Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals are suitable for precision metal stamping, each bringing unique advantages to their end-use applications. American Industrial Company (AIC) is an industry-leading fabricator of precision, high-quality non-ferrous metal stampings with over 30 years of experience. With expertise in a wide range of industries, AIC can help you with all your stamping projects, producing high-quality results that match your every requirement and specification.
Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metal Stampings Explained
Selecting the most suitable material for any metal stamping operation depends on the desired attributes of the finished workpiece. While there are many metal types that can be stamped, all can be categorized as either ferrous, which contains iron, or non-ferrous, which does not.
Ferrous Metals
Ferrous metals are a popular choice for stamping because their low carbon content means they are inexpensive, resulting in low unit production costs. Ferrous metals are characterized by their iron content, magnetism, and vulnerability to rust. There are hundreds of well-known ferrous alloys, specified by the amount of each element in their makeup, as well as directions on their finishing and melting.
Ferrous alloys with carbon are named iron or steel and can contain many other elements, such as aluminum or vanadium. Stainless steel, carbon steel, cast iron, and wrought iron are all types of ferrous metals. When deciding on the most suitable type for an application, mechanical properties such as ductility, weldability, elasticity, yield strength, toughness, thermal expansion, and other factors are considered.
Non-Ferrous Metals
Non-ferrous metals do not contain iron, which means they are less prone to corrosion, oxidation, and rust. They are also softer and easier to shape than ferrous metals. These characteristics make non-ferrous metals a popular choice in applications with exposure to moisture, such as liquid-carrying pipes and rain gutters. Commonly stamped non-ferrous metals include aluminum, brass, bronze, copper, silver, tin, and zinc.
Advantages of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals for Metal Stamping
The characteristics of ferrous and non-ferrous metals translate to unique advantages in metal stamping operations.
Advantages of Ferrous Metals
The structure and strength of ferrous metals make them well-suited to physically demanding applications. Since they are durable and strong, they operate reliably without getting damaged. Ferrous metals are highly versatile, making them well-suited to a diverse assortment of applications, particularly engineering and industrial-related applications.
Since ferrous metals feature magnetic properties and are good conductors of electricity, they are compatible with most electrical and mechanical applications. Ferrous metals are also good for the environment since they are easily recyclable. The vast majority of ferrous metals in use today have already been recycled.
Advantages of Non-Ferrous Metals
The primary advantage of non-ferrous metals is their light weight and malleability. Another advantage is that since they feature little or no iron content, they are highly resistant to corrosion and rust. Non-ferrous metals are ideal for wiring and electronic applications due to their conductivity and are also safe to be used in explosive or flammable environments since they cannot generate a spark.
Applications of Ferrous and Non-Ferrous Metals for Metal Stamping
Since the metal stamping process is compatible with a diverse assortment of metals, it is used to create precision components for numerous industries.
Non-Ferrous Metals Applications
Non-ferrous metals are suitable for broad applications, from aerospace to car parts, jewelry, electrical wiring, circuitry, and more. Some specific non-ferrous metals and their applications include:
Aluminum. Since aluminum is lightweight, it is an excellent choice for manufacturing items where weight is critical, such as aircraft. It is also used in castings, railways, cars, kitchen utensils, cans, pistons, and more.
Copper. Copper is most commonly used by the electronics industry in wires and conductors as well as for sheet roofing, cartridge cases, bearings, and more. Copper is also used to make brass, an alloy of copper and zinc.
Lead. This material is used in electrical power cables, batteries, construction, soldering, and more.
Zinc. Most commonly used in galvanizing, zinc is frequently used as a protective coating to prevent rust on iron or steel.
Ferrous Metals Applications
Ferrous metals are commonly used in applications such as shipping containers, industrial piping, automobiles, railroad tracks, commercial and domestic tools, and more. Some specific ferrous metals and their applications include:
Stainless steel. Used in medical, automotive, aerospace, and other industries, stainless steel is ideal for surgical equipment, cookware and kitchen appliances, cutlery, piping fixtures, and more.
