Processes, Uses, and Types of Metal Stamping - IQS Directory

Coining

With coining, a metal sheet is compressed between two rigid tools that have a clearance that is less than the thickness of the sheet of metal. Coining reduces spring back and helps increase dimensional accuracy. When coining bent areas of a part, the effect of bending is minimized, and even compression is the result.

During the process, the tip of the punch tool penetrates the metal sheet and repeatedly bends the metal to relieve stress on a workpiece, removing spring back effects. Coining minimizes the need for additional finishing and requires immense pressure to achieve the desired plastic deformation.

Bending

The purpose of metal stamping bending is to change the geometry of the workpiece. Force applied by a stamping machine causes stress on the sheet metal, which is beyond its yield strength. The result is the physical deformation of the metal without breaking the metal. On the surface, sheet metal bending seems to be a simple straightforward process. Although this may be the initial impression, there are a variety of sheet metal bending methods that are both similar and different.

The list of metal stamping bending methods includes V-bending, air bending, bottoming, wipe bending, roll bending, and rotary bending. Each of the different methods renders a different deformed shape.

Flanging

Flanging is a metal stamping bending process where the workpiece is bent to a 90° angle or more. The process involves spinning or deep drawing a workpiece using a flanging machine. The purpose of flanging is to connect extensions or for holding lids on parts. The effect of flanges is an increase in the durability and strength of a part.

With flanging, the workpiece is positioned between a bottom die and pressure pad. The metal stamping punch tool forcefully pushes down on a portion of the workpiece that extends out from between the die and pressure pad. The force of the downward motion of the punch is adjusted to the proper angle of the die and punch to avoid the occurrence of springback. A sheet metal flange can be a projection or rim that adds strength, attaches to parts, or creates a flat surface. The three basic types of flanges are angle, pipe, and flat, which are used and designed for a specific purpose. In certain instances, flanging is used in place of trimming by bending at an angle greater than 180° to form a U-shape.

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Chapter 6: Progressive Die Metal Stamping

Metal stamping technologies refers to several types of forming processes which shape and form coiled or sheet metal. The choice of stamping method depends on several factors from the design of the part to the number of required stamping operations. The choice of process is initially determined and specified by engineers or designers.

Progressive stamping removes the need for multiple machines performing several functions. Workpieces are shaped by a set of operations. A strip of metal unrolls into a single die press with several workstations that perform individual functions. Each station adds to what has been previously completed resulting in the ejection of a finished part.

The process of progressive metal stamping produces complex and intricate parts. The workpiece is automatically transferred from one workstation to the next and requires the use of high tonnage stamping presses that apply extreme pressure to create the desired shape. The various workstations perform coining, bending, punching, forming, and drawing. At each workstation, the workpiece is changed and formed in preparation for the next workstation, shaping the workpiece as it moves through the various stamping processes. Once the completed part design is achieved, it is cut from the metal strip as the final product.

With progressive stamping, the production of complex and intricate parts is simplified, decreasing production times while increasing efficiency. Each movement of the workpiece is precision aligned to avoid waste and to ensure quality. Cuts, bends, or punching happen gradually to achieve the desired end shape and design. The process is quick and easy and produces minimal waste.

The key factors regarding the choice of progressive die metal stamping are the size of a component, its complexity, and the number of components to be produced. In the majority of cases, progressive die stamping is used for high volume part production due to progressive die stamping’s ability to produce high volumes at a low cost per part.

Advantages of Progressive Die Stamping

Aside from its ability to produce high volumes of parts, progressive die stamping has several advantages over other stamping methods.

• Faster – The continuous feed of metal enhances production speed, which makes it possible to quickly produce parts. Although the speed of progressive die stamping varies between types of machines, part complexity, and metal being stamped, in most cases, a progressive die stamping machine makes SPM up to SPM or 100 parts per minute (PPM).
• Limited Waste – Since progressive die stamping makes use of every aspect of the metal feed, there is very little scrap produced by the process. Progressive die stamping dies are designed to meet this parameter, which assists in lowering costs and makes progressive die stamping so efficient.
• Design Freedom – Progressive die stamping can accommodate numerous geometries that include very simple punching designs and more complex intricate designs.
• High Volume – High volume production, which leads to lower cost per part, is the most attractive aspect of progressive die stamping. The design of the feed method for progressive die stamping allows for longer production runs with more parts produced in a shorter time frame.
• Repeatability – Repeatability is a key aspect of efficient product production. This is especially true for progressive die stamping. The durability and ruggedness of progressive die stamping tools increases its repeatability. High production runs are completed without any degradation of dies, resulting in high quality final products from beginning to end.
• Cost Per Part – As with high volume, cost per part for progressive die stamping is due to its high volume, limited waste, quick setup, repeatability, and high production speed. The progressive process reduces labor costs due to fewer workers needed to manage the process.
• Tolerances – Tolerances are the guiding factor for all forms of industrial operations and is the reason for the wide use of progressive die stamping. Regardless of the high volumes of parts produced, the process maintains optimal accuracy and exceptional precision.

