In this comprehensive guide, we’ll start by defining: ‘what is metal stamping?’ before explaining exactly why you might consider it as a metal manufacturing process. Metal stamping is a specific process that involves transforming sheet metal into various shapes. We at Salamander Fabrications are metal fabrication specialists, so we’re well-placed in the industry to guide you on what metal stamping entails.
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The following guide will explore the answers to the following questions:
At Salamander Fabrications, we are the leading experts in metal sheet fabrication in the UK, meaning that you can count on us for your metal fabrication needs – regardless of the size of your requirements.
Without further delay, let’s begin our informative deep dive covering ‘what is metal stamping.’
As touched on already, metal stamping transforms sheets of metal into specific shapes, of which the finished product is often a useful component that could be used in a number of applications (more on this later). A high volume of metal parts can be produced through metal stamping, making it a highly important process as demand grows.
Sometimes referred to as ‘metal pressing’, metal stamping is a complex manufacturing process that creates shapes from sheets of metal. This is done through a cold-forming method that forms the desired shape via a stamping tool, also known as a die. The die presses into the metal sheet with intense force in order to create the shape.
Here is a simple, step-by-step explanation of the preparation for sheet metal stamping:
Once set-up is complete, the actual stamping begins:
The metal stamping process involves the use of machines and the die – both of which can be tailored to match the requirements of the stamping project. Each metal stamping press can have a variety of features that are designed for exact stamping demands.
During the process, the stamping press will usually be inspected to make sure that it is performing as it should. Various stamping methods can be used. These include:
The method used can affect the pressure and speed that the stamping press will apply.
After stamping, the metal parts might undergo further treatments to perfect their appearance. This includes deburring, smoothing out any rough or sharp edges, and cleaning minor imperfections. Some parts might also be further coated to improve their appearance and/or performance.
As you can see, metal stamping is a versatile process that offers a myriad of different possibilities and approaches.
There are a variety of metal stamping techniques to be aware of. A few examples are:
Progressive stamping involves the metal sheet being fed into the stamping press, and then passing through multiple stations with unique functions. These are often metalworking processes like punching, bending, or cutting. It will stop at each station, continuing the work of the previous station for a complex shape.
This means that progressive die stamping is frequently used for:
Transfer die stamping is another type of metal stamping that is similar to progressive stamping, with several differences. With transfer stamping, the workpiece is separated from the metal strip and a mechanical transport system moves it from station to station. This is ideal for producing large metal workpieces that cannot easily move from one die station to another.
The following industries benefit from transfer die stamping:
As its name suggests, single station stamping refers to a stamping technique that only utilises one station. It offers a straightforward process for producing metal parts, but also requires dies to be replaced if performing a new operation.
As single station stamping can only handle one operation at a time, they are best suited for basic metalworking jobs like:
Metal stamping can be used on a range of metals, such as:
It is worth mentioning that material selection can impact the final product. Each metal has different properties that affect how it progresses through the stamping process.
For instance, copper alloys are often used for medical and food processing applications due to their antimicrobial properties. Aluminium on the other hand might be used for lightweight electrical components as it is an excellent electrical conductor.
Material thickness also plays an important role in the quality, functionality, and durability of the metal parts, which is why considering the thickness of the material is essential.
Now that you have a comprehensive answer to, ‘What is metal stamping?’, you might be wondering how you can benefit from this process. In particular, precision metal stamping offers the following advantages:
CNC stamping machines offer exact precision and accuracy when it comes to forming metal parts. As a result, even small metal parts can be manufactured, and made completely identical to one another.
Metal parts can be produced at an exponential rate, enabling high volumes of products to be formed quickly. This is because the stamping press can process multiple parts at once, shortening production time significantly.
In comparison to other stamping processes, the costs of metal stamping are relatively low, making it a cost-effective solution for creating various metal parts. Production and maintenance costs are also generally cheaper, which is a great benefit that you could reap in terms of reducing overhead costs. As the process is highly automated, labour costs can be reduced as well.