Carbon steel. Carbon steel is used for pipelines, structural beams, axles, gears, and other auto parts.
High Carbon Steel. Composed of .61% to 1.5% carbon, this stronger type of carbon steel is used to make knives, drills, axes, and saws.
Cast iron. Brittle and resistant to wear, cast iron is used in water pipes, stoves, automobile engines, machine tools, and more.
Wrought iron. This material is often used to create fences and railings, nails, barbed wire, chains, agricultural tools, and more.
Non-Ferrous Metal Stamping From American Industrial
American Industrial is an expert in all forms of stamping, delivering precision non-ferrous components on time and at highly competitive prices. We handle everything from prototype design to production runs of up to 1,000,000 parts from our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility. For more information on our capabilities, contact us today. To get started on your next metal stamping project, request a quote.
Defense and aviation equipment – from equipment trailers to aviation equipment to armored ground support vehicles – rely heavily on metal stamped components. Metal stamped parts are crafted from sheet metal, which is formed into a predefined shape by highly specialized metal stamping machinery and supporting software. In the production of essential components, like aviation gauges or segments of a tank, end users require part reliability and high performance. Precision metal stamping is critical to the manufacturing process.
Due to the extremely complex nature of engineering military and defense equipment and the involvement of high-level mathematics and calculations, component measurements and requirements are stringent with little to no room for deviation. Additionally, there are strict requirements manufacturers of these parts must adhere to—known as Mil-Spec. Production of these parts requires advanced technologies, precise processes, superior quality assurance tools, and reliable machinery to ensure product repeatability over high volumes.
Materials Used for Military Manufacturing
With a vast range of applications across military and defense, metal stamped components have broadly differentiated demands regarding part durability and part aesthetics. These key considerations are crucial as they may directly or significantly impact the decision of what material to use. Typically, metals used for military manufacturing include:
Aluminum
Brass
Copper
Steel
Steel variations include stainless steel, cold rolled steel, and high carbon steel. There is an additional benefit to laser cutting steel, as the precision nature of the laser results in the most efficient use of materials.
Manufacturing Metal Parts for Military Applications
Created by the Department of Defense (DoD), the Defense Standardization Program (DSP) aims to reduce costs and improve operational effectiveness while also linking the DoD with other military and civil communities. Under this program, strict requirements and regulations are defined for manufacturing Mil-Spec components. Successful manufacturing of Mil-Spec components requires:
Operation with state-of-the-art equipment
Production capabilities that include tightest tolerances
Performance of detailed quality assurance verification and removal of any defective parts
In general, manufacturing for military and defense applications involves a clear emphasis on precision, performance, and efficiency. Extreme attention to product detail remains critical throughout the production process, as do skilled craftsmen with a proven dedication to quality standards. Additionally, manufacturing Mil-Spec components requires product durability and dimensional and tolerance repeatability across production runs.
Manufacturing of military equipment parts includes the fabrication of sheet metals. Equipment containing metal components can include everything from tail landing gear, to firearm triggers, to torque wrenches. Regardless of the end use, Mil-Spec relies on using high-quality equipment capable of maintaining performance during high-volume production, as well as effective quality assurance tools and procedures to intercept any potential defects.
Working With American Industrial
With more than 30 years of experience, American Industrial Company (AIC) is an American manufacturer and frequent fabricator of parts and components for the military and defense industry. Our advanced capabilities include custom laser cutting and precision metal stamping and assembly.
Incorporating technology supported quality assurance methods and exhibiting a high level of attention to detail ensures our products meet or exceed Mil-Spec expectations and simultaneously minimizes defects and maximizes efficiency. Our 25,000-square-foot facility near Chicago O’Hare Airport houses our expansive inventory of specialized machines and equipment and serves a wide range of clients in the North American market.
We take great pride in our highly skilled employees who support the high standards and expectations we strive for at AIC. These talented and diverse individuals, combined with our organizational experience and manufacturing capabilities, enable us to consistently provide quality parts that demonstrate metal stamping precision and expertise.
