Metal Stamping Definitions

by MELISSA RIVERS

Metal stamping is the process of shaping metal into products or pieces. Metal stamping is being used more readily throughout many industries because it is a cost effective way to produce mass quantities of products. The following is the first of a two part article series that explains some terms used in metal stamping. Part 1 focuses on methods and techniques of metal stamping, including terms that refer to specific metal stamping procedures.

Deep drawn stamping: This is the process of creating three dimensional shapes out of flat sheet metal. The shapes made have a depth that is greater than its radius.

Electronic stamping: Electronic components that are metal stamped.

Four slide stamping: Used to make complex pieces, this is the process of stamping form four sides. It is used to make bends and twists.

Medical stamping: Metal stamping that is for medical use only.

Progressive die stamping: Involves more than one set of punches and dies. This is used to make complex parts.

Short run stamping: This is the least cost effective method of metal stamping. The dies actual cost more than the parts produced. It can not produce large quantities. It is only used in rare cases because everything involved from set up to operation takes more time than other metal stamping methods.

These are a basic overview of terms related to techniques and methods used in metal stamping. In the next part of the article series about metal stamping definitions more general metal stamping terms will be introduced.

About the Author: Melissa Rivers writes for Courtesy Manufacturing Company. CMC is a metal component manufacturing facility that specializes in precision metal stamping, fabrication, and sheet metal fabrication.