The metallurgical industry has drastically changed in the last two centuries. Modern manufacturing is what it is today, thanks to the mistakes and successes learned by the blacksmiths of the 17th century. The manipulation of metal, such as precision stamping and deep engraving, also exists for centuries; what has changed is the technology.
Metal Stamping
The precision metal stamping is a high-speed manufacturing process that produces identical parts at high speed. The stamping transforms flat metal sheets, also known as blank parts, into any desired shape using cold or hot rolled steel sheets. In this process, the following main types of dies are involved:
Die cutting
Bending
Drilling
Stamping
Flanging
Minting
Deep Engraving Stamping
The precision deep engraving stamping produces dimensional accuracy and smooth finishes, by using a series of progressive dies to stretch the raw material repeatedly and incrementally, until achieving the desired shape.
While deep engraving creates intricate and complex shapes at high speed, effectively and precisely. The products produced with deep engraving are also considered more durable than stampings, as they undergo more stress and pressure during production.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Metal Stamping
The metal stamping is a favorite of the industry, and is used throughout the world of the metallurgical industry, due to its ease of use. The precision metal stamping is durable and flexible, perfect for large-scale industries such as the military and medical.
Advantages of Metal Stamping
The metal stamping is a high-speed precision manufacturing process that occupies less physical space than other machines. This process is also easy to learn for employees, as it requires relatively basic machinery operations.
Finally, the precision metal stamping is extremely versatile, as it uses a wide variety of metals to create different shapes and sizes. Among the metals used in metal stamping are 300 series stainless steel, 400 series stainless steel, precipitation hardening, and titanium.
Disadvantages of Metal Stamping
Unfortunately, the precision stamping of metals can produce high levels of chip, as the sheet must be completely flat before use.
In addition, being simpler than the deep engraving process, custom and complex products cannot be manufactured. Although metal stamping can produce many products at once, it requires a lot of labor and can be a slower manufacturing process than other metallurgical techniques.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Deep Engraving
Precision deep engraving is another of the industry's favorite manufacturing processes, much more accurate and refined, producing smooth finish parts and higher levels of accuracy.
The deep engraving process requires ease for the materials to adapt to the desired shape and dimension, using a durable and resistant alloy capable of bending without breaking.
This phase must also take into account the variables of the deep engraving process, such as the type of material, thickness, size, shape, temperature, etc.
Advantages of Deep Engraving
Like metal stamping, deep engraving produces a large volume of quality product with a fairly simple and easy-to-use machine. Deep engraving also has the ability to create complex designs for more creative demands without any design limitation.
This process also uses a wide variety of metallic materials, making it more flexible than other manufacturing processes. This form of manufacturing is available throughout the industry, allowing collaborators to easily solve problems with others and access expert knowledge.
The deep engraving is also ideal for products and applications of critical thickness, as the material flows, basically like a tube of toothpaste, the final piece has the same wall thickness throughout its contour, with the same mechanical properties.
Common Problems with Deep Engraving
Due to its more complex nature, deep engraving can also be more expensive. The specific tools needed for an engraved piece are more expensive than those for metal stamping. Along the same lines, deep engraving requires specialized equipment that can only be used in specific factories and with the appropriate machinery.
Manufacturing of Components through Deep Stamping and Metal Engraving
Both deep precision stamping and metal engraving are widely used to manufacture metal parts.
Why use deep metal stamping?
The deep metal stamping is ideal for products that must be airtight or watertight, due to the thickness of the material, with significant conformability and seemingly lightweight material.
Otherwise, the deep drilling stamping is also ideal for specific geometric designs and complex shapes. It is a very specialized process and is ideal for meeting unconventional needs.
What industries employ metal stamping?
There is a wide variety of industries that use metal stamping. The most prominent industries are aerospace, fluid (such as hydraulic), oil and gas, and medical. The navigation and transportation sectors, the military, and public transportation also benefit from the durability and precision of metal stamping.
Acquisition of Materials for Precision Metal Stamping and Deep Engraving
In general, for deep engraving, alloys with a higher nickel content are preferred. Nickel is very malleable, so these alloys can be stamped to a greater depth with a lower risk of fracture or other problems.
Whether it's precision stamping or deep engraving, Ulbrinox has the alloys and experience to supply the optimal materials for manufacturing processes.
Contact us today to speak with one of our experts about your application needs.