Learn more about our American-made solutions, capabilities, and benefits specific to your needs by contacting us.
Commercial aviation manufacturers continually strive to improve their vehicles’ fuel economy and passenger comfort. Additionally, aerospace OEMs must adhere to stringent safety guidelines as specified by governments and industry groups. These competing pressures mean that aviation components must be designed to the tightest tolerances possible. At every step of the process, from concept to tooling to production, aerospace manufacturers must satisfy strict quality standards.
Many aerospace manufacturers are able to meet the slew of requirements through the use of metal stamping. This technique allows manufacturers to create high-quality precision components that can meet strict specifications. It can also work with and produce metal parts of all sizes, granting aerospace manufacturers a wide range of abilities when using this technique. This has led to a broad spectrum of aerospace equipment that owes its creation to the innovative use of metal stamping.
Providing Accurate Components Across the Industry
Aerospace industry regulators require manufacturers to adhere to rigorous quality controls and provide ongoing documentation to comply with national and international standards. One of the most important metrics that aerospace projects must satisfy is AS9100, which is part of the ISO 9001 aerospace standards. In order for aircraft to be approved by governmental bodies like NASA, the DoD, and the FAA, it must first accord with AS9100.
AS9100 standards require aerospace manufacturers to document all processes they use to design and fabricate components. This enables inspectors to better locate errors in the production process in case malfunctions occur later down the line. Stringent documentation also helps manufacturers review production plans so they can identify areas in which they can improve their processes, helping them produce sufficient quantities of parts that satisfy demand.
Every aerospace manufacturing project must prioritize component reliability. Because even the smallest types of aircraft are highly complex machines, each component within them must be ready to perform with maximum accuracy at all times. It’s a constant challenge in aerospace manufacturing to find the highest-value components while staying within demand and budgetary constraints.
Common Types of Metals and Applications
Metal stamping allows aerospace manufacturers to efficiently work with high-quality metals using cost-efficient and time-efficient processes. This technique can work with a broad range of high-quality metals essential to aviation projects, such as:
Steel
Stainless steel
Carbon steel
Aluminum
Galvanized steel
Cold-rolled steel
Titanium
Aerospace vehicles contain metal stamped components of all sizes. From the airframe all the way down to the nuts and bolts, metal provides for durability, strength, and functionality. Manufacturers use a variety of metal stamping techniques to create products ranging from:
Larger components such as airframes, brackets, and seat components
Smaller components such as bolts, screws, studs, pins, nuts, and fasteners
Flat connection systems
Signal and power systems
Communication devices such as headsets, handsets, and press-to-talk systems
Power distribution systems and controllers
Learn More About Our Custom Metal Stamping Solutions
American Industrial is one of the United States’ leading metal stampers. Our 25,000-square-foot facility just outside of Chicago partners with aerospace manufacturers across the country to produce quality precision metal components for a wide variety of aviation applications. We provide complete, turnkey packages using state-of-the-art stamping equipment and techniques.
We offer a full range of precision metal-forming processes under our stamping and assembly services umbrella, including:
Forming and bending
Progressive stamping
Blanking
Secondary stamping
Piercing
Shallow draw stamping
Coining
Laser cutting
We also provide additional processes, such as:
Deburring
Finishing
Machining
Welding
Reach out to our team to learn more about our metal stamping capabilities.
The old saying “you get what you pay for” still holds true today––particularly when it comes to manufacturing. For those looking to get the best value for their money in a manufactured product, you should look no further than your own backyard. While the allure of cheaper products may be drawing many companies to look abroad for manufacturing partners, there is tremendous advantage in using a domestic-based manufacturer instead––especially when it comes to quality.
There’s a reason American manufacturing has been known for its high quality for more than a century. In the United States, there are many standards and regulations in place to ensure that manufacturers are selling their customers the highest-quality products. American manufacturers are also known for using advanced technologies in high-grade facilities to produce consistent products supported by exceptional customer service.
