Guide of Metal Stamping Dies: How Does Metal Stamping Work?

Metal stamping is the practice of cutting and forming metal sheet into a required contour with the help of tool known as a stamping tool.

 

Metal stamping is the practice of cutting and forming metal sheet into a required contour with the help of tool known as a stamping tool. Sheet metal components are used universally, from the regular clips to complex computer hard drive components, all are manufactured by a precision sheet metal stamping process. Stamping die design is the preliminary phase in stamping tool and dies making and is carried out as soon as the component design is finished. The stamping die drawing stage is extremely critical as a good quality stamping die blueprint can generate accurate stamped components which can run for an extended time with less maintenance.

 

Stamping tool design calls for selecting the required metal stamping operations, basic strip layout, manufacturing processes, type of stamping presses to be used and so on. It is necessary for a tool designer to have thorough knowledge of these elements to construct a fine die design. Computer aided design techniques have progressively developed in the last decade to assist die designers.

 

There are various procedures involved in metal stamping tooling designs which are necessary for accurate tool production. The very first stage in die design is the process of evaluating the metallic part to be made, its properties, dimension and complexity of the contour. Next the designer will proceed with the strip layout design and then he will determine the cutting force and the die-set to be used and then begins making the assembly sketch. Once the assembly sketch is completed, part details, drawing of die parts, and the final step of preparation of the bill of materials can be undertaken.

 

How Does Metal Stamping Work?

Metal Stamping includes many different types of sheet-metal forming manufacturing processes. Key parts of the process include punching (using a machine or stamping press), blanking, coining, embossing, and bending. Stamping is primarily carried out on sheet metal, but can also be used on other materials, such as aluminum, steel, plastic and foil.

 

  • Bending

Process that result in a V, U, or channel shape in any bendable material (most often sheet metal) without fracturing. An example would be the bottom of drinks can.

 

  • Blanking

A shearing operation uses a punch to create a blank from the sheet metal or a plate.

 

  • Progressive Die

Metal Stamping die that pushes a sheet of metal through a series of operations until a finished part is made. An example would be the lid of a soda can (separate operations for the lid and pull tab).

 

  • Compound Die

Metal Stamping Die performs more than one operation in a single press.

 

  • Deep Draw

Process of a drawing press is used to form sheet metal through the mechanical action of a punch. An example would be a kitchen sink.

 

  • Tapping

Process of cutting is the threads in a hole. An example of this would be a nut, where a bolt screws into.

 

  • Coining

A precision metal stamping form used most often where high relief or very fine features are needed. An example would be money (quarter, nickel, dime), badges, and medals.

 

  • Embossing

Metalworking process of soft malleable metals are shaped and designed by hammering on the reverse side.

 

  • Blanking

Metal stamping operation by the sheet metal is punched to get the required outer profile of the sheet metal component. During the blanking process the blanking punch penetrates into the sheet metal and forces the material into the blanking die. The portion of the sheet Metal which comes out through the blanking die opening is the component with the required profile. Hence it is important that the dimension of the blanking die profile is equal to the dimension of the component profile. In blanking tools, the cutting clearance is given on the blanking punch.

 

If you have requirement of metal stamping dies, I recommend you to visit Coolmosa Technology Co., Ltd. – they are the professional manufacturer of specializing in metal stampings. Now, check out their website and feel free to contact with Coolmosa for more details!

 

Article Source: https://www.totalmateria.com/page.aspx?ID=CheckArticle&site=kts&NM=301

Precision Metal Stamping – How to Find a Qualified Supplier

When selecting a supplier for stamped metal components with tight tolerances and critical features, there are some important factors that you should consider. Although important, unit cost should not be the sole deciding factor as explained below. Making a purchasing decision only based on quoted cost may result in overall dissatisfaction with a supplier’s performance, or even in a disastrous situation. The following ten factors should be taken into account when selecting a precision metal stamping supplier:

 

