Precision metal stamping is a metal forming technique. This process is used to create shapes and features on sheet metal, and can be used to bend sheet metal, stamp, shear and form this material or specific parts. Traditionally, this is what is called metal stamping. However, with advances in technology, punch presses are being automated. One way to do this is to integrate them with computer numerical control (CNC) technology. Since CNC machining is called precision manufacturing technology, an 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 a variety of industrial products (metal rod and others) but requires a full understanding of its intricacies before use. It can be adapted to produce a wide range of industrial products, but before using it, the operator must be properly qualified. Whether your company has been successfully shipped springs, stainless steel metals, or other products with Chinese origins, it’s good to know that it’s possible to accurately stamp in metal using CNC. We encourage you to read this article!
Precision metal stamping – how does the process work in CNC?
Precision metal stamping is a technique for forming this material performed by automated and extremely precise metal stamping machines. The process involves striking a plate with a punch or die to bend and compress that plate. During this procedure, high-precision punching machines are programmed automatically to repeatedly punch the plate with a specific force. Under the shear action exerted by the punch or die, the material deforms, causing it to bend, punch or stretch.
The process of precision stamping depends on the type of material to be processed, its properties and the capabilities of the precision machine that is used in a given plant. There are two types of commonly used equipment that differ in the quality of metal stamping, among other things.
The first is the mechanical press – a device equipped with a flywheel that stores energy. This energy is then transformed into a punch or die according to the movement of the flywheel. The transfer of energy causes the sheet to be compressed. Generally, these settings are integrated with CNC functions so as to precisely perform the pressing process in a smooth sequence. These types of precision presses can handle press press pressures from 20 to 6,000 tons and have strokes from 5 to 500 mm. The mechanical press is a high-volume and wide-ranging product, and its development and degree of application are 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 application areas have been at a highly advanced level, realizing import substitution. Taking a look at the available product categories, you will notice that domestic machine tools have also appeared and become an important part of similar projects, such as large multi-station precision mechanical presses, precision servo presses, high-speed precision presses.
Hydraulic presses, on the other hand, are hydraulically driven punching devices. These systems can also be integrated with CNC functions to provide fast, error-free and automated punching operations. Strokes up to 800 mm in these configurations and machining loads up to 10,000 tons.
The technical parameters, speed setting and precise control of the hydraulic press have been reliably guaranteed by them. Combined with the manufacturers’ relentless pursuit of high precision and speed, hydraulic components, control systems and entire supply chains are fully assured. Continuous improvement has greatly improved the accuracy and reliability of the hydraulic press. This type of CNC machining has changed its image from being slow and has become a truly flexible machine that can be fast, slow or mixed as needed. Some indicators have been improved, such as fast drop and return at idle, high drop speed ≥1m/si, high return speed up to 700-800mm/s, machine and part performance has improved, energy consumption has decreased, and project time is additionally saved. In addition, new hydraulic press technologies, such as the use of tensile washers, the use of high-speed oil cylinders, adjustable stroke of the blank holder, automatic control of blank holder force and tensile force, and free switching of single and double actions are now widely used. Empty chuck force, displacement curve matching technology, press fault diagnosis and the application of bus technology, etc. have greatly improved the performance and safety of hydraulic presses. Hydraulic presses, with their more advanced electrical control system, combined with the use of a non-welded flange pipe system synchronized with the latest technology, ensure reliable sealing of the hydraulic system.
Metal injection molding, speed, corrosion resistance and other advantages
It is said that a mechanical or hydraulic punch is sufficient for forging sheet metal. So why invest in a precision press with integrated CNC function? Here are the pros of the precision metal stamping process and why you should invest in a precision stamping machine.
- It is an automated process. This is one of the biggest advantages of precision stamping. When integrated with CNC functionality, the stamping project on the production line becomes seamless. This increases productivity and saves investment in manpower. It also reduces human error and improves precision and dimensional accuracy;
- Fast turnaround time, as automation plays an important role in implementing precision stamping. Once automation is implemented, the time required for tool changes, workpiece changes, etc., is reduced, which consequently reduces overall production time;
- Tooling variation – stamping tools are available for soft, hard and graded tools depending on material properties. Strategic tool load variation prevents cracking or damaging the sheet;
- Suitable for various processes – Precision metal stamping is suitable for a variety of manufacturing processes, such as stamping, multilateral stamping, shear bending, deep drawing, fine punching, etc.
However, since the process is handled by CNC, it is important to get this service from a trusted service provider. It’s worth finding a company that provides CNC precision machining services for industrial production, or for high-volume and low-volume production according to customer requirements. It all depends on what you need at the time. The manufacturing process and CNC machining services can act like a grinding wheel or grinding machine and create metal powder.
In recent years, there has been a rapid development of metal forming (forging) equipment, including laser cutters, laser tube cutters, bending machines and their bending units, crimping centers, and even hydraulic presses and mechanical presses. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, cloud and drive technology, control system, information network, etc., effectively activated and propelled the technological progress and development of these traditional machine tool products. What’s more, this progress has created new design ideas, an idea for their further development and improvement, new product paths and new technological breakthroughs.
Overall, greater speed, greater precision and greater reliability are still the unchanging direction of development of today’s CNC machine tool products. With the blessing of AI technology, intelligent functions of machine tool products will gradually become popular in the future until they become standard products. Metal stamping using CNC can be used as:
- sheet metal fabrication,
- metal parts that are characterized by corrosion resistance
- metal injection molding,
- custom metal parts, and others.
The cutting tool is one of the most important elements in metal stamping. Hot-rolled steel will behave differently, and cold-rolled steel will behave differently. Metal turning and metal fabrication is an activity that should be performed by professionals.
Our company has many years of experience in metal stamping process as well as stainless steel processing. We specialize in CNC machining in the broadest sense. We serve many customers who are satisfied with our services. On our website you will find contact and a lot of information facilitates better communication. Leave a message we will call you back soon.