A Complete Guide to Custom Sheet Metal Stamping Service

What is sheet metal stamping?

Sheet metal stamping is the process of producing a high volume of similar metal components, also termed as pressing. It is a low cost but high-speed manufacturing process. This process involves making 2D part shapes from the pieces of coiled or blanked metal. It is a cold-forming process that uses tools and stamping presses to transform sheet metals into different shapes.

Services provided by custom metal stamping and fabrication shops include options such as:

1. Blanking: It is a cutting process, which is one of the shearing operations. A punch and custom metal shaping die is used to cut pieces, which are referred to as blanks from the sheet metal for further processing. Minimal burrs are produced in this process, which helps reduce finishing costs and lead-time.

2. Drawing: In this process, cancel force is used to draw or scratch sheet metal blanks over a die. This is done until the desired thickness and shape is achieved and this precision metal stamping process is useful in creating aircraft parts, fluid handling and electronic components.

3. Piercing: Piercing uses similar machinery as blanking and also involves a punch and die that are used to create notches, slots and holes in the sheet metal. This process is more productive than laser cutting and creates tight tolerances and also produces a cleaner cut than drilling.

4. Forming: Foaming is the process in which rather than removing any materials, pieces of sheet metals are modified to their geometry. A force is applied that stresses the material to deform and this gives the possibility to bend or stretch the sheet to a variety of complex and different shapes.

These services for custom sheet metal stamping and fabrication are performed using CAD/CAM design tools that provide the appropriate precision required for complex parts. It is an efficient and fast process, which produces high quality and durable parts for industries including automotive, medical, electronics, aerospace, etc.

Some important features of the process:

• Custom metal stamping Dies: Stamping dies are tools, which are used with a stamping press to form or cut sheet metals into the desired shape. These are custom-made and every stamping tool is designed and made especially for the project at hand. These are usually manufactured from tool steel, which is hard enough to cut other types of metal along with maintaining tolerances the stamped part requires.

• Prototype Services: Custom sheet metal stamping companies these days provide prototype services to ensure cost-effectiveness, precision, and on-time delivery. Prototypes are designed through engineering input, best manufacturing equipment and quality craftsmanship.

• Material Options: A wide range of custom sheet metal stamping materials are available and you can use any of these according to your project's specific requirements. Some of the options are Aluminum, Galvanized Steel, Brass, Cold Rolled Steel, Hot Rolled Steel, Beryllium Copper, Stainless Steel, etc.

• Secondary Services: Many secondary services like electroplating, riveting, fabrication, heat treatment, etc. are provided with custom metal stamping to get customers high precision parts, assemblies and components which are capable enough to match their application requirements.

Advantages of Custom Sheet Metal Stamping:

1. Lower die costs: Custom metal sampling dies are relatively cheaper to produce and maintain as compared to those used in other common processes.

2. Lower secondary costs: Secondary costs such as plating and cleaning are also less expensive than other kinds of similar treatments for other metal fabrication processes.

3. High level of automation: Stamping machines are easier to automate and can employ high-end computer-control programs that give better precision, quick turn-around times and faster production. These high levels of automation also help in reducing the cost of labour.

Many companies provide these services along with the mentioned features nowadays. Metal stamping is used in a variety of applications nowadays. Stamping products are usually designed for home appliance manufacturers, automotive industry, telecommunications services, aerospace industries, electronic companies and medical equipment manufacturers.

This process is highly used for producing incredibly detailed small parts and large machinery as well. You will have a product in your house that has parts created through metal stamping, as it is a process, which is used in everything from your cars to your household appliances.