  1. Years of Experience
  2. Ability to Design Precision Stamping Dies
  3. Ability to Build and Troubleshoot Precision Stamping Dies
  4. Process Control
  5. A Die Maintenance Program
  6. Delivery Time Frame
  7. Running Speed
  8. Spare Tooling
  9. “Attention to Detail”
  10. The Ability to Perform Secondary Operations

 

First and foremost, it is essential to select a precision metal stamping supplier who has significant experience. Make sure that you take the time to understand how long a supplier has been in business, and to become familiar with the types of components that they have stamped in the past. It is important to know if a supplier’s expertise is in flat parts, formed parts, or both. Take the time to learn about the supplier’s experience in working with difficult, intricate parts, their ability to hold tight tolerances, and their ability to achieve complex bends (on formed parts).

 

The second and third factors to consider are whether the supplier has experience in designing, and building precision metal stampings. A supplier who can design and build precision metal stamping dies will inevitably be much more qualified to succeed in stamping your components than a supplier without these capabilities. A supplier who designs precision metal stamping dies understands the importance of having certain features and stations in a die which will result in the highest efficiency and quality during the stamping operation. A supplier who is adept at building and developing precision metal stamping dies has the added benefit of being able to troubleshoot any unplanned stamping issues.

 

The fourth factor to consider when selecting a precision metal stamping supplier is the supplier’s capability in the area of process control. If a supplier is ISO-certified, this provides a certain layer of insurance that control processes are in place. Understanding how a precision metal stamping supplier creates and works with control plans is important. Visiting the supplier and seeing their Quality system in operation is probably the best way to evaluate a supplier’s attention to process control. Determining the role of the Quality technician at a supplier will speak volumes to assuring that a job will end up successful. Evaluating a supplier’s investment in inspection equipment is an additional indicator of potential success.

 

Next, it is beneficial to determine if a precision metal stamping supplier offers a die maintenance program. This will result in maximizing the life of the die and will optimize your total life cycle cost for your stamped component. A good die maintenance program will address die and die component inspection, synchronization and adjustment of die/press/peripheral equipment, proper assembly/disassembly techniques, die component replacement schedules, etc.

 

Sixth, a precision metal stamping supplier’s delivery track record will reveal whether or not a supplier has the proper systems in place to not only quote a good delivery time frame, but actually to deliver on-time. If a precision metal stamping supplier is not officially tracking their on-time delivery performance, then it is better to select another supplier.

 

The precision metal stamping supplier’s ability to achieve certain running speeds is the seventh factor that should be considered. An experienced supplier will be able to run at faster speeds (while maintaining quality), and consequently provide the most optimized pricing.

 

The eighth factor to consider is spare tooling. Often overlooked, a discussion of a spare tooling list is critical to a precision metal stamping job. A good supplier will suggest discussing spare tooling up front in order to maximize the likelihood of success for a stamping campaign. Make sure that this cost is taken into account when judging one quote against another. Require all bidders to address spare tooling. If a precision metal stamping supplier has the added capability of being able to manufacture its own spare tooling, this is an obvious benefit.

 

Next, it is important to determine if a precision metal stamping supplier is one that will pay close attention to the “fine details” of a job. In addition to looking at the quality of a supplier’s previous sample parts, try to determine if a supplier is concerned about fine details by noticing their behavior early in the quoting process. A supplier who asks a lot of questions pertaining to part quality, key features, and tolerances is typically one who will likely over-deliver in the area of “attention to detail”.

 

Lastly, a precision metal stamping supplier who has the added capability of performing secondary operations is invaluable in area of overall supply chain logistics. A supplier that can perform any of the following additional operations will typically result in significant savings for your company: cleaning, electroplating, packaging, product assembly, custom automation (in conjunction with the stamping operation), and machine vision inspection.

 

Coolmosa is a 20-year-experience stamping parts company, offering metal stamping parts, metal parts custom stamping, precision stamping parts for cooler field. Have ISO 9002 approval, they provide the most comprehensive stamping parts solutions in the industry. For more metal stamping parts information, please feel free to send inquiry to Coolmosa Technology Co., Ltd.

 

With a long reputation as a chief manufacturer of stamping parts, Coolmosa will be your right choice on your business needs.

 

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3597384