When working with a manufacturer in the United States, you can rest assured knowing that the workers making your product are working in a safe environment with the proper amount of labor protection. Unlike many other nations, the United States enforces strict labor laws and safety requirements to protect workers operating in potentially hazardous work environments. The United States also has more intellectual property laws in place than many other nations, helping to safeguard your ideas and trade secrets against competing companies.
One of the greatest benefits, however, is the proximity that you’ll have to the manufacturing process. Because your product won’t need to be shipped halfway around the world, you can be sure that it will get to you much sooner––and at much less cost. With less travel time required, there is also less chance that your product could be damaged during transit or become lost or displaced.
Should an issue arise, the closeness of a U.S. manufacturer means they’ll be able to inform you of the problem much sooner and rectify it before it causes significant delays. If the manufacturer is close enough, you may even be able to visit their facility to see their operations for yourself and weigh in on the finished product before it ships.
Maybe most importantly, working with American manufacturers helps support local companies and provide jobs––providing an overall boost to our domestic economy.
About AIC
At American Industrial Company (AIC), we pride ourselves on being an entirely American-based manufacturer. Our facility is located in the heart of the Midwest in Gurnee, Illinois. It is here that our talented team designs and manufactures all of our parts, ensuring that each product meets the highest of industry standards. Within our facility, we demonstrate an ongoing commitment to providing a safe and comfortable work environment for our team with our current ISO 9001:2015 certification.
We are experienced in providing a number of manufacturing services for our customers with a commitment to satisfaction and quality. We work closely with our clients throughout the entire manufacturing process––from initial design to final product––to ensure that everything we produce not only meets customers’ desired requirements, but exceeds them. Our in-house capabilities include metal stamping, laser cutting, prototyping, design and engineering, tooling services, and other value-added services.
If you’re looking for an American-based manufacturer who offers a large selection of customization options, a full range of in-house capabilities, and a demonstrated commitment to quality and reliability, consider working with AIC.
To learn more about what our team of American manufacturing experts can do for you, download our eBook today!
Metal stamping is set to have a great year in 2018—even beyond the already impressive year the sector experienced in 2017. This growth in precision metal stamping may largely be attributed to growth in the U.S. economy, which is set to experience an additional 2% GDP growth this year. Across the United States, new markets are opening up, providing a wide range of opportunities for various manufacturers, including the metal stamping industry.
Industry Growth
The metal stamping industry has seen significant growth in the aerospace, defense, and automotive verticals, which have all contributed directly to the substantial growth metal stamping experienced in 2017 and 2018.
Aerospace/Defense
The aerospace sector is making technological advancements at a record pace, leading to rapid growth––particularly when it comes to the defense and commercial aviation sectors. This expansion has resulted in greater demand for sheet metal fabrication worldwide, as metal stamped components make up a significant portion of defense and aviation equipment and vehicles. This demand has been most noticeable among the commercial and military aircraft market divisions.
Automotive
The automotive industry is also projecting significant growth in metal stamping demand. Metal stamping plays a critical role in automotive applications, as metal stamped components are widely used in everything from vehicle bodies to engines and fuel systems. The flexibility of metal stamping makes it an ideal process for automotive manufacturers, allowing for a wide variety of custom shapes and sizes that meet the various specifications of each model’s unique design.
In the midst of a strong economy, the demand among consumers for new vehicles has also grown. Increased production of passenger vehicles has steadily driven growth in the automotive metal stamping market.
The Asia Pacific region is experiencing the largest revenue growth in the automotive metal stamping market. Europe and North America follow, and growth in coming years is expected in Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa as well.
Five Major Processes for 2018
Metal stamping is known for its versatility, due to the wide range of processes that stamping equipment is able to perform. This versatility enables stamped metal components to be used in almost any application and setting. Of the numerous stamping processes available, there are a few that are expected to stand out in 2018.
