Precision metal stamping is a common industry process. This manufacturing process takes flat metal sheets and turns them into a large number of different parts and components. It uses special dies and tools, including cutting, bending, piercing, and shaping. This method is commonly used in industrial manufacturing because it is fast, precise, and accurate.
Next, let’s take a look at 10 Common Materials Used in Precision Metal Stamping Processes.
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Aluminum Metal
Aluminum is lightweight, yet very strong. Because it is so easy to form, it can be made into any shape, from simple to complex, from flat to deeply drawn. Aluminum is thermally and electrically conductive, will not rust, and can change from ductile to rigid at certain temperatures. Aluminum is used in a wide variety of applications, from automotive parts to consumer electronics.
Copper Metal
Copper is a very useful metal known for its softness and ease of molding. It can be used alone or mixed with other elements to make metals such as bronze, brass, and nickel silver. Copper and its alloys can be used to make stampings that are very different from each other.
What people like about them is that they form a natural protective film on their surface. This protective film gives copper alloys excellent corrosion resistance. After stamping, this film develops again without any additional steps.
Because of their beautiful gold, amber, and yellow colors. Copper metals are often used for architectural decoration and decorative components. Because of their flexibility, these materials can be made into intricate components. Copper is also antimicrobial, making it ideal for cleanliness-conscious locations such as food processing and the medical field.
Copper is also a well-known conductor of electricity and heat. In addition to its use in medicine and food processing, copper is also used in heat exchangers and electrical connectors.
Nickel Metal
The unique qualities of nickel and its alloys make it very valuable. These alloys do not deform even at very high temperatures. Nickel alloys are therefore well suited for applications that require work at severe temperatures. They are known for their ease of welding, which speeds up the manufacturing process. Their resistance to air corrosion allows them to be used for long periods of time. Their strength and toughness allow them to cope with harsh conditions.
Because of these properties, nickel alloys are often used in the production of metal stampings. This is especially true in areas where reliability and robustness are important. Nickel alloys are used for electrical contacts and spacecraft components, among other things.
Nickel and its alloys are very strong and do not react badly at high or low temperatures. They are therefore ideally suited for use in aircraft components such as turbine blades. In the field of electrical contacts, nickel alloys with good electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and long service life are the best choice.
Iron and Steel
Iron and carbon are mixed together and refined to make steel. It is a raw material used extensively in metal stamping. Steel is dense, strong, and flexible, so manufacturers usually choose them. Mild steel has particularly good forming properties, making it ideal for metal stamping, machining, forging, welding, and many other manufacturing processes. In addition, galvanized steel (mild steel with a galvanized surface) provides better rust resistance.
Steel is very strong and at the same time very easy to form. It can be stamped, machined, forged, welded, and many other ways to make items. The versatility of steel allows it to be used for many different tasks, and heat treatment and rust prevention make it even more useful. Since steel is cheap, does not rust easily and is not too heavy. It is a good choice when cost is the most important factor.
Stainless Steel
Corrosion resistance is one of the biggest advantages of stainless steel, though it can vary by type and climate. Stainless steel maintains its good appearance even under harsh conditions. In addition, stainless steel has a good surface finish and can be made magnetic or non-magnetic.
In some cases, cosmetic corrosion of stainless steel may not be a problem. However, when choosing a type of stainless steel, it should be considered for its durability in climatic conditions and to meet the needs of the job.
Stainless steel is known for its ease of molding. There are different types such as austenitic stainless steel and ferritic stainless steel. Austenitic stainless steel is very easy to mold and is often used where complex shapes are required. Ferritic stainless steels can also be stamped and formed but may have slightly different properties.
Copper, aluminum, and mild steel are not nearly as strong as these two types of stainless steel. Therefore, they are good choices where durability and corrosion resistance are important. Stainless steel is commonly used in medical tools, kitchen utensils, and construction materials. It is also used in fuel filters, oxygen sensors, automotive exhaust systems, and other industrial parts that are usually made by stamping.
Titanium Metal
Titanium metal is strong, corrosion-resistant, and lightweight. It can be used in defense applications, medical implants, aerospace components, and other places where strong but lightweight parts are needed. On the other hand, titanium is strong and hard, making it difficult to mold it using methods such as stamping.
This means you need special tools and expertise to work with it properly. Manufacturing titanium is also a difficult and expensive process. Which makes it more expensive than other metals that can be used for stamping.
Brass
Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc. Due to the presence of copper in it, it conducts heat and electricity well enough for heat and electricity transfer. Its distinctive golden appearance also makes it a popular choice for decorative hardware and stampings with a decorative look.
Brass has good moldability, and corrosion resistance and is non-magnetic. In addition, brass has antimicrobial and acoustic properties, so it can be used to make musical instruments. Brass can be used for a variety of materials in many different areas. Such as medical parts, locks, bearings, valves, gears, decorative items, and musical instruments.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel consists of iron and carbon. It is very useful because it is strong, easy to mold, has many qualities, and is inexpensive. There are different types of carbon steel such as low carbon steel and high carbon steel. High-carbon steel is harder and less flexible, which means it breaks more easily. Mild steel is softer and easier to mold, so it can be used for a wider range of tasks.
