Find the Right Metal Stamping Method
The machining world is complex by nature. To take an idea and turn it into a real, tangible object takes a great degree of skill, time, effort, and experience. These truths increase tenfold when it comes to the aerospace industry. There is no room for error, and all production is held to a high standard. That’s why the experts are required to meet requirements like an AS9100 audit.
The processes manufacturers choose to use have to be highly precise and offer a great deal of repeatability so that those who are on assembly can be certain the parts they are being given will work. It’s all about having confidence and assurance in your processes. In the following article, we’ll examine two very commonly used processes in aerospace manufacturing, metal stamping, and deep drawn stamping. We’ll look at what those processes entail, and how they differ from one another.
What is Metal Stamping?
The aerospace industry is known for its precision and high standards. There can be no room for error or mishaps on an airline flight, as the slightest mistake can result in substantial financial loss, or even worse, death. The manufacturers of the parts used in flight are held to a very high standard and are heavily scrutinized due to the critical nature of their work. Stamping metal is one of the most prominent elements of aerospace production.
Metal stamping involves forming flat metal sheets into specific shapes. Punching, bending, and piercing are some of the methods used in metal forming. A variety of small parts can be created with this process. Typically, aerospace fasteners and screws are made using this process.
Stamping Methods
There are several methods used in the stamping process, as listed below. With such a broad list of strategies, you can easily customize your product to fit your project’s requirements.
- Beading: Reducing or enlarging the diameter of a part by displacing the material.
- Bottom Piercing: Cutting a round or shaped section of metal from a drawn component.
- Bulging: Forcefully extending part of the diameter of the component from the original shape
- Coining: Displacing material to form specific shapes in the component
- Curling: Rolling metal under curling die to create a rolled edge.
- Extruding: A large diameter punch is used to push through a pilot hole and extend the metal.
- Ironing: The process of thinning the walls of components.Necking: Taking a section of a component and making it smaller than the rest of the component.
- Notching: Making a notch in the open end of the part.
- Rib Forming: Rib forming is the process of creating an outward or inward protruding rib on the part.
- Side Piercing: Piercing holes in the sidewall of the drawn component. The shape is dependent on the component’s specifications.
- Stamping: A method of adding identification to the part, such as the name of the supplier or a product number.
- Threading: Creating threads with a wheel and arbor.
- Trimming: Removing metal that was necessary for drawing the part from the finished part.
Fasteners used in aerospace include anchor bolts, self-tapping screws, cotter pins, shims, and castle nuts. A great way to create these customized pieces is through deep-drawn stamping. These custom parts can be created with high accuracy, as well as a wide range of products, so the process is extremely versatile.
What is Deep Drawn Stamping?
Deep-drawn metal stamping is a variation of metal stamping. During deep drawn stamping, metal sheets are drawn into dies to create components. As the name suggests, deep drawn stamping involves components with a greater depth than width. A flat piece of metal is continually pressed and stretched into the desired shape. With each successive die drawing, the component’s width decreases as its length increases. It’s also commonplace to deep draw components into parts with a variety of different diameters. This process is more cost-effective than turning parts, which requires more material. Since the part is formed out of one metal sheet, scrap material is not a factor, and little to no material goes to waste.
The Difference
As you can see it’s not truly an issue of deep draw vs stamping, as they serve different functions. One is not better than the other. So be sure to reach out to a professional, and consult with them over which methodology will best suit your project.
