Many industries require parts to be manufactured for them customized to very specific requirements. This requires a high level of specialization and is carried out using the method of precision metal stamping.
Precision metal stamping refers to the process through which two-dimensional shapes are formed using coiled or blanked sheet metal. In this process, the blanked sheet of metal is placed in a stamping press. A stamping tool known as a die, which is shaped like the desired part, is pressed into the metal and goes through it. The result is a metallic part in the desired shape. A simpler way to understand this would be to imagine how dough is cut with moulds of different shapes to get cookies. In a nutshell, that is how precision stamping works.
A custom metal stamping die can perform multiple operations such as bending, embossing, drawing, blanking, punching and stamping, among others. Every process is carried out using CAD/ CAM tools which offer the high level of precision that complex components require. Precision metal stamping is an efficient and effective method of creating durable components of high quality for industries like aerospace, automotive, electronics, lighting and hardware.
The international metal stamping market was valued at $220 billion in 2019. It is estimated to grow by $28.41 billion between 2020-2024. Is this high valuation enough for your business to adopt precision metal stamping? What are the different tools and types of precision stamping? How can it benefit your business? Let’s take a look.
Types of Precision Stamping Machines:
Different types of stamping presses are used through the precision stamping process. Specialized tools are required for various operations like plating and embossing. These tools are integrated with the stamping press into which the metal sheets are fed for reconstruction. There are two main types of stamping presses. Each of them has a specialized objective and specific features that make them better suited to different business goals.
1. Mechanical Presses: A mechanical press is the traditional stamping press. It has a mechanical flywheel that stores energy and transfers it wherever and whenever needed. In a mechanical press, the punch size ranges between 5 mm to 500 mm. A mechanical press’s speed comes in a range of 20 to 1500 strokes every minute, depending on the press model. It also comes in different sizes, varying from 20 to 6000 tonnes.
2. Hydraulic Presses: A hydraulic press is a relatively new technology. The mechanism of a hydraulic press displaces fluids with a force that is directly proportional to the piston head diameter. This offers a higher degree of control over the stamping process and the equipment. You also have the option of adjusting the stroke abilities and speed of the press for the maximized force possible at any time using the stroke. You have different stroke sizes available that range from 100 to 800 mm. The size of the hydraulic press varies in size, ranging from 20 to 10000 tonnes.
Precision Stamping Capabilities Offered:
The precision stamping partner you choose should offer all or most of these features:
- Blanking: This is a process of fabrication that involves the use of a die and punch for cutting pieces, or blanks, from metal sheets with the purpose of being processed further.
- Piercing: This process requires a similar set of tools to blanking to create notches, holes or slots in metal sheets. Piercing ensures tight tolerances and offers higher productivity than lasers.
- Forming: This process includes various processes where force is applied to metal sheets to modify their existing shape and form flatter and thinner pieces which can easily be made into precise shapes as required.
Custom Metal Stamping Die:
A stamping die is a custom-made tool used with your stamping press for cutting or forming metal sheets into the shape desired. More often than not, a stamping tool is created for a precise project or task. A stamping die is generally made from tool steel, an alloy strong enough to cut several other metals, while ensuring the tolerances of the components are maintained.
If you decide that precision metal stamping is the right move for your project, it is important for you to choose a partner that understands and can meet all your precision stamping needs.