Progressive Die Stamping Process

The unique nature of progressive die stamping requires certain steps to prepare for the process. The first steps in the process are the most critical since they determine the quality of the final product.

1. The initial step in progressive die stamping is the creation of a computer rendering of the part to be produced. With modern computerization, the parameters of a design can be tested against the progressive process prior to being submitted for tooling.
2. Skilled toolmakers use the computer rendering to form and shape the progressive die. Of the different aspects of the process, tooling is important in regard to the quality of the final product. It is a machining process used to shape and configure dies from hardened steel.
3. Once the die is machined, it is placed in the stamping machine. As the workpiece progresses through the stamping process, the halves of the die open and close to shape the part.
4. The progressive process begins with the loading of the workpiece into the progressive die stamping machine. Once the process starts, metal is continuously loaded and final parts are ejected.

Metals Used for Progressive Die Stamping

Although progressive die stamping can shape a wide variety of metals, it normally is used for shaping steel, aluminum, and copper. These three metals are used due to their versatility and their ability to withstand the force and pressure of the process. The choice of metal is highly dependent on specifications of the final product and its required characteristics.

Steel – Steel can be easily formed using progressive die stamping to create a wide range of geometries with intricate and complex features.

Aluminum – Aluminum, with its many grades, is an ideal metal for progressive die stamping. It is easy to shape, can be used for complex design features, has exceptional corrosion resistance, has low density for lighter parts, and can be used for electrical conductivity and connector parts.

Copper Alloys – Like aluminum, copper is available in an assortment of grades, which can be adapted to a variety of applications. The main common characteristic that makes copper ideal for progressive die stamping is its exceptional electric conductivity.

While steel, copper, and aluminum are most commonly used for progressive die stamping, other exotic metals with high strength and unique properties are also used. In most cases, they are alloys that are based on steel, stainless steel, titanium, and magnesium. These metals are chosen for their special features to meet the specific requirements of an application.

Transfer Die Stamping

Transfer die stamping is a form of progressive die stamping that completes the process by transferring the workpiece from station to station instead of moving the workpiece along progressively in one machine. A mechanical transport system that is incorporated into the system moves the workpiece to each station.

Transfer die stamping is used for frames, shells, and structural components. The main feature of the process is the freeing of a part from the metal strip that is common to progressive die stamping. Simple single dies or several dies lined up in a row are used to complete deforming. During transfer die stamping, the removal of the part from the metal strip, that is similar to progressive die stamping, facilitates the easy transfer of the part between workstations. The process of transfer die stamping was developed to produce large parts and workpieces with the additional benefit of lower tooling costs.

Chapter 7: Four Slide Stamping

Traditional stamping involves a vertical press that applies downward force using a tool and die to shape and form a workpiece. It is a compression or pressing process used to form and shape coiled or flat pieces of metal. The upper portion of a stamping machine or ram has a die or tool that moves downward to the bolster that holds the die. When the upper and lower portions meet, at high pressure and speed, the metal that lays upon the die is punched, bent, cut, and shaped.

Fourslide or four slide stamping is similar to progressive die stamping in that several stamping processes are completed in a single stamping cycle. It involves four fixed stamping tools that form metal sheets at a 90o angle. Each slide has a tool for bending, twisting, cutting, and forming. As with progressive die stamping, four slide stamping generates less waste and is highly efficient.

With progressive die stamping, a workpiece moves horizontally from workstation to workstation. Unlike progressive die stamping, the workpiece for fourslide stamping is positioned in the center of the mechanism. Each stroke of the four tools is precision timed to perform its function shaping the workpiece at 90o angles. Prior to entering the core of a fourslide die stamping machine, the material to be shaped is processed by a straightener to prepare a workpiece for the process.

