Sheet Metal Stamping
Sheet-metal stamping, also known as pressing, is the process of placing flat sheet-metal in either blank or coil form into a stamping press where a tool and die surface forms the metal into a net shape. Stamping includes a variety of sheet-metal forming manufacturing processes, such as punching using a machine press, embossing and bending using a die.
The process is usually carried out on sheet metal, but can also be used on other materials, such as polystyrene. Components can be formed from a variety of materials, including mild steel, stainless steel and aluminum alloys. Each process of sheet-metal stamping is designed to shape the metal stock and to prepare it ready for further assembly or surface treatment.
In a typical stamping operation, a flat sheet of metal is held in a clamping device and accompanied by a blanking die or a cutting die, that has the desired geometry. The sheet-metal is then typically punched or cut by the die, and the resulting part is then gathered on the die or released from the material by a stripper plate.
The process of stamping can range from a single hit punches/dies, through to complex progressive tools used to form long production runs. It is important that the proper type of die be selected to ensure the most efficient manufacturing process for given applications. Many kinds of dies may be used for sheet-metal stamping, including cutting dies that cut the desired shape of the part from the sheets, drawing dies that draw the desired shape from the sheets, and progressive dies, which punch the parts from the sheets in a series of steps.
The biggest advantage of sheet-metal stamping is its ability to provide a highly efficient, low-cost way to mass produce automotive, aircraft and other parts. Its fast production rate also allows for high volumes of production to be attained in a short amount of time.
Some of the disadvantages of sheet-metal stamping are the part size limitations and the challenge of designing a die that is cost-effective enough to produce a large number of parts over the course of the production run. In addition, the sheet-metal must be strong enough to handle the forces of the stamping process, which can create stresses that can lead to part warping.
Despite the drawbacks, sheet-metal stamping is a cost-effective manufacturing process that is suited to producing large volumes of parts. Its versatility also provides an ideal solution for applications in many industries, including automotive, aerospace, defense and medical.
