The 3 Most Common Techniques For Metal Stamping Manufacturers
Thousands of companies across the U.S. offer metal stamping services to deliver custom components for a variety of industries. These include the automotive, aerospace, medical, and other markets. As global markets evolve, there is an even greater need for quickly-produced large quantities of various metal components.
Working with experienced metal stamping manufacturers is a crucial factor in making sure these needs are met, as well as choosing the right metal stamping process is right for the job. Metal stamping is the fastest and most affordable solution for this large-quantity manufacturing need.
What is Metal Stamping?
Stamping, also known as pressing, involves placing flat sheet metal, in either coil or blank form, into a metal stamping press. Special parts within the press known as the “tool and die” surface form the metal into whatever the required shape may be. Punching, blanking, bending, coining, embossing, and flanging are all common stamping techniques used to shape the metal.
Before the metal can be formed, metal stamping manufacturers must design the tooling via CAD/CAM engineering technology. These designs must be extremely precise to ensure each punch and bend maintains proper clearance and, therefore, optimal quality. A single tool 3D model can contain hundreds of parts, so the design process is complicated and takes time.
Progressive Die Stamping
Progressive die stamping features various stations, each with a unique function. At the first station, strip metal is fed through a progressive stamping press. The metal strip unrolls steadily from a coil and into the die press, where each station in the tool then performs a different cut, punch, or bend.
The actions of each stamping station add onto the work of the previous stations, resulting in a completed part. Hence the name “progressive.”
Four Slide Metal Stamping
Fourslide stamping involves horizontal alignment and four different slides; in other words, four tools are used simultaneously to shape the metal component. This process allows for intricate cuts and complex bends to develop even the most complex metal products.
As expected from the name, a fourslide has four slides — meaning that up to four different tools, one per slide, can be used to achieve multiple bends and functions. As the metal feeds into a fourslide stamper, it is bent in quick succession by each shaft that is equipped with a tool.
Deep Draw Metal Stamping
Deep drawing involves pulling sheet metal into the die via a punch, forming it into a specific shape. The method is referred to as deep drawn stamping when the depth of the drawn part exceeds its diameter.
This type of metal stamping is ideal for creating products that need several series of diameters and is an affordable alternative to turning processes, which typically require using up any extra raw materials. Common uses and products made from deep drawn stamping include automotive components, aircraft components, electronic relays, or utensils and cookware.
Short Run Metal Stamping
Short run metal stamping requires very little upfront tooling expenses and can be an ideal solution for prototypes or other small projects. After the metal blank is created, metal stamping manufacturers use a combination of custom tooling components and die inserts to bend, punch or drill the component.
The custom forming operations and smaller run size can result in a higher per part charge, but the absence of tooling costs can make short run more affordable for many projects, especially those requiring faster turnaround.
About Wedge Products | Trusted Metal Stamping Manufacturer
Wedge Products is a leading metal stamping manufacturer of automotive components as well as a AS9100-D certified aerospace manufacturer. Wedge offers unmatched experience creating custom metal components for a variety of industries, having completed countless projects with custom finishes and packaging requirements.
With their expert aerospace team, advanced equipment and dedicated facility, Wedge can efficiently produce custom aerospace components with zero defects for every customer. Wedge Products has the resources and capabilities to handle the most challenging metal stamping projects for the automotive and aerospace industries. Visit https://www.wedgeproducts.com/index.html to learn more.