The slides of a multi-slide or fourslide stamping machine are driven by four shafts connected by a series of bevel gears. One of the shafts is powered by an electric motor that drives the shafts of the other four slides. As with progressive die stamping, each shaft is affixed with a tool that strikes the workpiece. The design of the four shafts makes it possible to work a workpiece on four sides for exceptional precision and repeatability.

Traditional stamping presses are ideal for shaping parts by bending and pressing. Although their single direction accuracy is beneficial and efficient, it limits their ability to produce complex and intricate designs. Fourslide stamping manipulates a workpiece on four axes, which enables the process to form intricate and complex shapes. Multiple operations are performed in a single cycle. The results are less energy use, limited waste, and high levels of precision.

Benefits of Fourslide Stamping

Fourslide stamping integrates stamping and forming to produce intricate components. The benefits of fourslide stamping include versatility, design flexibility, rapid processing, and lower production costs.

• Single Operation – From start to finish, fourslide stamping machines perform multiple forming and stamping operations in a single cycle. Under normal circumstances, the shaping of a fourslide part would require several machines and secondary operations.
• Versatility – Fourslide stamping can accommodate a wide range of materials, including copper, aluminum, bronze, brass, and steel. The manipulation of a workpiece in several directions makes it possible to produce detailed twisted workpieces with multiple angles.
• Design Flexibility – Unlike other stamping processes, fourslide stamping can be altered for design changes while producing a component and part. The process is simple and requires changing one of the stamping tools.
• Cost Efficiency – The efficient use of materials by fourslide stamping produces less waste, which is beneficial for the fabrication of expensive materials. In addition, fourslide stamping has lower tooling costs and can produce 15,000 pieces per hour depending on the complexity of a component. These factors combined make fourslide stamping the most cost-effective option for high volume production.
• Speed – As with progressive die stamping, fourslide stamping is a fast and efficient production method that operates at high speed in tandem with other operations, which further reduces part costs and enables faster turnaround times.

Applications that Rely on Fourslide Stamping

The speed, accuracy, tolerances, and versatility of fourslide stamping has made it the go to method of production for several industries. The quick turnaround times for the production of small parts gives manufacturers several options during the production of products.

Automotive Industry – From the engine to parts for the brakes, fourslide stamped components are found in every system of a vehicle. The ability of fourslide stamping to produce identical parts with exceptional quality is a necessity for automobile manufacturing. Battery cable connectors, HVAC parts, key fob terminals, brackets, clips, and fasteners are quickly produced using fourslide stamping.

Medical Services – The quality and precision of fourslide stamping makes it an ideal process for the manufacture of medical instruments. The rapid pace of fourslide stamping enables it to keep up with the many advancements in medicine. Since many medical instruments are small and complex, fourslide stamping can produce such devices to meet medical grade standards.

Electrical – The key to the success of electrical components is the absence of flaws or failures that can result in catastrophic results. With super tight tolerances, fourslide stamping produces defect free electronic parts to ensure reliable electrical distribution.

Chapter 8: Metal Stamping Dies

Stamping dies are tools for shaping and forming metal sheets into a specific shape or profile. They are made from hardened tool steel that has high-hardness and abrasion resistance.

Dies have cutting and forming tools designed for the cold forming process. The sizes of dies vary from very small microelectronics dies up to dies that are several square feet and very thick for making automobile bodies. The many uses of metal stamping require the use of a wide range of dies due to the uniqueness of the different stamping processes.

Within each type of die are subcategories of dies designed for a specific and unique process. The term cutting die refers to dies that trim, notch, blank, pierce, lance, and shear. Dies for deep drawn stamping are a form of die that deforms a workpiece to achieve unique shapes. Progressive die stamping is a form of die that performs multiple functions.

Single station dies can be compound or combination to perform multiple operations in a single function. The main difference between compound and combination dies is their design and the type of stamping they perform. Compound dies cut while combination dies do cutting and non-cutting processes.

Compound dies are designed to execute multiple cutting operations in a single press, such as those required to manufacture a simple steel washer. They can produce a part every three seconds, with minimal labor costs and short lead times. Cutting complex parts in a single stroke ensures precision accuracy. Compound dies reduce waste, contributing to additional cost savings.

