Precision metal stamping is a manufacturing method. It uses a press with unique tools and dies to cut sheet metal into desired parts. In many areas, it is used to create large quantities of parts and items quickly, precisely, and accurately. While precision metal stamping offers many manufacturing advantages, it is not suitable for all projects.
This article will cover whether precision metal stamping is right for your project. It will also go over some of the things you should consider when choosing metal stamping. The article provides an overview of the precision metal stamping process, what it can do for you, and the major companies that offer the precision metal stamping process.
Table of Contents
Understanding Precision Metal Stamping
Precision metal stamping is a specialized manufacturing process. It uses high-pressure presses and specially designed dies to mold sheet metal into specific shapes. This process can be used to create high-precision and complex parts, which is important for many high-specification applications. People like this method because it can produce a large number of high-quality and consistent parts. This makes it vital in fields such as aerospace, medical devices, automotive, and technology.
The key to customized precision metal stamping is the ability to handle a wide range of metals and complex designs. The process begins with a blank, which is a flat piece of metal. The blank is then placed into a press that applies a great deal of pressure, and a die is used to mold it into the desired shape. The molds used in this process are made to order. Molds can be very simple or very complex depending on the needs of the final product. Molds do more than just cut and shape metal. For example, they can punch, stamp, or bend metal in different ways.
When using precision metal stamping processes, it can keep tolerances very close. And these parts can be realized with a very high level of detail and complexity. These feeds are very important in that they not only allow the parts to fit perfectly where they should, but they also always do what they are supposed to do. Metal stamping is also very efficient, so large quantities of parts can be manufactured quickly and cost-effectively. This is especially helpful for industries with limited time and money.
Manufacturers can produce the perfect combination of durability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness with precision metal stamping. This is why precision metal stamping is an important part of modern manufacturing strategies for producing high-quality, reliable parts.
The Metal Stamping Process
The first step in the metal stamping process is to create a mold that is identical to the part that needs to be manufactured. The metal part is first put into the stamping press along with the mold. The press then uses a lot of force to mold the metal into the shape you want. The stamping process can divided into one or more steps. And this is depending on the complexity of the part:
- Single-stage Stamping: This method is best suited for parts that require only one stamping stroke to create a simple shape.
- Progressive Stamping: This method takes the metal strip through several stages, each accomplishing a different task. This method is suitable for making more complex parts.
Metal Stamping Techniques
Different projects require different metal stamping techniques. The following are some of the most common methods:
- Progressive Die Stamping: This method uses multiple stamping stations and is ideal for making a large number of parts at once.
- Deep Draw Stamping: This process allows for the production of deep, hollow shapes such as pots and pans.
- Four-slide Stamping: This method allows for multiple bends and twists on complex parts.
Materials used for metal stamping
| Material | Properties | Typical Applications |
| Steel | Durable, strong, can be hardened | Automotive body parts, structural components |
| Stainless Steel | Corrosion-resistant, durable, strong | Food processing equipment, medical devices |
| Aluminum | Lightweight, corrosion-resistant, good conductor | Electronic housing, consumer products |
| Copper | Excellent electrical conductivity, malleable | Electrical components, roofing materials |
| Brass | Good corrosion resistance, excellent machinability | Decorative hardware, gears, locks |
| Nickel Alloys | High-temperature resistance, highly corrosion-resistant | Aerospace components, power generation equipment |
| Titanium | High strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion-resistant | Aerospace frames, surgical implants |
Application areas for metal stamping
Precision metal stamping methods can be used in many different areas. Here are some examples of industries that often use the process to manufacture parts and products:
Automotive
Precision metal stamping is commonly used in the manufacture of parts for cars and trucks. These parts are used for frames and bodies, electrical systems, drive systems, and more. Common automotive parts manufactured through metal stamping are listed below:
- Hooks and brackets
- Wiring terminals and connectors
- Wire forms, such as those used in tires and underframe components
Aerospace
Parts and products manufactured in the aerospace industry must meet strict manufacturing rules and requirements. These rules are in place to protect the people who work on airplanes, the passengers who travel on them, and the public. As a result, companies that manufacture aircraft parts must keep their certifications up to date and follow industry standards such as Mil-spec and RoHS.
