What Is Metal Stamping?
Metal stamping is a fabrication process that uses pre-cut dies and presses to convert sheet metal into a variety of parts and components. The stamping process uses compressive force to bend, pierce, blank, punch, emboss, and notch sheet metal for strong, highly accurate components ideal for agricultural, automotive, food service, lighting, ventilation, and industrial applications. Stamping is also invaluable for the manufacture of a range of consumer goods, including satellite dishes, vacuum cleaners, flag stands, fireplace accessories, funeral urns, and custom display stands, among many others.
At Metal Craft Spinning and Stamping (MCSS), we are committed to providing the highest quality metal stamping services in the industry. Our comprehensive fleet of presses includes state-of-the-art Lagan 200 ton and hydraulic 150-ton presses, as well as small presses with pressure profiles ranging from 3 to 75 tons. Our extensive range of equipment allows us to create metal stamped components in a variety of sizes and shapes for both high- and low-volume production runs.
How Does Metal Stamping Work?
Metal stamping requires finely calibrated and specialized equipment, but the process is relatively simple. Depending on the product design, your metal stamping manufacturer will likely have stock dies and tools available for standard shaping, punching, coining, bending, and embossing; however, dies and tools can also be repurposed, modified, or custom-made to meet project specifications. Once the tool has been selected, it is secured to the press and a flat metal sheet is manually or automatically fed between the tool and the press. The press compresses the sheet metal against the tool, forcing it into the desired shape.
Types of Metal Stamping Techniques
Although the stamping process is relatively simple, metal fabricators use a variety of techniques to create different components and products. The three most common metal stamping techniques include progressive, fourslide, and deep drawn stamping.
Progressive Stamping
Progressive stamping uses a series of dies, each of which modify the sheet metal in progression as it is fed horizontally into the press. The process allows manufacturers to form multiple identical complex components using a high degree of automation.
Deep Drawn Stamping
Deep drawn stamping refers specifically to the fabrication of metal components using a die that is deeper than it is wide. A press is used to compress the sheet metal into the cavity of the die, creating a hollow cylinder, box, or cup shape.
Fourslide Stamping
Fourslide stamping, also known as four-way stamping, does not use pre-shaped dies. Instead, four tools are mounted on separate slides, each of which is driven by a separate shaft. The slides shape the metal sheet by applying pressure from four directions, bending, piercing, or shaping the workpiece with all four tools. Fourslide stamping allows manufacturers to create complex components with curved or irregular surfaces in an automated, repeatable fashion without the need for pre-formed dies.
What Are the Benefits of Metal Stamping?
Metal stamping offers a range of advantages over other metal fabrication methods, such as:
- Exceptional Precision
- Time-Effective and Cost-Efficient
- Consistent, Repeatable Accuracy
- Higher Quality Components
- Reduced Scrap
Why Metal Craft?
Metal Craft is dedicated to providing you with superior quality metal fabricated products for nearly any project or application. Our knowledgeable engineers are involved with the entire manufacturing process, from the initial design through final production, so you can rest assured that your product will meet even the most stringent specifications. In addition to our extensive array of metal stamping services, we also offer a selection of secondary and finishing services that allow you to complete your project in one place. With one-stop services, you know that you are receiving a quality product from start to finish.
Superior Metal Stamping Solutions From Metal Craft
Whether you need metal components to incorporate into your project or a fully finished product, Metal Craft has the knowledge, experience, and equipment necessary to provide you with top quality metal stamping solutions. For more information about our extensive portfolio of products and services, contact us today!