Metal Stampers
For just about any application, a metal stamper can be utilized. In fact, the term "metal stamping" can have a multitude of meanings, and it may be hard for one to narrow down this broad term alone. Fortunately, there are highly experienced metal stampers manufacturers who are available to help you find the right equipment for the desired applications. In addition, there may be a number of steps that are involved in different metal stamping processes, but a skilled metal stamper is capable of performing a wide range of processes in order to suit the needs of multiple clients.
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The metal stamping process can make numerous products that are formed by other processes such as fabricating, forging, and casting. The process of metal stamping involves the exertion of force onto a piece of metal in order for the material to achieve the desired configuration. A wide range of materials can be used for metal stamping, such as aluminum, nickel, copper, brass, and a multitude of alloys. The most common materials used in metal stamping are steel, brass, aluminum. Steel is known for its strength, versatility, its easy accessibility, and relatively low cost. Brass, an alloy of zinc and copper, is known for its exceptional conductivity of heat and electricity, and is the material of choice for electronic parts, transmission equipment, musical instruments, and various household fixtures. Aluminum is popular for stamping due to its malleability, light weight, conductivity, and resistance to corrosion.
Metal stamping presses are the machines utilized to carry out these processes, and are capable of producing parts to close tolerances. A press consists of two main parts: a bolster plate and a ram. The press may also feature a stamping die, which is a uniquely formed precision tool that forms sheet metal into a specific shape. The die is typically made from a type of steel called tool steel. Each half of the stamping press is attached to the bolster plate and the slides of the press. The metal is formed when it is placed between two halves of the press. Metal stamping presses come in numerous types. Single-acting presses utilize a single ram, while the rams of double-acting presses are subdivided. The ram generates a vertical movement as the metal is fed through the press. Mechanically driven presses are powered by a motor. The motor generates the press’s flywheel, which uses kinetic energy to turn down toward the plate. These types of presses are ideal for assembly-style settings because of their ability to function at a steady pace and achieve higher cycles per any given unit of time. Hydraulically driven presses utilizes pressurized air or liquid to carry out the press force as the die guides the material through.
Metal stamping can be done in a multitude of ways. Several different metal stamping processes are as follows.
- Progressive Die Metal Stamping
- One of the most common of all the methods. The process utilizes a single die that can be divided into several sections, or “stations.” The metal die is manipulated at each of these stations and is gradually formed into the final product. One advantage of progressive metal stamping is its economic efficiency.
- Deep Drawn Metal Stamping
- Several stations of dies and punches fabricate deep recessions into a flat metal strip. Deep drawn parts can sometimes be referred to as cups, due to their depth being greater than their width.
- Multi-Slide, or Four-Slide Metal Stamping
- Involves a multi-slide press that is capable of not only running more than one die set at a time, but also running these dies at different angles. Multi-slide stamping presses are known for forming highly intricate parts.
Metal stampers are incredibly popular because of the cost effectiveness and versatility of the service. Metal stamping can produce material intensive parts much more quickly and efficiently than any other method of fabrication. In addition to speed, it is possible to produce parts through the metal stamping process that are high in quality.
If you want to get a final product of the highest possible quality, it is imperative to know your requirements, and to seek out a metal stamping service that is both capable and willing to design and fabricate a product that meets those requirements. There are a multitude of different styles and uses for a metal stamper, such as automotive stamping and stamping of spring clips, so it is important to find a stamping service that specializes in the applications and industry associated with your specifications.