Custom metal stamping is, by definition, designed exclusively for a specific part and its functions. Unlike mass-produced stampings, custom metal stamping is chosen when precision and complex dimensions are required to produce a unique part. This process requires the upfront development of a custom metal stamping tool that cuts and forms the part as the metal goes through the stamping press. Custom metal stampings can range from large components for automobiles and custom assemblies to micro-miniature parts for medical devices or electronics.
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Stamping includes a variety of sheet metal forming processes consisting of either a single station operation where every stroke of the press produces the desired form of the metal part or could occur through a series of stages. The following techniques are used to achieve the desired shape in the press.
Bending creates a formed feature by angular displacement of a sheet metal workpiece. In some processes, one edge of the workpiece is clamped in a stationary position while the other edge is clamped by a metal tool and bent over a form to create a precise bend or shape. Alternatively, the metal piece may be pushed into or against a form.
The blanking process removes a metal piece from the primary metal strip or sheet when it is punched through the strip/sheet. The material that is removed becomes the new metal workpiece or blank.
Coining is a forming process that uses an extreme amount of pressure to push the workpiece into a die. The die then forms the metal into a precise shape and creates permanent forms in the workpiece. Coining also smooths the edges of metal parts by striking them with a high degree of force. This removes existing burrs and hardens the metal. Coining may reduce the need for deburring, grinding, and other secondary processes at the end of the project, which saves both time and money.
This process deforms the metal using only a punch and cavity. These dies do not control metal flow and cannot prevent the metal from wrinkling or buckling. They are used to form simple parts, such as brackets and braces, made from thick, stiff metals that are more wrinkle-resistant than thinner metals.
One of the most common stamping operations, cutting trims the metal into a part by the use of extremely high force in the stamping press. Cutting operations include trimming, notching, piercing, blanking, lancing, and shearing.
A complex drawing die is used to create large metal parts, such as automotive components. The process involves controlling the flow of metal into a cavity via a pressure-loaded draw pad to prevent wrinkling as the material flows over a forming punch.
Embossing is a cold-forming process used for creating specific formations or designs on metal pieces. Male and female embossing components press a workpiece between them with sufficient force to form the three-dimensional feature.
Extrusion forms the metal inside the diameter of a pierced hole, which may be used for applications such as holding fasteners during part assemblies.
The flanging operation bends metal along a curved axis, which may be used to form a projection or the rim of a part as it relates to part assembly and stiffness requirements.
Metal stamping involves a variety of forming operations. The stamping press forms the metal material by applying tension, compression, or both. The specific type of forming operation selected depends on the material&#;s properties and the part&#;s critical dimensions, balancing formability and strength.
Similar to the coining process, ironing employs compression to form the part by squeezing the metal along a vertical wall to achieve exact thickness and length dimensions.
In order to free up metal without separating it from the metal strip, lancing slices or slits the metal, which may be used in progressive dies as a part carrier.
This metal cutting operation, also called perforating, produces a hole in a formed part or sheet metal, which may be round, square or a custom shape. The slug is then discarded.
Pinch trimming is a special method in which the vertical walls of a drawn or stretched vessel are cut by pinching the metal.
This forming process uses a punch press to force a tool, called a punch, through the workpiece/material to create a hole and produces a scrap slug that is deposited into the die below the sheet metal.
Used primarily after major forming operations are complete, restriking employs an additional station in the die to finish precision details such as small embossing and sharp radii.
An operation used to eliminate or minimize die-break, while maximizing the amount of sheared edge. The general concept with shaving is to pre-punch the hole slightly smaller, then post-punch the hole to size, using a very tight die clearance. This can also be done on a straight or outside edge.
Cutting force is applied perpendicular to the material, causing the material to yield and break.
The trimming process achieves the specified profile of a stamped part by forming its perimeter or cutting away excess metal, with precision trimming designed to minimize scrap.
The method chosen for metal stamping production takes into account the complexity of the part and how metal stamping can best form that part. For precision parts with tight tolerances, the method may include the use of in-die sensors to continually monitor part quality, along with other inspection methods. The method also takes into account secondary operations, such as plating, heat treating, welding, and cleaning or sterilization.
Progressive metal stamping is a stamping process that advances a metal strip from station to station performing different operations on the same part in the die until the part is complete. Conical-shaped pilots are inserted into pre-pierced holes in the strip to ensure the precision of the alignment as the part advances to guarantee the accuracy of the finished product. Since the part is attached to a metal strip throughout its formation, the entire process and parts will be out of tolerance if the strip is off by even a tiny fraction of an inch.
Progressive die stamping offers some advantages such as being a highly repeatable process and since the material is continuously fed into the stamping press, long production runs can be completed, producing more finished parts in less time resulting in lower cost per part.
Progressive Stamping Delivers High Speed Production and Lower Costs.
Transfer die stamping uses one press to operate multiple tools. The part is removed from its metal strip so that it can be freely transferred. A part, which can be turned or rotated, is shaped by each station until it is complete. Automation of the transfer process streamlines the operation into a single press.
Transfer dies can handle many part features in one press pass, such as holes, cut-outs or threading, which can eliminate costly secondary operations.
Transfer die stamping is typically used for large parts like frames, tube applications, draws, shells, and structural components.
Is Progressive Die Stamping or Transfer Die Stamping Best for Your Next Precision Metal Stamping Project?
Beneficial for applications requiring recessed cavities, where the depth of the drawn part exceeds its diameter, deep drawing uses blanking, swaging or sizing to deform the base material and apply recessed features.
