Types of Metal Stamping Operations

Metal stamping is a complex manufacturing process used to transform flat metal sheets into shapes. Common among industries such as automotive, medical, and aerospace, thousands of companies across the U.S. offer metal stamping services. As a result of evolving global markets, the need for quickly-produced, complex parts has escalated.

Click here to get more.

This is where metal stamping shines ' it is a fast, cost-effective solution for the needs of large-quantity manufacturing. Manufacturers seek out metal stamping for three key qualities: low cost, quick turnaround time, and high quality and durability.

The Basics of Metal Stamping

As a cold-forming process, metal stamping utilizes dies and stamping presses to convert pieces of flat sheet metal, or blanks, into different shapes. Metal fabricators feed blanks into a sheet metal stamping press that uses pressure to shape and shear the material into the desired form. Also referred to as pressing, metal stamping is a low-cost, high-speed manufacturing process that allows metal fabricators to produce a high volume of identical metal components.

Metal stamping is ideal for long or short production runs and may be conducted with other metal-forming operations. Some of the more common metal stamping techniques include blanking, punching, bending, flanging, embossing, and coining.

Blanking and punching refer to the use of a die to cut the metal. With the punching technique, as the 'punch' enters the die, a scrap piece of metal is removed, leaving a hole in the workpiece. Conversely, blanking removes a workpiece from the primary metal. The removed metal is the desired workpiece.

Embossing creates either a raised or recessed design in the metal by pressing the blank metal against a die with the desired shape. Additionally, the sheet metal can be passed through a roller die.

Coining is a bending technique ' the sheet metal is placed between a die and a punch, or press, and then stamped. During this process, the punch tip penetrates the metal and creates accurate, repeatable bends, relieving internal stress in the workpiece and thus creating no spring-back effects.

Bending is the process of forming metal into desired shapes such as L, U, or V-shaped profiles. Bending typically occurs around a single axis. The flanging technique introduces a flare or flange onto the metal using dies, presses, or specialized flanging machinery.

Types of Stamping Operations

Progressive Die Stamping

Progressive die stamping operates as a sequence of stamping stations. A metal coil is fed into a reciprocating stamping press with progressive stamping dies. Moving with the die, the press then forces the die to close, or stamp, the metal and form the part. When the press moves up again, the metal moves horizontally to the next station. Because the part is still connected to the metal strip, these movements must be precise.

At the final station, the newly-fabricated part is separated from the rest of the metal. Because the dies last a long time before becoming damaged, progressive die stamping is highly repeatable, making it ideal for long runs. Additionally, it is a faster process that creates little scrap.

Progressive Die Stamping

Transfer die stamping is similar to progressive die stamping but with one key difference: the workpiece is separated from the rest of the metal earlier in the process. It is then transferred from one stamping station to another using another mechanical transport system or conveyor belt. The technique is preferred for larger parts that may need to be transferred to different presses.

Four-Slide Stamping

Four-slide stamping, also known as multi-slide or four-way stamping, is ideal for creating complex components with bends or twists. Utilizing four sliding tools instead of one vertical slide, this type of stamping shapes the workpiece through multiple deformations. No dies are used; instead, two slides, or rams, horizontally strike the workpiece to give it its shape. Because four-slide stamping can utilize different tools, it is a versatile technique with relatively low cost and fast production.

Fine Blanking

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit greatlionparts.

Fine blanking, or fine-edge blanking, is ideal for jobs requiring high accuracy and smooth edges. This type of stamping is generally done on a hydraulic press, mechanical press, or a combination of the two. Fine blanking includes three distinct movements: (1) clamping the workpiece in place, (2) performing the blanking operation, and (3) ejecting the finished part.

Unlike other presses used in conventional stamping methods, fine blanking presses operate at higher pressures, equipped with tools specifically designed with this in mind. This technique creates workpieces with edges that are more unlikely to fracture and a surface flatness that exceeds what is possible with other stamping methods. As a cold extrusion technique, fine blanking is a single-step process. This equates to a reduction in the overall costs of fabrication.

Why Choose PFA for Your Metal Stamping Operations?

At PFA, we are the ideal partner for any metal stamping project. Our top priority is to guarantee consistent, high-quality results with every press. Our team works to determine the best stamping operation for your application, design, and, most importantly, your part or product. Let us help you put your stamp on the market by contacting us today or calling 262-250-.

Fairlawn Tool 's Hot Metal Stamping 101

Photo taken from fairlawntool.com

Metal stamping is one of the most popular and widely-used fabrication processes. It has applications across nearly any industry, due to its versatility and the range of operations that it can perform. In this article, we'll go over exactly what metal stamping is, how it works, and the major types of stamping.

So what is metal stamping?

At its most basic, metal stamping is a manufacturing process that converts flat metal sheets into specific shapes. Sheet metal in either coil or blank form is placed into a stamping press. The tool and die surface of the press then form the metal into the desired shape.

The design of the part always depends on the tools that are equipped to the press. They are then guided by CAD/CAM technology, a popular software tool that allows engineers and manufacturers to design a part and then guide the press via computer software. This reduces the chance for human error and increases the precision and accuracy of the process.

The operations of metal stamping

Metal stamping covers a wide range of different fabrication techniques. Some of those include, but are not limited to:

• Blanking
• Bending
• Coining
• Embossing
• Flanging
• Punching
• Piercing

The major types of metal stamping

There are several major types of metal stamping, each with their unique characteristics, benefits, and applications.

Progressive die stamping

Progressive die stamping is a stamping method that includes several different stations, each with their own unique function and tooling. Sheet metal is fed through the stations successively, until they form the completed part. Each station builds on whatever shaping the previous one did, resulting in complex, tight tolerance dimensions.

Progressive stamping has several benefits, including quick turnaround, low labor costs, and short run lengths. It's also a highly repeatable process, making it incredibly efficient.

Fourslide stamping

Fourslide is a unique stamping process that involves careful horizontal alignment and four different tools (also called slides) which simultaneously operate and shape the workpiece. This results in very intricate cuts and complex shapes. Fourslide stamping is known for its versatility and flexibility for quick design changes.

Deep Draw stamping

Deep draw stamping involves pulling a sheet metal blank into the die through a punch tool. This forms a shape where the depth of the part exceeds its diameter. The deep draw technique is commonly used in automotive components, aircraft parts, and electronic relays.

Custom Metal stamping

Custom stamping is a term that refers to any type of metal stamping that requires custom (non standard) tooling and techniques in order to produce a part. Custom stamping is excellent for high volume production in a wide range of applications and industries.

Looking for a supplier of metal stamping services?

Goshen Stamping, LLC. has been providing medium to high-speed metal stamping services to the RV, automotive, education, and ladder industries for a century. Learn more on our website!

For more metal stamping fabricationinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.