Using CAD/CAM designs and automated controls and tooling, you can expect consistent products that are always of high quality. The repeatability of metal stamping guarantees accurate dimensions every time. Each component is identical to a fractional degree of accuracy.
Precision metal stamping means that minimal waste is produced during the process – the minimum amount of material is used, ensuring that most, if not all, of the material is efficiently stamped, leaving the littlest scraps behind.
Numerous sectors in the metal sheet fabrication industry can benefit by taking advantage of metal stamping. The following sectors have applications for stamping sheet metal:
Metal stamping is crucial for the automotive industry, particularly as many components and parts are manufactured through this process. Examples of components produced through metal stamping are:
There are many safety and quality standards to take into account regarding the manufacturing of parts for the automotive sector. Ensure that your supplier adheres to rigorous processes to ensure that they only produce high-quality and safe products.
Electronics and appliances, including kiosks, vending, and enclosures are also a sector that we work in that could also benefit from metal stamping. Stamped products from this sector include:
High-quality stamped products are key to product functionality, especially as some components will need to be of a specific size and shape for installation purposes.
The aerospace and aviation industry require complex components that are manufactured through metal stamping, such as:
Stringent requirements and regulations are in place within this industry, so you can expect the strictest quality control measures to ensure that the final products meet these standards.
The retail and leisure sector, which also involves consumer goods and packaging, is another industry that we work in. Consumer products are also created and packaged through the sheet metal stamping process. This includes:
Utilising precision metal stamping for consumer goods and packaging can help contribute to a greener society, especially when it comes to minimising waste materials.
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Metal stamping services utilise modern technology and specialist skills to produce large volumes of metal parts for numerous industries.
Quality is of the utmost importance when it comes to the stamping process, especially as every cut, curve, and edge of the metal will need to be precise and accurate. This is why at every stage of the metal stamping process, quality control measures should be conducted to ensure that your provider maintains the highest standards of product control.
Your metal stamping provider should undertake regular inspections of equipment, including press brakes and other tooling, to make sure they are not only safe to use, but maximise their efficiency and performance.
Look for certifications to back up your metal stamping specialist’s credentials. They should be keeping on top of industry standards. ISO certification is one way to see whether a metal stamping company is serious about quality management.
In general, metal stamping is considered to be an environmentally friendly metal manufacturing process, particularly as metal is a sustainable material that can be used and reused multiple times. As a process, metal stamping relies on precision which means minimal waste. However, this does not mean that the stamping process has zero impact on the environment.
Look for ISO certification from your metal stamping specialist. This showcases commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
At our facilities, we have implemented green initiatives to prevent excessive waste. This plan incorporates responsible recycling and disposal practices, as well as utilising energy-efficient machinery and equipment.
We take care to ensure that only a minimal amount of waste is produced during metal fabrication, and if there is waste, then we manage and dispose of it appropriately. At Salamander, we encourage a workplace environment that fosters sustainability. We’re also ISO certified.
Salamander Fabrications was established in , and has been providing exceptional metal stamping services for commercial operations across the UK ever since. With 50 years of industry experience and expertise under our belt, you can rest assured that we are a reliable metal fabrication company that is committed to delivering beyond your expectations.
When it comes to metal fabrication, we can effectively transform sheets of metal into whatever metal parts you require. With excellent lead time and first-rate quality, we are the full-service metal fabrication company to turn to.
Metal stamping is an important manufacturing process used to create precise, durable parts for various industries. Below, we’ll provide an overview of what metal stamping is, how it’s done, and why it’s an advantageous solution for manufacturers around the world.
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Metal stamping is a manufacturing process used to transform metal sheets (often called “blanks”) into different shapes. It uses cold forming techniques, which means that no heat is used to reshape the metal. Instead, the metal is placed between dies and stamping presses that shape and shear it by applying pressure.
A high-speed process, metal stamping is one of the fastest and most cost-effective solutions for manufacturers in need of high-quality components, especially for large-quantity orders.
