Custom sheet metal fabrication for various products is made possible by sheet metal services, which play an essential role in the manufacturing industry. Recent studies project that by 2026, the worldwide sheet metal market will have grown to $372.65 billion, a CAGR of 4.09% between 2021 and 2026.

Sheet metal services are in high demand as the construction and infrastructure sectors expand and consumers seek lighter, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Sheet metal services are an integral part of today’s production processes and have enormous potential for expansion.

Here, we’ll define stamping, get into the intricacies of the metal stamping process, and examine the various stamping processes.

What is Stamping?

Stamping, in its most basic definition, is the process of forming metal into a predetermined shape. Applying force in this manner causes the metal to be deformed into the desired form. Stamping is crucial in many industrial sectors, including the auto, aerospace, and home appliance industries.

Types of Stamping Processes

Stamping is a well-known technique in the metalworking industry. Pressure forming is a flexible manufacturing process used to create various metal shapes. Blanking, punching, and shaping are the three most common stamping forms. This article will dive deeply into each category and explain how they function.

Blanking

Stamping processes like blanking entail removing a flat piece of metal from a more extensive sheet. A blanking die, a specialized instrument used to cut metal into a particular shape, is used for this process. Washers, gaskets, and shims are examples of simple metal parts that can be made using the blanking technique.

The first step in the blanking process is selecting the appropriate material, often a flat metal sheet. The blanking die is pressed upon the metal, cutting off the required form. After the blanking process has removed the metal, the part may undergo additional finishing steps like polishing or coating.

Punching

Stamping isn’t the only method used to make holes in metal; punching is another standard method. A punching dies, a specialized tool used to punch through metal to create a hole of a specified size and form, is used for this process. Holes for fasteners like screws and bolts can be punched out with a punch.

The first step in punching is choosing the material, usually a flat metal sheet. Then, the metal is laid onto the punching die, and force is applied to punch through the material and form the required opening. Other procedures, such as polishing or coating, are performed after punching to complete the item.

Forming

The most complicated stamping procedure is called “forming,” It entails molding the metal into a particular shape, like a vehicle fender or an appliance. A forming die, a specialized instrument used to apply pressure on metal to shape it into the desired form, is used for this purpose.

The first step in the shaping process is choosing the suitable material, usually a thin metal sheet. After placing the metal onto the forming die, the metal is shaped by applying pressure.

 Depending on the part’s complexity, a number of techniques, including bending, deep drawing, and hydroforming, can be used to accomplish this. Following completion of the forming process, the excess metal is removed, and the part is given a final polish or coating.

 Stamping Process PDF

A PDF guide is an excellent tool for individuals curious about the stamping procedure. This manual comprehensively introduces stamping, including the different stamping methods, tools, and safety measures that must be taken to achieve quality results. If you want to learn more about metalworking or start a career in the industry, this book is a must-have resource.

Sheet Metal Stamping Process

Forming thin metal sheets into predetermined shapes is called “sheet metal stamping,” a subset of the more general stamping process. Products such as automobile bodies, home appliances, and electronic housings are all made using this method. A stamping press dies and a blank holder is all necessary tools for sheet metal stamping.

Metal Stamping Manufacturing

Production of various metal goods using stamping procedures constitutes metal stamping manufacturing. Material selection, design, tooling, stamping, and finishing are just a few of the many processes involved in this production method.

Metal stamping is employed in numerous industries, such as producing automobiles, airplanes, and even medical tools.

Stamping Process in Car Manufacturing

Stamping is an integral part of the automobile production process. Various vehicle components, such as panels, brackets, and hinges, are manufactured using this method. Stamping is accomplished with the help of stamping presses, dies, and blank holders. This procedure calls for a great deal of accuracy to make parts that meet all of the required criteria.

Metal stamping process flow chart

Material Selection

The first step in metal stamping is always choosing the suitable material to work with. Steel, aluminum, and copper are just some metals that could be used. The ultimate product’s strength and durability are directly tied to the care with which the materials were chosen. Manufacturers have to think about things, including the part’s final destination, its required qualities, and how much it will cost to make.

Design and Tooling

The next step in metal stamping is designing the tooling to make the required shape once the material has been decided upon. Manufacturers can create a digital component model using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Then, CNC machines are used to make tools that are exact replicas of the digital model.

Testing and Refinement

The next step in metal stamping is testing and refining the previously developed tooling. This is done to guarantee high precision and uniformity in the stamped product. Several tests, such as test stamping, in which a sample item is stamped using the tooling, are performed by manufacturers. Any problems found in testing will be fixed, and the equipment will be fine-tuned until the goal is reached.

Stamping

The actual stamping of the metal component is the next step in the metal stamping process. Stamping presses form metal into desired shapes by applying pressure to the material. Blanking, punching, and shaping are all methods that can be used to complete the stamping process. The specifications of the component will determine the approach taken.

Finishing

Finishing is the last step in metal stamping after stamping is complete. This process smooths down the part and gets rid of any rough spots. Finishing can also involve painting, coating, or polishing, depending on the final product’s appearance.

In conclusion, stamping is a vital industrial process across many different sectors. Metal goods can be made using various stamping procedures, giving manufacturers great flexibility. Stamping allows for the creation of complicated and precise metal parts for various purposes with the help of specialized equipment and qualified people.