Precision Metal Stamping Explained: Modern Tech & Automation

Precision metal stamping is a metal forming technology. For creating shapes and features on the metal sheets, the process of stamping is utilized. The stamping process can be adapted to bend sheets, punch holes into them, shear cutting, and shear forming the metal sheets or components. Traditionally, it is was only known as metal stamping. However, with the advancement in technologies, stamping machines are getting automated. One of the ways to automate the stamping machines is to integrate them with computer numerical control (CNC) technology. Since CNC machining is known as a precision manufacturing technique, CNC integrated stamping machines are known as precision stamping machines. Eventually, CNC-supported metal stamping is known as precision metal stamping. This process can be adapted to manufacture a wide range of industrial products, but before adopting it, the process must be understood well. This post discusses what is precision metal stamping, and the benefits of adopting precision stamping machines instead of traditional stamping presses.

Precision Metal Stamping

Precision metal stamping is a metal forming technique, which is performed using an automated precision metal stamping machine. This process includes impacting the metal sheet with a punch or a die to bend and draw the sheet metal. In this process, the precision stamping machine is automated or programmed to repetitively punch the metal sheet with a specific force. Owing to the shear force applied by the punch or a die, the sheet metal goes under deformation which leads to bending, punching, or sheet metal drawing.

The process of precision stamping relies on the type of sheet metal, properties of sheet metal, and the capabilities of the precision stamping machine. There are two types of machines commonly used, according to which the quality of metal stamping varies.

• Mechanical Stamping Presses:

  The mechanical stamping presses are the mechanical equipment that features a flywheel that stores the energy. The energy is transformed to the punch or a die based on the movement of the flywheel. The energy transfer causes the stamping action on the sheet metal. Generally, these setups are integrated with the CNC functionality to perform the stamping process in a seamless sequence with precision. These types of precision stamping machines can process 20 to 6000 tons of punch load. The stroke size in such machines remains between 5 to 500 mm.

• Hydraulic Stamping Presses:

  The hydraulic stamping presses are the stamping equipment powered by hydraulic operations. These systems can also be integrated with CNC function for quick, error-free, and automated stamping operations. The stroke size in these setups is larger up to 800 mm and the processing load may go up to 10000 tones.

Advantages of Using Precision Stamping Machine over Stamping Presses

It is obvious to think that if a mechanical or a hydraulic punching press is sufficient to forge the sheet metals? Why should one invest in precision stamping machines with integrated CNC functions? The following benefits offered by the precision stamping process, it is worth investing in the precision stamping machines.

• Automation:

  It is an automated process. This is one of the biggest advantages of precision stamping. Having integrated with CNC functioning, the stamping process becomes seamless on the production line. This increases production efficiency and saves the investment of manpower. It also results in the reduction of human errors and higher precision and dimensional accuracy.

• Quick Turnaround Time:

  Automation plays an important role in the turnaround time of the precision stamping. Having automated, the time for tool replacement, workpiece changes, etc are reduced and therefore the overall duration of production is reduced.

• Tooling Variation:

  The punching tools can be used for soft tooling, hard tooling, and stepped tooling based on the material properties. Strategic variation in tooling load prevents cracking or damage to the sheet.

• Suitable for Various Processes:

  The precision metal stamping is suitable for a wide range of production processes such as punching, embossing, multi-side stamping, shear bending, deep drawing fine blanking, etc.

However, since the precision stamping process is CNC operated, it is important to source this service from a trusted service provider like BDE, Inc. The company offers precision CNC machining services for industrial production. The company offers high-quality CNC machining services for high and low production volumes based on customer’s requirements.