Precision metal stamping is a technique of forming metal. This process is used to create shapes and features on sheet metal, it can be applied to bending sheets, stamping, milling, shearing and forming this material or specific parts. Traditionally, this is called metal stamping. However, with technological progress, die presses are automated. One way to do this is to integrate them with computer numerical control (CNC) technology. Since CNC machining is called precision manufacturing technology, the integrated CNC punch press is (logically) called a precision punch press. The final CNC-assisted metal stamping is called precision metal stamping. The process can be applied to various industrial products, but before use, it requires a full understanding of its intricacies. It can be adapted to manufacture a wide range of industrial products, but before its application, the operator must be properly qualified. Regardless of whether your company has successfully received springs, stainless steel metals, or other products originating from China - it's worth knowing that you can precisely stamp in metal using CNC. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with this article!
Precise metal stamping - how does the process proceed using CNC?
Precision metal stamping is a technique of forming this material performed by automated and exceptionally precise metal stamping machines. The process involves striking a plate with a punch or die to bend and compress the said plate. During this procedure, precision cutters are automatically programmed to repeatedly cut the sheet with a specified force. Under the influence of the shearing action exerted by the punch or die, the material deforms, which results in its bending, perforating, or stretching.
The process of precision stamping depends on the type of material being processed, its properties, and the capabilities of the precise machine used in a given facility. There are two types of commonly used devices that differ, among other things, in the quality of metal stamping.
- The first one is a mechanical press - a device equipped with a flywheel that stores energy. This energy is then transformed into a stamp or die according to the movement of the flywheel. The energy transfer causes the sheet to be compressed. Generally speaking, these settings are integrated with CNC functions to precisely perform the stamping process in a fluid sequence. This type of precision press can handle press pressures from 20 to 6000 tons and have strokes from 5 to 500 mm. The mechanical press is a high-volume product with a wide range of capabilities, and its development and degree of application represent to some extent the status quo of the manufacturing industry. In recent years, the progress of domestic precision mechanical presses has taken a clear step forward, and some products or in some fields of application were at a highly advanced level, realizing import substitution. Familiarizing ourselves with the available product categories, we will notice that also domestic machine tools have appeared and have become an important part of similar projects, such as large multi-station precision mechanical presses, precision servo presses, fast precision presses.
- Hydraulic presses, on the other hand, are hydraulically driven cutting devices. These systems can also be integrated with CNC functions to ensure fast, error-free, and automated cutting operations. Strokes up to 800 mm in these configurations and processing loads up to 10,000 tons.
The technical parameters, speed setting, and precise control of the hydraulic press have been reliably guaranteed by them. In combination with the manufacturers' constant pursuit of high precision and speed, hydraulic components, control systems, and entire supply chains are fully ensured. Continuous improvement has significantly improved the accuracy and reliability of the hydraulic press. This type of CNC machining has changed its image from slow to truly flexible, which can be fast, slow, or mixed, according to needs. Some indicators have been improved, such as fast dump and return on idle, large descent speed ≥1m/s, large return speed up to 700-800mm/s, the performance of the machine and parts has improved, energy consumption has decreased, and additionally, time devoted to the project is saved. Moreover, new technologies of hydraulic presses are currently widely used, such as the application of stretching pads, the use of high-speed oil cylinders, adjustable stroke of the semi-finished product holder, automatic control of the semi-finished product holding force and stretching force, and free switching of single and double actions. The empty grip force, displacement curve matching technology, press fault diagnosis, and the application of bus technology, etc. have significantly improved the performance and safety of hydraulic presses. Hydraulic presses, with their more advanced electric control system, combined with the application of a non-welded flange pipe system synchronized with the latest technology, provide reliable sealing of the hydraulic system.
Advantages of using a precision CNC punching machine compared to stamping presses
It is said that a mechanical or hydraulic punch is enough for sheet metal forging. So why invest in a precision press with integrated CNC function? Here are the advantages of the precision metal stamping process and reasons why it's worth investing in a precision punching machine.
- This is an automated process. It's one of the biggest advantages of precision stamping. After integrating with CNC functionality, the stamping project on the production line becomes seamless. This increases productivity and saves investment in labor force. It also reduces human errors and improves precision and dimensional accuracy;
- Fast turnaround time, as automation plays a crucial role in implementing precise stamping. After implementing robots, the time required for tool changes, workpiece changes, etc. is reduced, which consequently reduces the total production time;
- Varieties of tooling - stamping tools are available for soft, hard, and graduated tools depending on the properties of the material. Strategic variability of tool load prevents cracking or damage to the sheet;
- Suitable for various processes - precision metal stamping is suitable for various manufacturing processes, such as stamping, multi-sided stamping, shearing bending, deep drawing, precise cutting, etc.
However, since the process is handled by CNC, it is important to get this service from a trusted service provider. It is worth finding a company that provides precision CNC machining services for industrial production, or for mass and small batch production according to customer requirements. Everything depends on what we need at a given moment. The production process and CNC machining services can work like a grinder or grinding machine and create metal powder.
In recent years, there has been rapid development of metal forming devices (forging), including laser cutters, laser pipe cutters, benders and their bending units, kneading centers, and even hydraulic presses and mechanical presses. Along with the rapid development of artificial intelligence, cloud technology, and drives, control systems, information networks, etc., it effectively activated and drove the technological progress and development of these traditional machine tool products. What's more, this progress has created new design ideas, a vision for their further development and improvement, new product paths, and new technological breakthroughs.
Generally speaking, higher speed, greater precision, and increased reliability are still the constant direction of development for contemporary CNC machine tool products. Thanks to the blessing of AI technology, the intelligent functions of machine tool products will gradually become popular in the future until they become the standard of products. Metal stamping using CNC can be used as:
- sheet metal production,
- metal parts characterized by corrosion resistance
- injection molding of metals,
- custom metal parts and others.
The cutting tool is one of the more important elements during metal stamping. Hot-rolled steel will behave differently than cold-rolled steel. Metal turning and metal production is an activity that should be performed by professionals.
Our company has many years of experience in the process of metal stamping, as well as in stainless steel processing. We specialize in a broad sense of CNC processing. We serve many customers who are satisfied with our services. On our website, you will find contact information and many details that facilitate better communication. Leave a message and we will call back soon.
Precise metal stamping and CNC turning are provided by a CNC lathe or other CNC machines. Products subject to stamping can be divided into categories. Using a lathe, the object/material being processed can be excellently reworked. This is ensured by, among others, appropriate turning tools. However, a novice CNC machine operator will not do this professionally.