The five major processes for 2018 are:
Blanking
Embossing
Bending
Coining
Flanging
Metal Fabrication Trends
To accommodate the steady growth demonstrated by the precision metal stamping sector, manufacturers are considering new processes to increase the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of current metal stamping procedures. The following metal stamping trends are currently growing in popularity:
Automation
Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating automated processes and robotics into their metal stamping operations as a way to enhance productivity and further increase the precision of metal stamped parts and components.
3D Printing
3D printers have been a common tool for prototyping for several years. Many 3D printing providers already offer metal-printed parts, but the process is currently not cost-effective for large production runs. Recent advancements in this technology suggest that 3D printed metal components and parts will become far more cost competitive across metal fabrication sectors.
Reshoring
Rising costs for outsourced overseas manufacturing operations have made moving back to the United States more appealing than in years past, and metal stampers are taking notice. American manufacturers are taking advantage of new technologies and automated processes to build efficient and affordable operations on their home soil.
Learn More
American Industrial is a leading U.S.-based metal stamper, specializing in precision metal stamping and assemblies. For almost 30 years, our company has been ahead of the pack, using state-of-the-art technologies to provide our clients with customized solutions that can deliver precision metal stamped components and parts for any application. With our ongoing dedication to quality, we are committed to creating only the best products for our customers.
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.
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.
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.
When selecting metal formed parts, it’s critical to partner with a reliable, knowledgeable manufacturer who employs comprehensive quality assurance processes. This will help ensure you receive the highest-quality metal formed parts available, without the need for frequent maintenance or costly downtime.
At American Industrial Corporation (AIC), we aim to provide industry-leading quality assurance throughout every aspect of the metal stamping process, beginning with preproduction, continuing through operations, and culminating in final inspection and shipment.
As part of this commitment to quality, we maintain the most up-to-date, cutting-edge equipment. Our team regularly inspects machinery and conducts thorough product inspections to guarantee all parts are made to exact client specifications. We also take great care in sourcing and selecting our materials, and bring unparalleled precision to our metal fabrication services.
AIC’s Commitment to Quality Control
AIC achieves stringent quality control through constant monitoring of production processes, allowing our workers to detect problems early and rectify them immediately, before serious issues occur.
Our metal stamped parts are held to stringent, industry-specific standards, which we easily meet and exceed through the utilization of sophisticated automated inspection tools — including in-die sensors and Micru Vu inspection systems — that provide instantaneous measurements.
These tools also allow records to be transmitted throughout the entire manufacturing process in order to detect variances and rectify them in real-time.
Precision Metal Forming Services Offered by AIC
The team at AIC is proud to offer a wide range of precision metal forming processes, and we are known throughout the industry for the top-quality components we produce.
Serving all types of industrial applications, we provide a wide range of services: forming and bending, progressive die stamping, blanking, piercing, shallow draw, coining, laser cutting, deburring, finishing, machining, and welding and additional secondary services.
All precision metal stamping services are performed with comprehensive monitoring, and thorough inspection of parts ensures optimal quality and accuracy. Finally, accountability testing and a lean manufacturing environment allow for streamlined, efficient operations — keeping turnarounds short and consistency high.
AIC’s ISO Certification
In 2017, AIC earned ISO 9001:2015 certification to further ensure all our products and services meet strict customer as well as the stringent regulatory requirements established by the global standards board.
ISO 9001 certification guarantees customers will receive high-quality products and services while also ensuring our company’s management and employees reap the benefits of a better-organized, safer, and cleaner workplace geared toward continuous improvement.
This certification positions AIC as an industry leader in precision metal stamping and clearly illustrates our commitment to ongoing improvement and enhanced quality assurance.
Learn More
Our ISO certification is available to download for your records. Please contact us with any questions you may have.
If you’re looking to increase your bottom line without sacrificing the quality of your product, consider metal stamping. To create new components, stamping presses transform metal blanks into desired shapes through the use of a tool and die. With a variety of modifications, metal stamping can create numerous shapes for your product, giving you greater versatility. It also offers a number of benefits including reduced product costs, shorter production time, and extended product lifespans.
