Sheet metal stamping is a cold-forming manufacturing technique used to create both simple and highly complex designs quickly, accurately, and cost-effectively. It is capable of creating high-volume parts while maintaining rigorous tolerance and quality criteria. Here, we’ll highlight the sheet metal stamping process and how it works.
What Is Sheet Metal Stamping?
Sheet metal stamping is the process of transforming sheets of metal material into a useful component or part. During the process, metal is fed into a press where a stamping tool, referred to as a die, presses through or into the metal with great force to create the desired shape. As a cold-forming technique, sheet metal stamping doesn’t require heat to shape the metal.
What Types of Sheet Metal Can We Stamp?
Premier Products of Racine works with a broad range of materials, from aluminum to carbon steel, copper, high-strength steel and more. We also offer galvanized sheet metal stamping services. Pre-galvanized sheet metal is commonly used for creating moisture-resistant components and has the added benefit of being significantly cheaper than aluminum and stainless steel without sacrificing quality.
While virtually any type of metal can be stamped, the type used in any given application depends on the desired qualities of the part that’s being created. Some of the most commonly used materials in sheet metal stamping include:
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum
- Brass
- Copper
- Low- and high-carbon steel
- Coated Steels
- Pre-Painted Steels
- Nickel alloys
- Titanium
The Sheet Metal Stamping Process
There are three components to sheet metal stamping: the sheet metal, the press machine, and the die. However, producing any single component can require many steps before it arrives at its final form. The following are some common processes that might occur during the metal stamping process:
- Forming. This is the process of creating a new shape from flat metal by the application of force. There are several methods to accomplish this, depending on design specifications. By undergoing a series of operations, metal is altered from a simple shape into a highly complex one.
- Blanking. Blanking is the most basic metal stamping process. It involves feeding a sheet into a press where a die then cuts out the desired shape. The piece that results is called a blank. The blank can require additional forming, or it may be the finished component, referred to as a fully finished blank.
- Drawing. A more complex operation, drawing is used to form deep depressions or vessels. During the process, tension carefully draws material into a cavity to change its shape. Stretching of the material is avoided as much as possible to ensure the material stays intact.
- Piercing. This process is often thought of as the opposite of blanking. Rather than keeping the blanks, technicians use the material around the outside of the punched area. During the piercing process, punched-out shapes are discarded, with the hole-riddled sheet metal being the desired product.
Sheet Metal Stamping From Premier Products of Racine
Sheet metal stamping is a highly customizable manufacturing method, involving numerous options for materials, techniques, and processes. At Premier Products of Racine, we deliver comprehensive sheet metal stamping services, handling everything from concept design to assembly and finishing at highly competitive prices. Whether your project involves galvanized sheet metal stamping, stainless steel, copper, or another material, our team is here to support you.. To learn more, view our custom sheet metal fabrication page or contact us today.
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