The definition of metal stamping is the use of a flat sheet of metal on a stamping press that can bend, press, fold or stretch the metal. The process can either be a single or multiple stage process. So as to have mass production of metal, metal stamping is considered to be a quick and economical method. Metal stamping as being economical means that there is a high production flow thus the cost per piece is low. Not all instances require metal stamping especially if you want a one-off product. The cost associated with carrying metal stamping on a one- off product is forbidden. Carrying metal stamping for a one-off product also results to additional tooling costs and longer preparation times.
Punching, embossing, bending, flanging and coining are some of the processes involved in metal stamping. The process in which a hole is created through shearing when a press punch is forced a tool through the work piece is known as punching. The types of materials in which punching is applicable include; sheet metal, paper, vulcanized fiber and some forms of plastic sheet. Not only is punching applied in different materials but also its considered as the cheapest method for creating holes in metals.
The holes created can be done in sheet materials of medium to high production volumes. Motor, frame, ram, die posts, bolster and bed are some of the parts that are found in a mechanical press. Stamping press or machine press is used in doing punching.
The operations of metal stamping are many and they include; flinging, coining, drawing, stretching, ironing, curling, hemming, necking among others. When the material is deformed or bent along the straight line its referred to as bending while flinging is when the material is bent along a curved line. When materials are compressed into a pattern then its referred to as coining. Stamping of metal is considered to be complex.
Metal fabrication is the use of raw materials to build and construct machines and structures for all your manufacturing needs. Materials are removed also when it comes to shaping of metals in the process of metal fabrication. Removing of materials involves creating holes or cutouts, changing the material through bending and stretching the metal. Several benefits that have been resulted from metal fabrication include; rapid prototyping, a variety of fabrication procedures and use of recent technology, equipment, press brakes and assembly processes. The metal fabrication process is made easier by using processes such as; shear and laser cutting.
However the process of metal fabrication is quite labor intensive and requires longer production periods. Also the costs for doing metal fabrication is usually higher as compared to metal stamping. When complex parts and components are used for stamping then the process of metal fabrication is usually impossible to be carried out.