These are the most commonly used metal stampings and products in the aerospace industry:
- Assemblies
- Brackets
- Bushings
- Clips
- Lead frames
- Shields
- Terminals
- Wire forms
Medical Devices
Medical devices made with precision metal stamped parts like the aircraft industry, the medical device industry has many regulations on how parts are manufactured. These extremely high standards ensure the safety of doctors and patients. A variety of medical devices use both standard and customized metal stampings, such as:
- Connectors, couplings, and fittings
- Equipment housing and sleeves
- Implants and prosthetics
- Pump and motor components
- Surgical instruments and equipment
- Temperature probes
Power Distribution
In the power distribution business, a large number of different metal stampings and products are used in circuit breakers, distribution boxes, switches, transformers, and other important equipment. Below are some examples:
- Brackets
- Clips
- Contacts
- Inserts
- Shields
- Terminals
Electrical Appliances
Many of the appliances we use in our daily lives also have parts that are derived from precision metal stamping. The following are common parts of commercial and residential appliances:
- Automatic garage doors
- Dishwashers
- Dryers
- Garbage disposals
- Grills
- HVAC units
- Irrigation systems
- Ovens
- Pool filtration and pump systems
- Refrigerators
- Security systems
- Stoves
- Thermostats
- Washers
- Water heaters
Renewable Energy
Solar, wind, geothermal, and other clean energy businesses are all part of the renewable energy market. As the renewable energy market continues to expand, so does the demand for reliable parts for the systems and tools used to produce and distribute electricity. Metal stampings often used in these situations include:
- Antennas
- Brackets and clips
- Cases, inserts, and retainers
- Fan blades
- Grounding straps and busbars
- Heat sinks
- Plates
- Shields
- Terminals and contacts
How to Choose a Metal Stamping Supplier
Metal stamping is a way of making products using a special press and a set of tools and dies. It molds sheet metal into certain shapes and sizes. Professionals in the field use metal stamping to make a large number of different industrial parts and products. There are some things you should consider when looking for a metal stamping partner. You should look for a company that offers you the best value for your money.
Some of the most important things that you should consider when choosing a precision metal stamping partner are described next. High-value partners have extensive experience in the business, high-quality standards, and the ability to do more than just metal stamping. They may also offer a variety of other manufacturing and finishing services.
Partners vs. Suppliers
If you want to find a metal stamping business, you should know the difference between a supplier and a partner. A key supplier can do the metal stamping needed for the job, but a key partner can do more than just metal stamping. A partner should be able to help with all aspects of a project, such as planning and engineering, production, and finishing. These products and services help reduce labor time and costs.
More Advanced Stamping Technology
While specialization is great, narrow specialization is not. For example, some projects may be unclear about which metal stamping method is best. If a metal stamping company can complete many different types of stamping in-house. For example, bending, punching, embossing, piercing, etc., it will be better able to handle this type of work. However, for jobs that require advanced metal fabrication, such as deep-draw stamping, it is important to work with a professional to ensure that the finished part is more precise and accurate.
Tooling Design and Development Services
Companies that perform metal stamping and have their own tooling design and development team have greater control over the quality of both the part and the process. They are better able to ensure that production stays on schedule because they can customize the tooling for each job.
Follow-Up Services
As mentioned earlier, there are other services that a good service provider can offer in addition to the metal stamping process. Customers can get a full range of stamping services with these additional services. These services can be done in-house or through a network of reliable suppliers. The partner can also help the customer with the creation and processing of the following:
- Heat treatment
- Forming and welding
- Painting and electrocoating
- Passivation and sterilization
- Pre-plating and post-plating processes
- Precious and non-precious metalwork
- Specialty edge cleaning and deburring
- Assembly
- Kitting & Custom Packaging
Industry Experience
If you are a customer in the aerospace, automotive, construction, appliance, or other industries, any potential metal stamping partner should have manufactured parts and products for your industry. This ensures that the partner understands the rules or requirements specific to that industry, such as the use of materials approved by the FDA for use in medical devices.
Production Capabilities
A company’s production capacity is affected by both the type of tooling it uses and the time it takes to obtain raw materials. Metal stamping partners should have metalworking tools to get the job done quickly without sacrificing precision or accuracy.
Quality
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops and publishes rules that help ensure that goods and services are safe, of good quality, and well-functioning. the ISO 9000 series of standards deals with managing the quality of a company’s products and processes.
Companies that are ISO 9001 certified meet the quality management system standards set by ISO. This means that they know what quality and sustainability best practices are and strive to incorporate them.
Metal Stamping Solutions from Yonglihao Machinery
Yonglihao Machinery provides quality custom metal stampings, wire forms, and components. We are ISO and ITAF certified. Our team has years of experience in metal fabrication and a state-of-the-art facility. We have the knowledge, skills, and tools to handle almost any small metal stamping job, no matter how large or complex the design. Some of the metal stamping services we can provide include:
- Bending
- Blanking
- Coining
- Curling
- Drawing
- Embossing
- Piercing
- Punching
Contact Us
Precision metal stamping methods are important in the manufacture of parts for many industries. If customers want to work with a skilled and experienced metal stamping company, Yonglihao Machinery can provide the help you need.
We also offer tooling design and development services, which allow us to build molds and tooling packages. We can achieve tolerances as high as ±0.0005 inches throughout your metal stamping job.
Contact us today or request pricing to learn more about our metal fabrication services or to partner with us on your next project.