Combination dies feature cutting and non-cutting tools, allowing them to reshape materials in a single operation, an integrated approach that enables simultaneous processes such as cutting, drawing, and bending. A key advantage of combination dies is their efficiency and cost-effectiveness for large projects. They streamline die setup, reduce waste significantly, and can perform tasks like creating holes and flanging with a single cut.

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Multi-station dies are part of progressive die stamping that moves a workpiece through various stages. Raw metal is introduced into the machine, where it undergoes processes such as cutting, bending, coining, or punching, based on the system’s programming and a part’s specifications. Each station within the die can perform one or multiple functions, streamlining the manufacturing process.

Steel Rule Dies

Steel rule dies do not fall into the common category of stamping dies due to their structure. Referred to as knife dies or cookie cutter dies, steel rule dies were first used to cut soft materials, such as plastics, wood, cork, felt, fabrics, and paperboard. They are still used today for DIY projects.

Although not as sturdy as steel dies, steel rule dies are used to cut and shape thin non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum, copper, and brass. The blade of a steel rule die, under pressure, pierces the metal material and separates a part from its waste material. It is a two dimensional process, which has earned steel rule dies the name of cookie cutter die. The process of a steel rule die is a low cost effective method for producing uniform components, such as control panels, gaskets, membrane switches, and medical disposables.

Steel rule dies are made of high grade, high density, and hardwood plywood with steel strips. Slits are cut into the plywood to insert razor sharp blades in the preformed slits. Rubber is glued to the flat side of the plywood to help eject the cut piece after the cutting process, preventing the blade from sticking to the pressed metal. Steel rule dies come in several thicknesses depending on the application.

The steel strip material used for the cutting surface is designed to match the desired shape. The characteristics of the workpiece, such as thickness and hardness, help determine the steel rule thickness to be used in the cutting blade. Steel rule dies can be used to cut exotic materials, thick foam, carpet, and rubber. It is an inexpensive and effective method of cutting thin metals.

Chapter 9: Metals for Metal Stamping

Stamping requires an understanding of metals and their properties. The choice of metal for a project depends on the requirements of the application for which a component or piece will be used. While metal is typically used for stamping, non-metal materials like paper, leather, and rubber are also selected for a variety of purposes.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel is strong, affordable, and easy to form and is available in different grades based on the metals carbon content.

• Low Carbon Steel or Mild Steel – grades and – are easy to form, weld, and stamp. Grades of low carbon steel are used in automotive and general industrial applications.
• Medium Carbon Steel – grades and – is strong and durable with a hardness that is less ductile.
• High Carbon Steel, grace , is hard and stronger with low malleability. It is used for springs and cutting tools.

High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) Steel

HSLA steel is a step up from carbon steel with higher strength and less weight. It’s used for automotive parts, heavy equipment, and structural applications where strength and lightweight properties are crucial. The benefits of HSLA include higher tensile strength, improved corrosion resistance, and weldability. The grades of HSLA include HSLA 50 and HSLA 70, which are used in accordance with strength requirements.

Coated Steel

Coated steel is coated with various materials to provide corrosion resistance. The types of coatings are:

• Galvanized Steel (GI) is coated with zinc for rust protection.
• Galvannealed Steel (GA) is heat treated and has a matte finish.
• Galvalume Steel (AZ) is coated with an aluminum zinc alloy to protect the steel from rust and corrosion.
• Electro-Galvanized Steel (EG) is electroplated with a thin layer of zinc that gives the metal a smooth surface finish.
• Aluminized Steel is coated with aluminum silicon for high-temperature resistance.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is one of the most popular manufacturing metals. Its many grades and chemical compositions makes it ideal for stamping any number of products.

• 300 Series is non-magnetic with excellent corrosion resistance.
• 400 Series is magnetic and wear resistant.
• 17-4 PH Stainless is a very tough stainless steel that is precipitation hardened to increase its strength and toughness.

Aluminum

As with stainless steel, aluminum has characteristics that have made it a very popular metal for manufacturing. It is perfect for applications where weight reduction is crucial without sacrificing strength.

• Grade is the purest form of aluminum with a 99% aluminum content. It is widely used for deep drawn stamping.
• Grade is a general purpose aluminum that contains manganese and copper to increase its strength.
• Grade is a high strength and corrosion resistant aluminum.
• Grade is one of the strongest grades of aluminum, which makes it heat treatable.

