant advantages of this process include high automation levels, lower die costs, and reduced overhead expenses. Progressive dies and other stamping components are relatively cheap to create and maintain compared to other processes. Overhead expenses like plating and cleaning are also more affordable than other similar processes used for metal fabrication. Stamping presses can utilize computer-aided programs more precisely to facilitate quicker turnaround times and faster production of parts. The high automation level also reduces labor costs.
One drawback of custom metal stamping is the higher price of the stamping press. The process of producing a metal die is also a lengthy pre-production process. Besides, changing the dice is difficult if the design needs to be modify during production.
Stamping manufacturer is a standard process that finds application in various aspects of daily life. This guide must have helped you learn about this and the different techniques involved. Get in touch with a reputed company with suitable industry experience and expertise.