Introduction
Precision metal stamping is a widely-used process in manufacturing, responsible for the fast and cost-efficient production of the precision metal parts needed in many products and industries. In this post, we’ll help you understand:
- What precision metal stamping is
- Its comparative advantages and
- Its real-world applications
We’ll guide you on what to look out for in a precision metal stamping partner, as well as highlight Interplex’s track record in this area.
Ready to get started? Let’s jump in.
Table of Contents
- What is Precision Metal Stamping?
- Advantages of Precision Metal Stamping
- Considerations When Using Precision Metal Stamping Techniques
- What To Look for in a Precision Metal Stamping Partner
- Precision Metal Stamping Capabilities and Industries We Serve
What is Precision Metal Stamping?
Precision metal stamping is an industrial process that uses machinery fitted with dies to transform flat sheet metal in either blank or coil form into different custom shapes. Besides stamping, these metal presses can also perform a wide range of processes such as punching, tooling, notching, bending, embossing, flanging, coining, and much more.
Precision metal stamping is widely used for the production of a large variety of products. It can be executed as a single-stage operation— where each stroke of the metal press produces the desired shape on the sheet metal— or in a series of stages.
The growing demand for precision metal parts in various industries— from medical to automotive to aerospace— has pushed precision metal stamping to the forefront of manufacturing today. This is because it offers a high degree of design flexibility for defining and implementing minute features with tight tolerances and unique configurations.
Furthermore, custom applications are extremely well served by the adaptability of precision metal stamping, with tooling tailored to the exact requirements of each application. In all, this makes precision metal stamping an ideal solution for the high-volume production of complex products, thanks to its flexibility, speed and cost-effectiveness.
Advantages of Precision Metal Stamping
Precision stamping comes into its own when handling the production of precise metal parts. Once the equipment and dies are set, the process can run in a highly automated manner. This translates into 2 distinct advantages:
- Cost efficiency in production: Labor costs drop as production levels increase, making precision metal stamping a good choice for high-volume production of complex parts
- Consistent quality and accuracy: Precision metal stamping enables the production of very precise parts to the high degree of accuracy required in many industries today
Considerations When Using Precision Metal Stamping Techniques
There are several factors that should be considered in order to maximize the benefits that can be obtained with precision stamping techniques.
Firstly, precision is critical in manufacturing the final product. It is undoubtedly vital to create prototype designs with the correct specifications to minimize errors, defects and deformations, which may affect its strength and integrity during production, and its functionality when finally in use.
Secondly, it is important to know the characteristics and behaviors of the materials used for precision stamping. Metals (e.g. Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Copper, Brass and specialty metals) and plastics react differently when exposed to compressive forces, heat and other factors during the stamping process.
Thirdly, choosing precision stamping techniques that are best suited for the component to be manufactured is a key decision. Working with an experienced precision metal stamping partner with the necessary expertise in your industry will ultimately go a long way towards achieving your targets and desired outcomes.
What to Look for in a Precision Metal Stamping Partner
Choosing the right precision metal stamping partner requires careful consideration of several factors. Beyond cost, one needs to take into account the partner’s capabilities, experience, quality and location of facilities. Additional factors such as the partner’s ability to offer value-added design and production services can also be an added bonus in this decision-making process.
Precision Metal Stamping Capabilities and Industries We Serve
Interplex’s heritage as the precision metal stamping partner of choice dates back to our origins in 1958. As one of the premier precision metal stamping specialists in the global market, we specialize in the stamping of tight-tolerance, close-pitch, high-precision and light-gauge metal components, as well as thicker gauge, larger metal components and assemblies. We can customize a myriad of precision metal stamped solutions tailored to your specific end-application needs, and produce them to your exacting specifications.
We place an emphasis on quality; maintaining robust internal tooling capabilities ensures all our progressive stamping tools exceed customer requirements. For progressive tooling design, we employ top-of-the-line CAD packages such as AutoCAD and CADKEY, as well 3D packages such as Pro E and SolidWorks. Each facility in our global network has surface grinding, programmable CNC centers, sinker EDM and wire cutting EDM technologies to support in-house precision metal stamping operations.