Copper Alloys

Copper and its alloys are used for their electrical and thermal conductivity, making them ideal for electronics, electrical connectors, and HVAC components.

• Pure Coppers, such as C110 and C101, have high electrical conductivity.
• Brass, a mixture of copper and zinc, is strong, corrosion resistant, and workable.
• Bronze, an alloy of copper tin or aluminum, is wear resistant and strong.

Other Metals

• Nickel Alloys, such as Inconel and Monel, have high-temperature resistance.
• Titanium is lightweight and extremely strong.
• Zinc Alloys are used for small, complex parts that require corrosion resistance.

Important Factors Regarding Choosing Metal for Metal Stamping

The most difficult and crucial aspect of the stamping process is the selection of the right metal for an application. During the initial design phase, various kinds of metals are computer tested to determine their applicability. In the majority of cases, metal stamping companies know the perfect metal for a project and guide their clients. It is the wisdom, expertise, and knowledge of stamping specialists that provides the greatest assistance in metal selection.

• Application – It is important that the chosen metal can support the application for which it is chosen.
• Cost – As with every aspect of manufacturing, the cost of the metal has to be within budget constraints and not deter from the cost of the final product.
• Bend Rating – The bend rating indicates the formability with green representing easily formable and red being the least formable.
• Finishing – Finishings are secondary operations performed to conform a part to its application. The variation in finishing factors can influence the type of metal with some metals requiring substantial effort for finishing.
• Tensile Strength – The tensile strength of a chosen metal should match the necessary mechanical strength that a metal must withstand during its use.
• Weldability – Weldability may be a necessary processing step if soldering or welding will be necessary.
• Machinability – The cost of machining can radically rise as the hardness of a metal increases. High hardness metals require special tools to be shaped and can cause wear on stamping dies.
• Formability – The ductility and formability of a metal determines the shapes into which it can be formed.

Chapter 10: Metal Finishing Processes

The final step in the metal stamping process is finishing, which is completed to improve the appearance, durability, functionality, and other factors to meet design parameters. Finishing is a post processing step that is performed by metal professionals that are capable of configuring and adjusting a completed part. Finishing processes take several forms depending on the requirements of an application.

When a workpiece is completed, it may require other processes to remove imperfections, deformities, or excesses or may necessitate the addition of other parts and applications. Finishing is performed during post stamping production and includes deburring, tapping, reaming, and counterboring.

Cleaning

Metal stamping exposes metals to lubricants, metal shavings, dust, debris, and assorted materials that need to be cleaned from a part. Metal stamping companies use different cleaning processes including aqueous degreasing and vapor degreasing. Other cleaning methods include passivation with citric acid and nitric acid and rinsing followed by a rust inhibitor.

Deburring

Deburring removes sharp edges to make them smooth and even. All forms of stamped metals can require deburring to improve the surface of a part to enable it to adhere to its dimensions or to be joined to an assembly. Various methods are used for deburring, including manual techniques, electrochemical processes, and thermal treatments. Burrs form on edges and seams, requiring multiple sections of a workpiece to be deburred.

Deburring improves the quality, aesthetic value, functionality, and appearance of a workpiece. Any small notches or deformities left on a workpiece can catch on equipment or cause personal injury. Difficult burrs may be flanged to produce a smoothed edge.

Tumble Finishing

Tumble finishing is a mass metal finishing method that involves placing parts in a device that tumbles stamped parts to remove burrs and produce a rough polished finish. In most cases, tumble finishing takes several hours as parts are rolled over and over through a gritty material. There are a variety of tumbling methods, which are mainly designed for small and medium sized stamped parts. During tumbling, a part is cleaned, deburred, de-flashed, descaled, polished, and smoothed.

Tapping

Tapping is a process for creating threads in a workpiece using a tapping tool that has specialized teeth to cut threads into metal holes. It is widely used on stamped workpieces that have had holes punched into them. The results of tapping make it possible to connect bolts or screws to a workpiece.

Reaming

Reaming is a cutting process that removes a small amount of metal from a stamped hole to bring the hole up to design specifications and improve the finish of a hole. The purpose of reaming is to ensure that a hole meets dimensional requirements by providing dimensional accuracy, tolerances, and improved hole surface finish. Much like other finishing processes, reaming is a precision process that is carefully executed such that the correct amount of stock is removed.

