Heet metal stamping parts are metal components processed through stamping. This transformed sheet metals into durable stamped parts. During the process, sheet metals are formed according to your desired shapes.However, sheet metal stamping is done with a cold-forming technique. Unlike other sheet metal fabrication, even without using heat, components can appear hot due to friction produced between the die and metal. We also used materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, brass, copper, low/high carbon steel, and nickel alloys. All are strictly inspected before production begins.
Basic Concepts of Metal Stamping
Metal stamping, also referred to as pressing, is a low-cost high-speed manufacturing process that can produce a high volume of identical metal components. Stamping operations are suitable for both short or long production runs, and be conducted with other metal forming operations, and may consist of one or more of a series of more specific processes or techniques, such as:
Punching and blanking refer to the use of a die to cut the material into specific forms. In punching operations, a scrap piece of material is removed as the punch enters the die, effectively leaving a hole in the workpiece. Blanking, on the other hand, removes a workpiece from the primary material, making that removed component the desired workpiece or blank.
Embossing is a process for creating either a raised or recessed design in sheet metal, by pressing the raw blank against a die that contains the desired shape, or by passing the material blank through a roller die.
Coining is a bending technique wherein the workpiece is stamped while placed between a die and the punch or press. This action causes the punch tip to penetrate the metal and results in accurate, repeatable bends. The deep penetration also relieves internal stresses in the metal workpiece, resulting in no spring back effects.
Bending refers to the general technique of forming metal into desired shapes such as L, U, or V-shaped profiles. The bending process for metal results in a plastic deformation which stresses above the yield point but below the tensile strength. Bending typically occurs around a single axis.
Flanging is a process of introducing a flare or flange onto a metal workpiece through the use of dies, presses, or specialized flanging machinery.
Metal stamping machines may do more than just stamping; they can cast, punch, cut and shape metal sheets. Machines can be programmed or computer numerically controlled (CNC) to offer high precision and repeatability for each stamped piece. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) and computer-aided design (CAD) programs ensure accuracy. Various tooling machines for the dies used in the stampings are available. Progressive, forming, compound, and carbide tooling perform specific stamping needs. Progressive dies can be used to create multiple pieces on a single piece simultaneously.
Stamping Advantages and Disadvantages
Some of the benefits of stamping include lower die costs, lower secondary costs, and a high level of automation compared to other processes. Metal stamping dies tend to be relatively less expensive to produce and maintain than those used in other common processes. The secondary costs, such as cleaning and plating, are also cheaper than similar treatments for other metal fabrication processes. Stamping machines are relatively easy to automate and can employ high-end computer-control programs that provide greater precision, faster production, and quicker turnaround times. The high level of automation also lowers the cost of labor.
One of the disadvantages of stamping is the higher cost of presses. The dies must also be acquired or created, and producing custom metal stamping dies is a longer pre-production process. Dies can also be difficult to change if the design must be altered during production.
Applications
Stamping is used in a variety of applications, especially those involving three-dimensional designs, lettering, or other surface engraving features. Such metal stamping product are commonly produced for home appliance manufacturers, automotive companies, the lighting industry, telecommunications services, military and defense, aerospace industries, medical equipment manufacturers, and electronics companies. Odds are you have a product in your home that has parts created through metal stamping because it is a process used in everything from your household appliances to your cars.
The specific products and components can range from simple stamping items, such as metal clips, springs, weights, washers, and brackets, to more complex designs, such as those found in engine bases or friction plates. This process is used for producing both parts for large machinery and also incredibly detailed small parts. Micro-precision stamping can create parts with diameters of up to 0.002 inches.
Electronic stampings are electronic components manufactured through the metal stamping process. They are used in a variety of industries, from home electronics and appliances to telecommunications and aerospace. Electronic stampings are available in a number of metals, including copper, copper alloys, aluminum, and steel, as well as more expensive metals, such as platinum and gold. Electronic components produced by the metal stamping method include terminals, contacts, lead frames, springs, and pins. They can be created from ferrous or nonferrous materials. Metal stampings find wide use in computers, electronic equipment, and medical devices. Because of the specialized shapes that can be made by the various stamping processes, many electronics are made by this cold forming process.