Sheet metal stamping is such a popular and effective industrial technique. It has the potential to turn flat metal sheets into functional parts. To produce complex designs and forms. The sheet metal stamping process has made a name for itself in industries like electronics and aerospace. Its cost-effectiveness and ability to deliver on a large scale are some of its best features. Here, you will learn a lot about the sheet metal stamping process and its types:
Materials Used In Metal Stamping
The metal sheet is required first for metal stamping. Various metals can be used depending on the intended application of the part. Common resources includeSteel: Steel is so strong and long-lasting. It is generally used in equipment and applications. Copper: Copper effectively conducts electricity, and this is what makes it so famous. It is used a lot in electronics.Brass: Brass looks attractive and is strong as well. This material is used in fittings and decorative objects.
Primary Steps of Stamping Sheet Metal
The following are the primary steps in the sheet metal process:
Part Design
Engineers use computer software to design the component before stamping starts. They ensure the part is the right size and shape for its intended use.
Making the Die
After the design is complete, a die will be produced. Consider a die a type of specialised mould used to shape metal. To endure the high stamping pressures and continue to create reliable and high-quality materials over time, these dies will be developed from strong materials.
Preparing the Metal Sheet
The blank metal sheet will be ready to be stamped. Cutting the sheet to the proper size and washing it to eliminate contaminants are part of this process. The operational sheets are also called aprocess sheet and will provide detailed guidelines for these preparation steps. For the stamping process, big coils of metal are occasionally unrolled and sliced into manageable pieces.
Stamping the Metal
The preparation of the die and metal sheet initiates the stamping manufacturing process. The sheet of metal is placed in a stamping press, which forms it into the shape of the die with great power. To get the desired shape, the metal may be
Bent
Stretched
sliced through this process
These steps also involve the following,
Cutting the Metal Sheet
The blanking process in sheet metal is used to cut a flat piece (blank) from a bigger sheet during this step of the process. The metal is ready for additional shaping and forming in this step.
Creating Holes and Slots
Next is the piercing operation sheet metal, which involves shearing material off the sheet to form holes or slots. This makes it possible to create designs that require attachment points or apertures.
Ensuring Precision
The piercing process in sheet metal ensures that all holes or cutouts meet precise standards, improving the part's operation and appearance.
Trimming and Punching
It could be necessary to remove extra material after the initial stamping. Punching leaves holes or precise perforations in the metal, whereas trimming removes unnecessary edges. Through these processes, the part will be refined to fit exact specifications.
Finishing
The stamped component goes through finishing procedures to improve its look and performance. To stop rust and increase longevity, this can involve the following activities:
Cleaning
Polishing
Putting protective coatings
The part is prepared for its intended application through finishing.
Quality Checking
In the manufacturing process, quality control holds great value. Inspection will be done on each stamped part to ensure it satisfies the necessary dimensions and quality requirements. Doing so will provide the final product standard to meet the ongoing demand.Read Also:An Overview of Stamping Process for Increased Productivity
Different Sheet Metal Stamping Types
Sheet metal stamping uses a variety of processes, each of which is suitable for a particular part type and production volume. Below is a brief overview of the four main types of Sheet metal stamping used in production.
Progressive Die Stamping
When many identical components are needed, progressive die stamping is one of the most widely used methods. This technique feeds a continuous metal strip through multiple stations on a single die. The metal goes through a certain process at each station, as in the following
Cutting
Bending
punching
A fully formed part will be finished when the metal reaches the end of the press. Every station builds upon the one before it, which makes the procedure incredibly effective and reliable.
Transfer Die Stamping
Typically, larger or more intricate pieces requiring several forming procedures will be stamped using transfer dies. A transfer system (mechanical fingers or automation) will take the individual part from the metal strip early and from station to station. On the other hand, in progressive die stamping, the part remains attached to the strip throughout.Every die carries out a unique function to meet the desired output as follows:
Punching
Drawing
Bending
Deep Draw Stamping
Deep draw stamping produces components with a deep, hollow shape using a flat metal sheet. A metal blank is placed over a die cavity in this procedure, and the metal is then drawn into the die using a punch to stretch it into the desired shape. A component is considered "deep drawn" when its depth exceeds its diameter. Manufacturers can create parts with soft walls that are both smooth and strong because of this technique.
Four-Slide Stamping
Four-slide stamping shapes metal in many directions simultaneously using four distinct sliding tools. This technique is also known as multi-slide stamping. Four-slide presses can perform several intricate bends and cuts in a single cycle as they run horizontally, in contrast to standard presses that function vertically. This method works especially well when making complex parts with several bends or twists.
The Bottom Line
Many industries depend on the precision and effectiveness of the sheet metal stamping process. For accurate and superior metal stamping, trust Eigen Engineering. Many industries, like aerospace, rely on us because of our accuracy in delivery. Contact us now to use customised solutions to make your project a reality.
