Metal stamping can be described as a process in which metal sheets are shaped into a desired form using dies and presses. This process involves sandwiching a thin sheet of metal. Generally, steel, brass, aluminium, copper, or tin, between two parts of a metal stamping die.

The die then slowly puts pressure on the metal, making it change form to the required shape. Stamping is suitable when it comes to the production of large quantities of metal parts at cheap or relatively cheap costs.

Metal Stamping Process

The metal stamping process begins with stock, in the form of rolls of thin sheets of metals in standard thickness and gauge. It is often specified as being 0.15mm to 5mm thick.

The first operation is to shear the coiled sheet metal to the blank size and shape preprogrammed by a punch, laser, or water jet. The sized blank is then placed in a die that is then secured on a stamping press.

As the press slides up and down one side of the die, it advances towards the other, fixed side at very high speed to stamp holes or cut, bend, and shape the metal part into the desired final shape.

Other operations, such as tapping threads or heat treatment, can also be done as an integrated process intermediate to the final part coming out of the die. Today’s stamping presses are CNC machines that permit highly accurate and uniform control.

Benefits of Metal Stamping

The following are benefits that make metal stamping a preferred manufacturing method compared to machining, casting, or forging. It is very efficient as no material is ever wasted in the process.

The fast production rates also make it economically viable in manufacturing, especially when it is in large quantities. This is due to the fact that a large portion of the work is done through computerized presses, which results in consistency and uniformity of production.

Secondary operations can also be done away with by integrating them into the stamping die, ultimately reducing overhead expenses. Flexibility in product design enables components that have complicated shapes or assemblies to be produced at low costs on a large scale.

Sheet Metal Stamping Services

A majority of the metal fabrication shops provide sheet metal stamping services for masses of different industries. The stamping equipment used by contract manufacturers is procured with the required automation and technical expertise needed to meet the customer’s needs.

They have the necessary equipment to deal with various types of metal, such as steel alloys, stainless steel, aluminum alloys, brass, and copper. Secondary operations such as tapping, welding, painting, or plating can also be provided as an additional service.

The firms that provide sheet metal stamping services are versatile, offering design services from the creation of two-dimensional ideas to the manufacturing of detailed three-dimensional products. They are capable of achieving high levels of precision and accuracy of the parts, especially when located in close proximity.

Regardless of whether a company has a need for a few prototype samples or millions of parts, the requirements can be met through a contract stamping service provider at a reasonable cost and within the appropriate time period.

It also saves customers the risk of having to invest so much in machinery and tools for the production of their own supplies when they can access these through the wide capabilities of the manufacturing companies.

The relative benefits of metal stamping include its suitability for mass production of complex, high-precision parts in aviation, automotive, electronics, and medical industries, as well as household products. Outsourcing sheet metal stamping contract service providers with expertise in engineering and full-service manufacturing capabilities are assisting companies in achieving true manufacturing effectiveness and efficiency

Author's Bio: 

This Article Penned by Benjamin Kirby Tennyson.