FOCUS ON STAMPING
BREAKING THE MOULD
We spotlight a selection of new stamping processes , concepts and press models .
A stamped automotive part .
Fagor Arrasate servo transfer press technology .
“ Greater speed and versatility , shorter cycle times and higher energy savings are just some of the hallmarks of the latest press technologies .”
Metal stamping , or pressing , is a manufacturing process used to convert flat metal sheets , or blanks , into specific shapes . It is a complex process that includes several metalforming techniques — blanking , punching , flanging , bending , embossing , coining and piercing , to name a few . The cold-forming process uses tools , dies and stamping presses to transform sheet metal into different shapes . Typically , stamping can be used for both sheet and coil forms of metal .
Stamping presses utilise the force of a moving ram to transmit force , or an amount of tonnage , to specific tooling to achieve a product ’ s final shape , often with little or no scrap and , whenever possible , with minimal operator intervention . Stamping dies are the tools that shape and cut sheet metal parts .
Some of the most common types of metal stamping machines include mechanical , hydraulic and mechanical servo presses that are fitted with multiple dies to cut and shape the sheets of stainless steel and metals such as aluminium , zinc and copper . There are three major types of metal stamping techniques : progressive , fourslide ( multi-slide ) and deep draw . Greater speed and versatility , shorter cycle times and higher energy savings are just some of the hallmarks of the latest technologies . In this article , we highlight a selection of the latest new global stamping and pressing innovations .
Metal stamping techniques
Progressive die stamping – This features several stations , each with a unique function – it is a strong solution for metal parts with complex geometry .
Fourslide , or multi-slide – This type of stamping involves horizontal alignment and four different slides ( four tools are used simultaneously to shape the workpiece ). This process allows for intricate cuts and complex bends to develop even the most complex parts .
Deep drawing – This involves pulling a sheet metal blank into the die via a punch and forming it into a shape . It is suitable for creating components that need several series of diameters . Short-run metal stamping requires minimal upfront tooling expenses and can be a solution for prototypes or small projects .
64 | sheetmetalplus . com | ISMR September 2021