Metal stamping is used for many applications in many different industries. In fact, it’s likely that you use a product with stamped components every day. Whether it be your car, , microwave, or any other common household item, metal stamping is a key manufacturing method.
That said, it’d be nearly impossible to list every metal stamping application. But we can list a few of the most common industries:
Think of metal stamping as the broad manufacturing process here. Within that process, more specialized processes and techniques are employed to achieve a high-quality end result. We’ll walk through a few of those processes and techniques below.
There are four main types of metal stamping processes: progressive die stamping, transfer die stamping, four-slide stamping, and fine blanking.
Progressive die stamping calls for a series of stamping stations, each of which has a specific function. A metal coil is unrolled into a sheet or strip, then that strip is fed into the die press composed of these various stamping stations. Each station may punch, cut, or bend the metal as it progresses through the press until it reaches the desired shape and size.
Progressive die stamping is great for long-run production. It’s quick, repeatable, and resource-efficient, reducing the amount of wasted scrap metal.
Transfer die stamping follows the same general principles as progressive die stamping. However, it separates the metal workpiece from the metal sheet early on, then transfers it to the next stamping station using a mechanical transfer system.
Transfer die stamping comes in handy when you’re working with large components that need multiple presses to achieve the end result.
Four-slide stamping (AKA four-way or multi-slide stamping) uses four sliding tools to transform the metal sheet into desired dimensions. Most stamping operations use just one vertical slide, but having four makes it easier to produce more intricate parts with many contortions.
Since so many unique tools can be attached to each of the four slides, four-slide stamping is considered the most versatile stamping process in the industry.
Fine blanking uses a mechanical or hydraulic press (or a combination of both) to achieve smooth, precise edges on a metal sheet. These edges can help keep the finished product from cracking, ensuring durability for an extended period of time.
Fine blanking presses require higher operating pressures than those used in other stamping processes. It’s important to keep this in mind when choosing tools and machinery for your production line.
Within each of the more specific stamping processes listed above, various stamping techniques are employed. These can include one or more of the following:
In order to complete metal stamping processes and techniques with accuracy, various tools are needed. These tools can mostly be placed into two categories: metal stamping presses and metal stamping dies.
A metal stamping press is the machine used to form, cut, or shape metal into precise shapes by pressing it against a die. Up close, one might look like this. You can see the sheet metal has already been pressed and formed into a specific shape.
There are three common types of metal stamping presses on the market:
Metal stamping dies are the tools that actually cut and shape the metal sheet after the press applies pressure. There are two common categories of stamping dies:
Within all metal stamping dies, there are many smaller die components that help get the job done. Die components can include anything like punches, die buttons, retainers, springs, strippers, accessories, etc. — many of which can be purchased directly from Moeller Precision Tool. And if there’s a certain die component you need that we don’t supply, we can lead you to one of our partners that does.
There’s a reason that metal stamping is one of the most widely used manufacturing processes. Actually, there are a few of them. Here’s an overview of the main benefits metal stamping provides over alternative manufacturing processes:
The many machines, tools, processes, and techniques used in metal stamping help achieve high-quality, repeatable results. You won’t find a manufacturing method that completes jobs with as much accuracy and precision as these presses and dies do.
Looking to increase efficiency throughout the production process? Metal stamping machines are fairly easy to automate. Computer-controlled programming can make all the difference in the accuracy, quality, and turnaround time of your products.
Metal stamping is ideal for both short- and long-run production. The various metal stamping tools and technologies operate quickly, ensuring jobs are completed with faster turnaround times than any other method in the industry.
Metal stamping tools are affordable up front, and their maintenance costs are fairly low as well. When you combine those aspects with durable tools, accurate results, and automation capabilities that reduce labor costs, you get a level of cost efficiency that can’t be matched.
For high-quality metal stamping, you need high-quality die components. At Moeller Precision Tool, that’s what we do best. As a trusted global supplier of standard and special die components, we’re committed to delivering excellence to each and every one of our customers.
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