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Five Industries That Rely Upon Custom Metal Stamping

Stamped metal components form the building blocks of vehicles, equipment, electronics, appliances, tools, and so much more. Precision metal stamping processes employ a wide range of specialty equipment to cut, pierce, bend, and form sheet metal to meet modern needs.

Steel and steel alloys, brass, aluminum, and copper are all popular materials for stamping projects, and all often begin as simple sheets. Through metal stamping technology, these essential materials are transformed into either stand-alone, high-performance components, or pieces of larger, more complex assemblies. 

Metal Stamping Processes

The processes and tools employed by metal stampers are nearly as diverse as the applications they serve. A few of the most common include:

• Progressive Die Stamping
• Blanking
• Piercing and Punching
• Coining
• Shallow Draw Stamping
• Laser Cutting and Water Jet Cutting
• Bending
• Forming

For most custom stamping projects, a unique finish or secondary machining process enhances a part’s lifespan and performance. Craft the ideal component with:

• Deburring
• Tapping
• Grinding
• Riveting
• Powder coating and plating

Electrical Components

Precision metal stamping serves a wide variety of applications and industries. Within the electrical and power industry alone, stamped metal parts serve countless needs across a wide variety of electrical components.

The absolute accuracy of reliable metal stamping proves critical to everything from the intricate components in automotive set-ups to large metal industrial housings. Clips, cups, covers, fasteners, and even sensitive electronic assemblies join the list of precision products made from detailed stamped metal parts.

Construction

Construction environments require durability. Harsh conditions, aggressive use, and high wear are all par for the course. Custom metal stamping combines accurate, repeatable manufacturing processes with these rigorous needs. Stamped parts are long-lasting, resist temperature strains, maintain integrity under the threat of rust or corrosion, and offer high strength alloy material choices for heavy lifting.

Metal stamping serves the needs of power tools, panel fastening systems, industrial switches and connectors, and even complex custom assemblies for construction projects.

Hardware

From doors, shelves, and cabinets to lighting fixtures and custom switches, stamped metal parts serve hardware needs both commercial and residential. Nuts, bolts, screws, hinges, and washers don’t even begin to cover the comprehensive list.

Specialty stamped hardware products include:

• Catches, latches, locks, and closer systems.
• Household tools.
• Power tools.
• Doors, handles, and cabinetry essentials.
• Mounting brackets and chassis.
• Custom quick connects and lighting components.

Fastening

The precision and durability of stamped metal components make for exceptional fastening solutions. Hooks, bolts, and even complex contact elements can all be stamped.

The range of capabilities and finishes available for stamped parts make for readily customized brackets, latch assemblies, and lock systems to fit tools, machinery, automotive projects, and more.

Appliances

Appliances encompass a dramatic range of sizes, shapes, finishes, and functions—both residential and commercial. This industry demands an equally complex suite of parts and components for a number of appliance types, including:

• Ice machines and freezers
• Microwaves, toaster ovens, standard ovens, ranges, and cooktops
• Refrigerators and refrigeration systems
• Grills and outdoor kitchens
• Trash compactors and disposal systems
• Fryers and griddles

The custom finishing solutions offered by metal stamping are an especially effective fit for appliance work. The resulting components perform with reliability, precision, and the appropriate polish for finished projects.

Working with the American Industrial Company

Since 1981, the American Industrial Company (AIC) has worked to serve precision metal stamping needs around the world. Our team is driven by quality and dedicated to customer service. We craft the best parts for your job. To learn more about the specialty industries AIC serves, or to request a quote for your next project, contact us today.

A Closer Look: How Metal Stampings Work

Metal stamping is used across a huge range of industries. Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) typically utilize metal stamping to produce parts in situations in which casting would be too expensive. Metal stamping is much more cost-efficient, as sheet metal is easily recyclable.

OEMs, especially those in the automotive, appliance, and aerospace industries, often drive the need for metal tooling. Some OEMs produce their own stamped metal parts onsite, while others outsource to Tier 1 suppliers. These suppliers build the dies for stamping down the line.

Metal Stamping Components and Processes

A metal stamping operation involves a metal being cut and formed into a desired shape or profile. Three basic items are essential: the metal from which the part is to be made (typically steel, though all kinds of metals can be used, including golds and advanced super alloys), the stamping press, and the stamping die. During metal stamping, a flat metal sheet, also known as a blank, is pressed between a die and a punch to achieve the desired shape.

These parts comprise the press:

• Blank — The portion of the metal that is punched through the die
• Die — Defines the outside shape of the part
• Punch — Defines the inside shape of the part
• Ram — Component that presses down on metal with upper die pattern
• Bolster plate — Stationary lower part of the die
• Blank holder — Holds the blank for control during stamping

As blanks are punched out of the sheet metal, they come through the die, which is built with a slight angle so blanks don’t get stuck inside. Punch presses are powerful machines. It takes about 71 tons of pressure to cut a 10” circle out of 0.125” sheet metal. Modern presses range from 10 tons to 50,000 tons of force.

There are a number of workers involved in the metal stamping process. A machinist cuts die components to correct dimensions. A diemaker tests dies for consistency and assembles stamping tools. A maintenance technician repairs and maintains stamping dies, correcting any problems.

Some parts require further work after stamping. During deep drawing, for instance, a flat blank is slowly drawn over a forming die to achieve the desired shape. Excess material is cut from the deep drawn metal. The metal might then need to be flanged.

Metal Stamping Services From American Industrial

American Industrial’s metal stamping services include progressive die stamping, coining or shallow draw stamping, blanking, piercing, laser cutting, bending, and forming.

Our manufacturing operations are designed for forming of a wide range of materials. Some of the most common materials we work with include stainless, cold/hot rolled and galvanized steels, aluminum, brass, copper, and high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel.

Metal stamping is used to create a huge range of products, including many everyday items. Common household products, such as washers and dryers, are made using a sheet metal stamping process. The flatware we use for eating, the pots and pans we cook with, and the soda cans we drink from are also manufactured partially with metal stamping.

Learn More

Ready to learn more about the uses of benefits of metal stamping? Read more about American Industrial’s metal stamping capabilities, or contact us today to discuss your specific needs with an expert.