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What is Metal Stamping?

Home » Manufacturing » Metal Extrusions, Forming, and Stamping » What is Metal Stamping?

Metal stamping basically is a manufacturing process where a metal stamping die is used to form blanks into three dimensional shapes. In other words, a machine will stamp a metal by placing a three-dimensional image, lettering, or some other material on the surface of the metal. The way machinist do this is by using a form or die and forcing that form or die into the surface of the material under extreme pressure. The upper die is attached to the ram and the lower die is attached to the stationary bolster. When the press is activated, the ram moves vertically to the bolster. As it moves closer, it forms a piece of metal over the lower die. When you look at the metal you will notice something engrained in the material. This is what is known as metal stamping. The types of machines that are usually used to do this are manual presses to highly computerized progressive die processors.

Metal stamping has advantages in that the machinist can produce sheet metal parts at extremely high rates. The way it works is the metal stamping dies are placed in presses and with each cycle of the press, a part is formed.

When extrusion, forming, and stamping are brought together, which in factories and large machine shops they are, all kinds of styles and textures of metal and goods can be produced. Also, by bringing all these processes in under one roof saves the company from having to outsource all the work. Plus, the company gains, because all the work is done in-house and can be controlled by the same people. One machinist, or tool and die maker could be on one machine where extrusion takes place. Another machinist could be on another machine where the materials used are formed. While another machinist could be on a machine where stamping takes place. After all processes have been completed, a finished product occurs that can be used in many industries from the automotive to aeronautics.

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