Metal stampers are using high-speed presses and stamping dies to form metal strip into more precise complete and semi-complete parts than ever before. New developments in precision metal stamping can quickly and accurately accomplish complicated stamping applications by using several drawing, folding, stamping, and piercing techniques to their advantage.
The Benefits of Precision Metal Stamping
Precision stamping comes with a host of unique benefits. This highly automated process reduces labor costs, especially as production volumes increase. This makes metal stamping the method of choice for producing large volumes of metal products.
Intricate Precision Metal Work
Advances in stamping technology have resulted in the growth of precision stamping, which can use tools to achieve highly accurate parts. This method is a great way to design:
• Sensitive automotive and aerospace engine components
• Aircraft navigation and radar equipment
• Machine Gears
• Surgical instruments
Many technological advances have improved the way metalworkers carry out precision stamping. Below are a few ways manufacturers now achieve higher levels of accuracy in their finished parts:
• Deep-draw stamping allow metalworkers to form 3D shapes like shells, squares, and cylinders
• Workers use the same die to perform in-die extrusion and tapping, eliminating the need for a weld nut secondary operations
• Progressive die design applies cutting-edge software to advance die creation
• Transfer stamping lowers costs and lessens secondary operations when stamping complicated geometries
Prototype Design
Many companies use metal stamping to carry out prototyping and testing. Computer-programmed stamping equipment can rapidly incorporate design changes into the product, allowing you to create several different variations of a part within 1–2-day turnarounds.
Types of Prototype Design
Progressive Strip Prototyping
A die guides the stock prototype material through the manufacturing process. Manual or automatic feeders move the work piece through each station, delivering a complete product at the end-stage. These automation capabilities mean that you can use progressive strip prototyping to make small parts to tight tolerances with quick turnarounds as there are much fewer opportunities for human error to occur during manufacturing.
Single-Part Transfer Prototyping
This process moves individual prototype parts manually from station to station. Each station either forms or blanks the piece according to programmed instructions. This method reduces tooling costs if the company maintains a standard design.