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Fine blanking is optimal for parts that require very smooth, precise edges or exceptional flatness. Fine blanking is particularly suitable for moving parts such as gears. Fine blanking is a combination of metal stamping and cold-metal extrusion techniques, requiring special presses.
Progressive Stamping vs. Fine Blanking: Three questions OEMs Should Ask
Multi-slide / Four-slide stamping is best suited for fabricating complex components that have numerous bends or twists and for forming wire. The difference between multi-slide and four-slide is that four-slide metal stamping machines have four moving slides while multi-slide machines have more than four slides. The slides or rams in the machines strike the material to produce the finished parts.
Multi-slide / Four-slide equipment can manufacture complicated parts with multiple, complex, or over 90° bends and twists including clips, brackets, flat springs, terminals, retainers, and wire formed parts. Both flat and round materials can be formed.
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When it comes to precision manufacturing, custom metal stamping services play a pivotal role in producing high-quality components for a wide range of industries. Metal fabrication, a cornerstone of manufacturing, encompasses various techniques, with metal stamping being a crucial subset. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into custom metal stamping services, exploring different metal stamping processes, material selection, advantages, and applications across various industries. Whether you&#;re a seasoned engineer or just beginning to explore this realm, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need.
Custom metal stamping is a specialized manufacturing process that stands as a testament to the innovation and precision achievable in modern industrial manufacturing. To gain a deeper understanding of this process, let&#;s dissect its intricacies:
Custom metal stamping transforms flat metal sheets or coils into intricate shapes and components. These shapes range from simple brackets to complex automotive parts, electrical connectors, and medical device components. Its ability to produce these parts with high precision and consistency sets custom metal stamping apart. Custom metal stamping consists of carefully orchestrated steps that guide the transformation of raw materials into the final product. These steps typically include:
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Dies, specialized tooling, and machinery are pivotal in custom metal stamping. Dies are designed to match the specific geometry of the part being produced. They consist of upper and lower components, where the upper die descends onto the lower die, shaping the metal between them.
Tooling, including punches and dies, is meticulously engineered to withstand the forces involved in stamping while maintaining the desired part tolerances. Precision in tool design and maintenance is paramount to achieving high-quality stamped parts. Some of the critical features of the stamped parts include:
Custom metal stamping encompasses various processes, each suited to different applications and materials. Let&#;s explore some of the most common types:
Metal Stamping ProcessDescriptionApplicationsProgressive Die StampingA continuous process where a metal strip moves through multiple stations to gradually form the final part.Electrical components, automotive parts.Deep Draw StampingUsed for creating deep, cylindrical parts from flat sheets of metal.Cookware, automotive exhaust systems.Compound Die StampingA combination of cutting and forming in a single die set.Fasteners, brackets.Fine BlankingPrecision cutting process with extremely tight tolerances.Gears, clutch plates.Four-Slide StampingMulti Slide machines bend, punch, and form metal in multiple directions.Clips, connectors.Material Selection for Metal Stamping: Material selection is crucial in metal stamping, as it directly impacts the part&#;s performance and cost. Common materials used in custom metal stamping include:
Suitable MaterialsMaterial PropertyApplication ExamplesHigh-strength steel (HSLA),Hardened steel, AluminumStrength and HardnessAutomotive chassis components, structural brackets, industrial machinery parts.Stainless steel, Aluminum, Corrosion-resistant alloysCorrosion ResistanceFood processing equipment, marine components, outdoor architectural elements.Copper, Brass, AluminumConductivityElectrical connectors, PCB components, electronic enclosures.Aluminum, Titanium, MagnesiumWeightAerospace components, automotive body, panels, lightweight structural parts.Various processes come with their own limitations on precision, speed, cost & material flexibility. Below table gives a summary of which process in stamping with be suitable as per which of your needs and requirements:
ProcessPrecisionSpeedTooling CostMaterial FlexibilityProgressive Die StampingHighHighModerateSteel, Aluminum, CopperDeep Draw StampingHighModerateModerateStainless Steel, AluminumCompound Die StampingModerateHighLowSteel, BrassFine BlankingVery HighLowHighSteel, Stainless SteelFour-Slide StampingModerateHighLowSteel, CopperCustom metal stamping services are a cornerstone of precision manufacturing, offering a wide array of advantages and applications across industries. By understanding the different metal stamping processes, material selection, and industry trends, you can make informed decisions to meet your manufacturing needs efficiently and cost-effectively. Whether you&#;re in aerospace, automotive, or any other industry, custom metal stamping is likely to play a vital role in your production processes.
If you&#;re in need of custom metal stamping services, Zetwerk is your trusted partner. With a network of experienced manufacturers and cutting-edge technology, Zetwerk can provide high-quality, precision-engineered metal stamped parts. Our expertise extends to various industries, and we ensure stringent quality controls at every step of the manufacturing process.
Key considerations include part complexity, material choice, production volume, and cost constraints.
How can I ensure the quality of metal-stamped parts?Implement strict quality control measures, use precision tooling, and work with experienced manufacturers.
Is custom metal stamping suitable for prototyping?Yes, custom metal stamping can be used for prototyping, especially when precision is crucial.
What are the current trends in custom metal stamping?Trends include the adoption of automation, the use of high-strength materials, and the integration of digital tools for design and quality control.
Can custom metal stamping produce intricate and detailed parts?Yes, custom metal stamping can achieve high levels of precision and detail, making it suitable for intricate parts such as electronic components and decorative elements.
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