Overview and origin of stamping die and metal stamping

Metal stamping (also known as stamping) is a process in which flat metal is placed in a stamping die in the form of a blank or coil for stamping. The surface of the stamping die usually needs heat treatment to increase its hardness. Stamping processing includes various sheet metal stamping forming, such as stamping, punching, embossing, bending, flanging and embossing using a punch or hydraulic press. This can be a single process operation, in which each process of the punch press produces the desired shape on the plate, or it can be automated stamping with a continuous metal mold. The stamping process is usually performed on a metal plate, but can also be used for other materials, such as polystyrene and other plastic sheets. The stamping progressive die is usually made of steel coils, which are used to feed the coils into the straightening machine to level the coils, and then into the feeder, which sends the material to the press and passes the metal stamping die for stamping processing. According to the complexity of the parts, the stamping process in the stamping die and the number of stamping die stations can be determined.

Metal stamping is usually formed by cold stamping on a metal plate. Metal stamping parts were mass-produced bicycles in the 1880s. Metal stamping replaces die forging and machining, thereby greatly reducing costs. Although not as strong as forged parts, their quality is good enough.

Stamped bicycle parts were imported from Germany to the United States in 1890. American companies then began to have stamping presses customized by American machine tool manufacturers. At that time, Western Europe was able to stamp most of the bicycle hardware stamping parts.

Several automakers used metal stamping parts before Ford Motor Company. Henry Ford rejected the engineer's suggestion and refused to use stamping parts, but when the company could not meet the demand for die forgings, Ford was forced to use stamping parts later.

In the history of metal stamping, forging and deep drawing, various types of punching presses are the backbone of metal manufacturing. Presses and interconnected automation equipment (automatic feeders, levelers) increase productivity, reduce labor costs, and provide a higher level of safety for factory workers.

Metal stamping process

Bending-The material deforms or bends along a straight line. Flanging-the material is bent along a curve. Embossing-the material is stretched into shallow depressions by the punching die. Mainly used for adding decorative patterns. Blanking-cut out a piece from a piece of material, usually used as a blank for further processing. Embossing-The pattern is compressed or extruded into the material. Traditionally used to make coins. Stretching-The surface area of the blank is stretched into another shape by controlled material flow. You can also see the deep drawing.

Stretching-The surface area of the blank is increased by tension, and there is no inward movement of the burr. Usually used to make smooth body parts. Cold extrusion-the material is squeezed by the stamping die and the thickness along the vertical wall is reduced. Used in beverage cans and ammunition boxes. Neck/Neck-Used to gradually reduce the diameter of the open end of a container or tube. Curl-deform the material into a tubular profile. Door hinges are a common example. Crimping-Fold the edge onto itself to increase thickness. The edges of the door are usually curled.

Stamping processing is usually carried out on a stamping machine. Progressive die stamping is to combine the above-mentioned stamping processing technology into a stamping die. When the die is produced in one punch cycle, the metal stamping process is completed by feeding materials at the same time through a feeder.

Stamping lubricant

The metal stamping process generates friction, which requires the use of lubricants to protect the surface of the workpiece and stamping die from scratches or wear. The lubricant also protects metal plates and finished stamped parts from the same surface wear, and promotes the flow of elastic materials to prevent cracks, tears or wrinkles. A variety of lubricants can be used for this task. They include vegetable and mineral oil based, animal fat or lard, graphite based, soap and acrylic based dry films. The latest technology in this industry is polymer-based synthetic lubricants, also known as oil-free lubricants or non-oil lubricants. The term "water-based" lubricants refers to a larger category, which also includes more traditional oil and fat-based compounds.