Understanding What is Stamping – Manufacturer’s Guide
Have you ever wondered about how to turn a piece of metal into a custom metal craft? Then you are at the right place. This blog aims to discuss the magic of stamping and how it helps with precision and creativity. Before we delve into discovering the process of stamping, let us first discuss what is stamping.
What is Metal Stamping
Stamping is a manufacturing process that involves shaping metals by applying pressure using dies or molds. This process goes with four different classifications. These classifications include progressive die stamping, compound stamping, transfer die stamping, and four-slide.
What is a Stamping Press
A stamping press is also known as an impact press. A stamping press can work either by manual or by a pneumatic marking machine. A machine stamping press incorporates a holder filled with steel type, shank stamp, or a roll die. A force is generated inside the press by compressing, then the die is driven down, transferring the image to be marked onto the surface.
Classifications of Stamping
Below are the four classifications of metal stamping. Each classification has different benefits and is appropriate for a particular application.
Progressive Die Stamping
Progressive die stamping involves the advancement of metal from a coil through a series of forming dies. After the final product reaches its final station, a new sheet of metal enters the progressive stamping. This process is ideal for sophisticated designs.
Benefits
- Increased Speed
- Reduction of Scrap
- Complex Designs
- Faster Setup
Applications
- Automotive
- Electronics
- Aerospace
- Home Decor
- Medical
Compound Stamping
Compound die stamping is a technique designed for small and flat components. This technique is ideal for complex parts that require precise tolerance. It is also great for creating several cuts, punches, and bends in a single stroke.
Benefits
- Less Costly Compared to Progressive Stamping
- Efficient and Fast in Production
- Facilitates High Repeatability
- One Stroke Production
Applications
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Appliance
Transfer Die Stamping
Transfer die stamping is a technique that treats each part as an individual unit. It involves separating the part from the metal strip and then moving on through various stations for specific operations. This technique excels in manufacturing materials like aluminum, brass, copper, and stainless steel. Transfer die stamping is considered beneficial for small production runs due to it being effective and economical.
Benefits
- Compatibility
- Reliability
- Great Accuracy
- High Durability
- Complete Part Customization
Applications
- Automotive
- Appliance
- Aerospace
- Electronics
- Medical Equipment
- Agriculture
- General Manufacturing
Fourslide Stamping
As the name occurs, four-slide stamping employs four horizontally moving slides. These slides are pushed by connected shafts and gears that work in an orthogonal direction ensuring an accurate and uniform metal shape. This stamping technique is used to fabricate different components of automotive electronics and aerospace.
Benefits
- Cost Effective
- Complexity
- Quick
Applications
- Industrial
- Commercial
- Electronics
- Military
- Food Service
- Metal Crafting
Different Types of Metal Stamping Process
Piercing
Piercing is one of the most fundamental types of metal stamping. Sheet metal is securely placed on a workbench using this procedure. A hole is punched into the sheet metal with a machining tool, resulting in several small hollow areas.
It is critical in this type of procedure that the punching motion be instantaneous. This ensures that no deformations occur in the area surrounding the hole development.
Blanking
Blanking is like piercing but the difference is that the punctured component is considered as the finished product. This technique is used to create little or medium-sized metals from a large metal sheet. Blanking is good for both low and high and low volume production.
Drawing
Drawing is the process where two opposite ends of sheet metal are held in place. Below the sheet metal is a die with a certain shape. A high-impact metal punching pushes the sheet metal onto the die which deforms them to match the die.
Shallow drawing and deep drawing are the two classifications of drawing. The primary blank of the shallow drawing is equal to the depth of the draw. While deep drawing usually forms a cup-shaped product. The radius of the deep drawing is smaller than the depth created.
Coining
Coining is a metal stamping technique in which a small piece of metal is stamped to form the shape of a coin. One important advantage of coining is its ability to produce a large number of products.
Lancing
Lancing, unlike piercing and blanking, does not result in removal. Instead, scrap metal is removed during the post-processing. Lancing creates unique shapes and designs in a variety of metals. This method is appropriate for any application that calls for vents, tabs, or openings.
Embossing
Embossing is a stamping technique that produces raised surface areas. The unique raised finish is done by using a machine or a die set. Due to its ability to form complex designs, embossing is used in many applications. Aluminum is the most suitable material to be embossed, due to its weight and malleability.
Materials Suited for Stamping
Advanced metal stamping tools and techniques produce high-quality crafts. Although, selecting the right raw material is just as important as selecting the right machining process. Let’s discuss the different raw materials suited for metal stamping.
Copper Alloys
Copper and copper alloys are too soft considering their strength and structural support. They can easily bend, crack, or break. However, this softness facilitates malleability. Copper alloys are stamped easily compared to other metals.
Steel Alloys
Steel is a popular material for many manufacturers due to its strength and versatility. Although it’s strong it can be formed into different shapes with the help of the right metal stamping.
Aluminum Alloys
Aluminum alloys are flexible, malleable, and resistant to corrosion. These characteristics make aluminum alloys perfect for metal stamping. Although, this material seems to be a less expensive option compared to steel.
These materials are suited for metal stamping. It is important to consider the needs of your application to narrow down your selection. If you are not sure which one to use, it is best to consult with a manufacturer.
After understanding the different materials used for metal stamping, we can now move on to knowing how metal stamping works.
How Do Stamping Work
Why Use Stamping
Metal stamping has several advantages, including:
- Metal stamping has low costs when compared to other stamping processes.
- When compared to other metal pressing, this one has a high level of automation.
- When compared to those used in other processes, they are less expensive to produce and maintain.
- Secondary costs, such as plating or cleaning, are more affordable.
- Can use technical computer programs to improve precision.
- Metal stamping allows for faster production and turnaround times.
- Because of how automated this process can be, labor costs are kept low.
Branding Applications of Metal Stamping
Metal Tags
https://www.foismetal.com/metal-asset-tag/
Nameplates
https://www.foismetal.com/custom-aluminum-nameplates/
Metal Labels
https://www.foismetal.com/silver-metallic-labels/
Metal Cards
https://www.foismetal.com/metal-business-card/
Keychains
https://relmetal.com/custom-keychains-for-business/
Badges
https://relmetal.com/laser-engraved-badges/
Metal Stamping Manufacturer
Understanding what is stamping and how metal stamping works is essential. Especially when you are thinking of producing metal crafts. If you are a start-up company or a structured business, it is important to partner with a reliable manufacturer.
Relia Metal is a metal craft manufacturing factory with years of experience. We work with hundreds of clients to fabricate custom-stamped products. We believe in the power of stamping and its ability to form high-quality metal products, that are long-lasting and pleasing.
If you want more information about how we do metal stamping, you can reach out to us directly.