High-carbon steel is stronger and harder to work with, making it more difficult to bend and mold. However, it is important to remember that high-carbon steel is usually used after annealing or heat treatment. For better quality, more heat treatment can be applied after forming.
High-carbon steel can also be plated with chrome, nickel, or zinc for improved rust resistance. Because of its reliable performance and versatility, this substance is widely used in many fields such as agriculture, construction, automobiles, household appliances, and industrial equipment.
Beryllium Copper
A non-ferrous alloy called beryllium copper is very suitable for the manufacture of parts that are subjected to high pressure. Examples include springs, electrical connectors, aircraft engine parts, bearings, and other stamped parts.
Beryllium copper has many advantages, such as corrosion resistance, high electrical conductivity, moderate strength, and can be hardened by precipitation. Because of these characteristics, beryllium copper is well-suited for applications that require durability, ruggedness, and the ability to work in harsh environments.
Phosphor Bronze
Copper, tin, and phosphorus are mixed together to make phosphor bronze. It flows very easily when molten and is therefore easy to cast. Phosphor bronze has good mechanical and chemical properties. Stamped parts made from it are therefore highly resistant to fatigue, wear, and corrosion. Bearings, springs, electrical contacts, musical instruments, and parts for the ship and aircraft industry are all made of phosphor bronze.
How to Select Materials for Stamped Metal Parts?
Selecting the right material for a stamped metal project requires several important steps. First, the loads and conditions to which the equipment will be subjected must be considered. For example, products that are used in high-temperature environments will require heat-resistant materials. Once the needs of the application are clearly defined, the desired material qualities such as corrosion resistance, shape, hardness, and strength can be found and fabricated according to the needs of the product.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Metal Stamping Material?
There are some important factors you need to consider when choosing the right material for your metal stamping project. Such as the application, the target cost of manufacturing the product, the availability of the material, the choice of surface treatment for the material, and the ability of the material to meet the mechanical and physical property requirements of the application.
First and foremost, it is important that the material does the job well. For example, plumbing parts made of stainless steel won’t rust or change temperature. Electrical parts and connectors made of copper, on the other hand, carry current and heat well.
While performance and appearance are important, the most important thing is that the cost of the material fits the project budget. Different surface treatments can be used to improve practical qualities such as strength, resistance to temperature changes, and corrosion resistance. Surface treatments such as plating, painting, polishing, and coating can also make stamped parts look smoother and more aesthetically pleasing.
What Is the Best Stamping Material for Medical Applications?
The best stamping material for medical applications depends on the use of the material. Aluminum, titanium, zinc and stainless steel are all materials that are often used in the medical and healthcare fields. Copper-based alloys are also sometimes used for medical applications because they sterilize well and do not rust.
What Are the Best Metals for Electrical Stamping?
Copper is the best metal for stamping circuits and parts. This is because copper has good electrical and thermal conductivity. It is common to use metal stamping for electrical parts because it is precise, consistent, and inexpensive.
Which Metal Stamping Works Best?
Many people consider aluminum to be one of the easiest metals to stamp. It is fairly soft and easy to shape, making it suitable for many printing and molding techniques. Copper and brass are two other metals known for their suitability for stamping because they are pliable and easy to shape. However, the ease of stamping can vary depending on the alloy, thickness, and complexity of the part.
Choosing the Right Metal Stamping Material Is Important
Choosing the right metal stamping material is important for a number of reasons. First, the material must meet the functional requirements of the finished product. Materials need to have different qualities for different applications, such as robustness, corrosion resistance, and electrical conductivity. Choosing the wrong material can result in the part not working properly.
Secondly, using the right materials can avoid spending money that is not worth it. Choosing materials that are too expensive or don’t have the characteristics needed for the job can drive up costs. Choosing materials that aren’t good enough can cause them to break prematurely and need to be replaced. Using the right material helps ensure that the stamping will last for a long time. It should be able to withstand the environmental and motor stresses it will face during its lifetime.
Last but not least, some materials are easier to stamp and process than others. Choosing a material that works well with the stamping process can increase productivity and reduce costs.
How Thick Does Metal Need to Be for Metal Stamping?
The thickness of the metal used for stamped parts depends on its use and needs. Sheet metal as thin as 0.0254 mm and as thick as 15.875 mm is common. Although most stamping work is done with steel plates, steel bars up to 76.2 mm thick can be machined using special templates. All kinds of metals can be carefully cut and shaped in a mold, so it’s not just for steel.
How Does the Metal Stamping Process Work?
To stamp metal, a flat piece of metal is placed between the upper and lower dies of a hydraulic or mechanical press. The press presses the metal into the shape you want. One way to get the job done is to use different methods such as cutting, bending, stamping, embossing, embossing, and flanging.
Before the stamping process begins, the mechanical engineer creates the stamping die that will be used. State-of-the-art CAD/CAM engineering software is used to create an accurate model of the tool. Machining, grinding, wire cutting and other techniques are used to create the dies from the die models. This meticulous process ensures that the stamping die meets the standards required to manufacture high-quality, precision-formed metal parts.