Stamping Steel

Stamping Steel(also known as pressing) is the process of placing flat sheet metal in either blanks or coil form into a tamping machine where a tool and die surface forms the metal into a net shape. Stamping includes a variety of sheet-metal forming manufacturing processes, such as punching using a press or stamping machine. Blanking, embossing, bending, flanging, and coining. This could be a single stage operation where every stroke of the press produces the desired form on the sheet metal part, or could occur through a series of stages. The process is usually carried out on tubes and sheet metal, but can also be used on materials like aluminum

Stamping Steel Products at ABC Vietnam

Stamping steel is a process of shaping metal sheets or tubes into desired forms by applying pressure with a die and a press. Stamping can produce various metal products, such as automotive parts, hardware products, electrical components, and more. Metal stamping can be done in different ways, depending on the complexity and precision of the product. In this article, we will describe the machines and steps involved in our stamping steel products factory in Vietnam, as well as how to handle single step and progressive molds and what post-processing steps can be offered.

Machines Used for Stamping steel

The main machines used for stamping are:

Stamping press: A machine that applies force to the metal sheet or tube with a die. The press can be mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic, depending on the required pressure and speed. The press can also be single-action or double-action, depending on the number of strokes per cycle.
(Progressive) Die: A tool that shapes the metal sheet or tube into the desired form. The die can be made of steel, carbide, or other materials, depending on the hardness and durability required. The die can also be single or multiple, depending on the number of operations performed on the metal.
Feeder: A device that feeds the metal sheet or tube into the press. The feeder can be manual, automatic, or servo-controlled, depending on the accuracy and efficiency required. The feeder can also be roll, strip, or coil, depending on the shape and size of the metal.

Steps of Stamping Steel

The steps of stamping can vary depending on the type of product and the method of stamping. However, a general overview of the steps is as follows:

Design: The first step is to design the product and the die, taking into account the specifications, dimensions, tolerances, and functions of the product. The design can be done using software, such as CAD or CAM, or by hand, depending on the complexity and precision of the product.
Fabrication: The second step is to fabricate the (progressive) die, using methods such as machining, grinding, welding, or casting. The fabrication can be done in-house or outsourced, depending on the complexity and quality of the die.
Setup: The third step is to set up the press and the feeder, adjusting the parameters such as pressure, speed, stroke, and feed rate, depending on the type and size of the metal and the die. The setup can be done manually or automatically, depending on the flexibility and reliability of the machines. We have auto feeders which can handle sheet till 3mm thick.
Stamping: The fourth step for stamping steel is to use the press and the die, following the sequence of operations such as cutting, bending, drawing, forming, or coining, depending on the shape and function of the product. The stamping will be done in single step or progressive mode, depending on the number and complexity of the operations. With continues stamping we will use a coil as main material.
Inspection: The fifth step we do is inspecting the stamped product, checking the quality, accuracy, and consistency of the product. The inspection is done visually and with instruments, such as calipers, micrometers In production quality check is mostly done with calipers and gauges, depending on the standards and requirements of the product.
Post-processing: The sixth step is to post-process the stamped product, performing additional operations such as deburring, cleaning, coating, painting, or assembling, depending on the appearance and performance of the product. The post-processing can be done in-house or outsourced, depending on the cost and quality of the product.

Single Step and Progressive Molds

One of the main decisions in stamping steel is whether to use single step or progressive molds. Single step molds are dies that perform one operation on the metal per cycle, such as cutting or bending. Progressive molds are dies that perform multiple operations on the metal per cycle, such as cutting, bending, and forming. The advantages and disadvantages of each type of mold are as follows:

Single step molds: Single step molds are simpler and cheaper to design and fabricate, but they require more presses and feeders to complete the product. Single step molds are suitable for low-volume and high-variety production, as they offer more flexibility and easier changeover.
Progressive molds: Progressive molds are more complex and expensive to design and fabricate, but they require fewer presses and feeders to complete the product. Progressive molds are suitable for high-volume and low-variety production, as they offer more efficiency and productivity.

Steel sheet metal pressed and stamped or deep drawed products are easy to manufacture in Vietnam

Post-Processing Steps

After stamping, the product may require some post-processing steps to improve its appearance and performance. Some of the common post-processing steps are:

Deburring: Deburring is the process of removing the sharp edges and burrs that are formed on the metal during stamping. Deburring can be done by hand, with tools, or with machines, such as tumbling, vibratory, or abrasive methods, depending on the type and size of the product.
Cleaning: Cleaning is the process of removing the dirt, oil, grease, or other contaminants that are present on the metal after stamping. Cleaning can be done by hand, with solvents, or with machines, such as ultrasonic, steam, or chemical methods, depending on the type and level of cleanliness required.
Coating: Coating is the process of applying a thin layer of material on the metal to enhance its corrosion resistance, wear resistance, or electrical conductivity. Coating can be done by hand, with spray, or with machines, such as electroplating, galvanizing, or powder coating methods, depending on the type and thickness of the coating required.
Painting: Painting is the process of applying a thin layer of color on the metal to improve its aesthetic appeal, brand identity, or visibility. Painting can be done by hand, with brush, or with machines, such as spray, dip, or electrostatic methods, depending on the type and quality of the paint required.
Assembling: Assembling is the process of joining two or more stamped parts together to form a complete product. Assembling can be done by hand, with tools, or with machines, such as welding, riveting, or bolting methods, depending on the type and strength of the joint required.

We organize the manufacturing and fabrication of your own designed sheet metal brackets in medium till big batches. These aluminum sheet-metal brackets are fabricated from aluminium, and are used in many fields. They can be ED coated, anodized, chromated or powder coated. The demanding techniques of sheet metal forming and surface finishing enable a wide range of interesting designs. From just a bracket to switchgear assemblies, AV mounts, LED housings, enclosures and more.