Counterboring and Countersinking

Countersinking creates a conical cavity that matches the angle and shape of a flathead screw. The process of countersinking makes it possible for a screw to fit flush with the surface of a material. The process is used in coordination with tapping.

Counterboring creates a cylindrical hole for a flathead screw to fit into a drilled cavity. The diameter of the cylindrical hole is slightly larger than the head of the screw, which allows room for a washer and driving tool. As with countersinking, counterboring works in unison with tapping that provides the threads for a screw.

Other Finishing Options

Deburring, tapping, and reaming are a few of the processes designed to alter the physical aspects of stamped parts. They are designed to perfect and improve the mechanical features of components. Other finishing options include various types of surface finishes that improve the physical appearance and surface of components.

• Powder Coatings – Powder coatings improve corrosion resistance, appearance, wear resistance, chemical resistance, and reduce the effects of friction.
• Plating – Plating improves appearance, inhibits corrosion, and improves electrical conductivity.
• Electropolishing – Electropolishing removes the outer layer of metals and any contaminants by immersing parts in a tank filled with a chemical electrolyte. Once immersed, a part is subjected to electrical current.

Chapter 11: Metal Stamping Applications

Metal stamping is a versatile method for reshaping and deforming metal sheets, allowing for the creation of highly intricate and complex designs that other processes cannot achieve. This technique transforms simple flat pieces of metal into functional and practical shapes with ease.

There are several benefits to metal stamping, which include lower costs for dies, quick turnaround times, and high tolerances. Modern era stamping machines are automated and work with little need for the handling of the workpiece. The dies and tools required for stamping are inexpensive and can be used multiple times.

Cleaning, plating, and other secondary processes are less expensive since products are nearly finished after being pressed. Automated processes are uncomplicated, fast, and adaptable functions that reduce labor costs and increase stamping efficiency. Computer programs provide precision, control, and dimensional accuracy for quicker turnaround times.

With metal stamping, upfront costs of equipment, tools, and dies are high and require a significant investment. For custom parts or designs, special steel dies are required resulting in longer pre-production and extended turnaround times. Changing dies during production due to design flaws can be difficult and time consuming, further increasing manufacturing costs.

Metal stamping is rapidly emerging as one of the fastest growing production techniques. Over the next decade, the stamping market is projected to reach $300 billion worldwide. While this figure might seem ambitious, it becomes more understandable when you consider the wide range of industries that rely on stamping for their manufacturing processes.

The process of metal stamping is used by industry to produce parts and products with high precision, accuracy, and speed. Products produced have fewer errors per production cycle than any other process, which eliminates flawed or faulty products.

Several industries rely on stamping to produce products. The automotive industry uses it for structural components such as body frames, electrical systems, and steering systems. The aerospace industry requires parts that need to meet strict manufacturer specifications to ensure safety and maintain certifications. The medical industry has requirements similar to aerospace and depends on metal stamping for its accuracy and reliability.

The accuracy of metal stamping is critical for intricate components in automotive set-ups to large metal industrial housings. Clips, cups, covers, fasteners, and sensitive electronic assemblies are made from stamped metal parts. Common hardware items such as catches, latches, locks, and door closers are quickly and easily produced using metal stamping. As would be expected, metal stamping, in combination with hardware items, is used to produce hooks, bolts, and other forms of fasteners.

Metal stamping is at the foundation of every industrial operation and produces components, assemblies, parts, and products that are found in every aspect of life. Although the nature of metal stamping is rather simplistic, its complexity and intricacies can be found in the wide assortment of applications that depend on its accuracy and exceptional dimensional tolerances.

Conclusion

• Metal stamping is a versatile and efficient process that converts flat metal sheets or coiled metals into intricate precision shaped parts and components.
• The core of metal stamping is the metal stamping press that applies the necessary force and pressure to shape and mold metals into usable profiles.
• The precision control of the movement of the press and its interaction with the die produces an exceptional transformation of metals to achieve high tolerance and structurally resilient metal parts.
• During the design phase of metal stamping careful consideration is given to the properties of the metal material, die design, and tooling requirements. The final tool design is fabricated and machined to ensure material flow, metal sheet clearance, and workpiece support.
• Metals for metal stamping are chosen in accordance with their mechanical properties, such as strength and ductility, as well as a metal’s resistance to corrosion, conductivity, and cost. In addition, a metal is selected for its compatibility with the stamping process and part functionality.