What Is Metal Stamping? Definition, Process, Types, Benefits

23 Sep.,2024

 

What Is Metal Stamping? Definition, Process, Types, Benefits

Design Considerations for the Metal Stamping Process

Material Selection &#; The Foundation

The choice of material impacts not just the functionality of the part but also the stamping process itself. Consider factors like material strength, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. Ask yourself: will this material withstand the stresses of the stamping process? How will it behave under load in its final application? Choosing the suitable material is the first step in ensuring the success of your stamped part.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

Tolerances &#; Precision is Key

In metal stamping, precision is not just a buzzword but a requirement. Understanding the tolerances your design demands is crucial. Tight tolerances can increase costs, so balance precision with practicality. Keep in mind the capabilities of the stamping process and the equipment you&#;ll be using. Over-specifying tolerances can be as detrimental as under-specifying them.

Complexity and Feasibility

A complex design might look great on paper, but is it feasible in metal stamping? Consider the limitations of the stamping process. Can your plan be manufactured without compromising its integrity? Sometimes, simplifying a design or breaking it down into multiple components can be the key to faking it.

Cost-Effectiveness

Efficiency and cost-effectiveness go hand in hand in metal stamping. Think about the number of steps required to produce your part. More complex parts with more steps can drive up costs. Look for opportunities to simplify the design without sacrificing quality. Remember, a more straightforward process often leads to a more economical production.

Tooling and Equipment

Your design must be compatible with the available stamping tools and equipment. Custom tooling can be created, but it adds to the expense. It&#;s often more economical to adapt your design to existing tooling. Collaborate with your toolmakers and engineers to find the best solution.

greatlionparts are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Prototyping &#; Test Before You Produce

Before going into total production, create prototypes. Testing a prototype can reveal design flaws that might not appear on a computer screen. It&#;s a crucial step in ensuring that your part will function as intended in the real world.

How Much Does Metal Stamping Cost?

The first influence on the price of metal stamping is the tooling or die to make the actual parts. Metal stamping is a process that uses a custom designed and manufactured die that is one of a kind for your parts. That die is loaded into a press and has material fed into it as it strikes the dies producing the features of your part. This process is used to produce a high volume of quality parts in a much shorter period of time than traditional machining or other fabrication processes. For this reason metal stamping should not be considered for prototype or low volume production runs. The investment in the tooling itself will far exceed the cost of traditional machining or fabricating the parts. However, when you reach the 10,000+ part per month threshold it becomes much more economical to invest in a die to produce these parts. Your estimated annual usage (EAU) and material selection will dictate the tool steel grade used in your die. The higher quality grade tool steel, the more expensive your die will be.

Dies are designed to cut and form material into a desired shape or profile with additional features as necessary. Design engineers must evaluate the geometry and features of your part to determine the best way to produce the desired piece. Sometimes all of the features of your component can be produced within a single die that only requires one strike to form the desired part. Other times the design may be too complex to create all of the different features in one strike &#; which means you need to develop multiple dies to create the features using progressive die stamping. Experienced tool and die designers specialize in determining the optimal order in which the features need to be produced for the most efficient process and highest quality parts.

When it comes to tooling and dies, you get what you pay for. Dies manufactured in the Far East tend to be made from lower quality steel and wear out or introduce defects or poor quality parts sooner in their lifecycle. Many North American metal stamping companies will not accept the transfer of tooling or dies from the Far East into their shops because they cannot be maintained to produce quality parts at the volume required. Tooling and dies are the most critical investment when it comes to metal stamping parts and the long term price per part. Investing in tooling and dies made in the USA provides the highest quality tool steel which delivers the most repeatable quality for your parts. Dies from Manor Tool are guaranteed to 1,000,000+ strikes before needing maintenance to continue delivering the same quality parts. Do not try to cut costs on tooling and die design and manufacturing. This will be your initial investment in scaling the production of your parts and it is the most critical. Invest appropriately for now and into the future.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website custom stamped steel parts.