Custom Stamped Aluminum Parts from China Manufacturers
If you are venturing into the world of custom metal stamping using aluminum metal parts, chances are that you are confused about how to get started. To be fair, you aren’t the only person with a similar complexity.
Many people who are getting into the industry for the first time have a similar predicament, which means that feeling like this is quite common. That said, if you want to make the most out of the custom-stamped aluminum parts, there are a few tips that can help.
In this article, we will take a look at the top tips that you can follow to create custom-stamped aluminum parts from China.
Start with the designing
When it comes to a custom design, chances are that you’d have to design and build the prototype from scratch. This also means that the process has to start with the designing of the 3D model. It is not the easiest task but with practice, you should be able to master the art without any issue. Several online and offline apps can help with the designing part, so learn how to use them.
Prepare the aluminum sheet metal
Once you have designed and CAMed the model, the next thing is to prepare the metal sheet that you will work with. This is where things can get a little tricky, so we’d suggest you keep a few basic tips in mind. Firstly, your work surface needs to be stable and have no dirt on it. Also, you should have resistance against the metal you are working with.
Execute the stamping process
Now comes the most crucial part, the actual stamping process. To be fair, it is an excruciatingly long process in the beginning because there are so many elements that you have to keep in mind. But, above all, we’d suggest that you sort out the basics. This means that you have to pay attention to the execution where you take care of the precise bending and stamping.
Check the results and repeat if mistakes are there
When it comes to creating custom aluminum metal stamping designs, the first few rounds might not be as precise as you had expected them to be. It is normal and something that you won’t have to worry about. To achieve a more streamlined design, you have to prioritize repeating the stamping until you achieve accurate results.
Make adjustments
Lastly, if you find some kind of setbacks with the design in the first round, what you can do is make adjustments in the final round. This is an effective way to refine the stamping process and sort out the results that you are aiming for.
Tips To Enhance Custom Aluminum Stamping Results
It is easy to read a few tips about making custom aluminum stamping parts, but the hard part is implementing them in real life. This is especially true for newbies or people who have very little knowledge about the subject. The tips given in the above section can help you get started with the stamping process, but it doesn’t guarantee the desired results. To enhance the outcome, you must follow these guidelines:
Take Material Selection Seriously
Metal stamping aluminum to make custom parts might sound exciting, but you won’t get the expected results if you fail to choose the right aluminum grade. There is more than one aluminum alloy type and they differ in terms of corrosion resistance, strength, and formidability. This makes it important to choose the right alloy type and make sure it fulfills your stamping requirements. If you find it hard to choose an aluminum alloy type, we suggest you consult an expert.
Pay Attention To Design
When indulging in custom aluminum metal stamping, you must care about the design. It is important to optimize your design by minimizing sharp corners, maintaining uniform thickness, and avoiding undercuts to simplify the manufacturing process. To make things easier, you can take the help of design software and simulations to figure out the possible problems and make necessary adjustments to the design.
Consider Tooling Quality
You cannot expect to obtain great results by using cheap quality stamping dies and tooling. For high precision, you must use high-quality dies and tools. In addition to that you must maintain and calibrate your tools. By doing so, you cannot only obtain great results but also extend the tools’ life. If you are new to metal stamping, you may need help from a tooling supplier. They can deliver tailored tooling solutions for your specific requirements.
Lubrication Is Important
Friction is a common problem in the metal stamping process. But it can be resolved with the help of lubrication. We suggest you choose lubricants that are specifically made for aluminum stamping processes. This way you can enhance the surface finish and obtain the desired results. Not to mention, it will extend the tools’ life as well.
Don’t Ignore Temperature Control
It is highly important to maintain the correct temperature during the stamping process, or else, it can lead to thermal distortion. When such things happen, it spoils dimensional accuracy, leaving you with bad results. Since you don’t want that to happen, you should pay attention to temperature control. By controlling both tool and material temperature, you can obtain consistent results. For enhanced operation, you should use thermal management techniques and cooling systems to avert heat buildup.
Precision Handling Is a Must
You cannot overlook the importance of handling stamped parts with care, especially when it helps you to prevent damage and deformation. With proper handling and transportation practices, you can avoid dents, scratches, or any sort of imperfections. Additionally, you should use protective coatings or packaging materials to protect the final parts. You should pay attention to all these things, especially during shipping and storage.
Custom aluminum stamping is an extensively growing process and you need to tap into it without any questions asked. If you are new to the process and have been looking for ways to master the design and execution, this article has all the tips that you potentially need to know.