To maximize metal stamping’s impact on your bottom line, here are some helpful tips:
1. Reach out to your metal stamper early in the process
Getting your stamper involved from the start can save you considerable time and money later on. Often, there is a disconnect between the manufacturer’s envisioned design and what the stamping engineer can actually do within the limitations of metal stamping. If the manufacturer and metal stamper collaborate together early, however, they can eliminate such disparities and make improvements to optimize the design –– ultimately saving you production time and money.
2. Forecast your requirements & Reduce costs
It’s important to share with your metal stamper your assembly process, projected volumes, release dates, and lead times for your product. If they have as much information as possible upfront, metal stampers can ensure a smoother production process from start to finish. For example, they may be able to redesign the stamp to reduce costs and streamline manufacturing.
Since production volume directly impacts costs, be sure to let the stamper know the volume at which you plan to produce the parts. In addition, providing your expected lead time can remove the need for rush jobs and build in time for extra review, modification, and production changes — eliminating extra costs.
3. Assess the dimension for final assembly
Knowing exactly how a single part will fit into the overall design is very important when assessing your project budget. If you provide accurate dimensions for your part’s assembly, the metal stamper may be able to use in-die assemblies that can eliminate unnecessary manufacturing steps, reduce labor and production costs, and speed up the time to market.
4. Evaluate simulations and prototypes
Be sure to test the design and functionality of your product before fully launching its production. Metal stampers have the ability to create prototypes and simulations that test how well the designed product will perform under certain conditions. If you find problems or issues, you’ll then be able to adjust the design to improve the product’s durability and function, as well as optimize its production. By using these simulations and prototypes, you can perfect your design before wasting any valuable time or resources in making something that won’t actually work.
Metal Stamping from American Industrial
At American Industrial Company, we specialize in complete turnkey packages, from prototype design to completed precision metal stampings, for companies worldwide. To learn more helpful tips from our dedicated staff or to see how we can help with your next project, please submit our contact form for more information.
Thanks to several innovative technological developments, the metal stamping industry has seen steady growth. Advancements in robotics, automation, and numerical controls have all helped improve stamping precision and speed, while virtually eliminating setup time.
With rising global consumer demand, the industry is expected to continue riding this growth wave through 2017. Here are three major trends you can expect to see in the coming year.
Reshoring and the Growth of Manufacturing in America
You’ve probably heard about the surging reshoring trend in American manufacturing; after decades of outsourcing production and contract manufacturing, many companies are now considering the financial benefits of moving their operations back to the United States.
Today, reshoring actually results in a higher total cost of ownership than domestic production — despite the higher labor costs at home. Advanced automation techniques will allow the precision metal stamping industry to easily take advantage of the various business opportunities that will soon be sprouting up as more OEMs reshore their operations.
The Rise of Solar Paneling
Significant price drops for photovoltaic (PV) systems have made solar power much more popular. Not only can metal stamping companies benefit from the energy costs savings and federal tax credits associated with switching to solar, but they are also uniquely positioned to service this growing industry; PV installations require many kinds of precision machined parts to support the metal panel frames.
Integrating Automation in Production
Automation integration yields a two-fold benefit for manufacturing companies: higher production rates at lower costs. Utilizing advanced equipment such as laser cutters offers metal stampers unparalleled precision and speed for optimized production. Meanwhile, implementing robotics for repetitive tasks lowers the headcount in the shop while freeing up skilled machinists to take on more challenging work, such as programming.
Want to Learn More?
To get the full rundown on reshoring, solar paneling, and automation integration, as well as what these trends mean for the metal stamping industry, download a free copy of our eBook, “Trends Report: What to Expect in Metal Stamping for 2017.”
To accommodate the steady growth demonstrated by the precision metal stamping sector, manufacturers are considering new processes to increase the efficiency, accuracy, and speed of current metal stamping procedures. The following metal stamping trends are currently growing in popularity:
OEMs, especially those in the 
If you’re looking to increase your bottom line without sacrificing the 
