How should people choose the best raw material for metal stamping?
High-speed, reliable manufacturing methods can produce replicas of complex metal designs as the demand for metal parts, components, and products continues to grow. As a result of this demand, metal stamping has become one of the world’s most versatile and popular manufacturing processes.
The development of metal stamping capabilities and automated technologies has led to significant efficiency improvements. The machine can produce simple, intricate, or complex parts in fast, cost-effective batches while adhering to stringent design specifications.
In metal stamping, raw metal sheets are transformed into finished components with the following processes:
- The Bending process
- The embossing process
- The notch
- The punching process
- The stamping process
- The tooling
What are the raw materials used in metal stamping?
Even though advanced metal stamping tools can produce high-quality parts, choosing the right raw materials and machining process is just as important. Different metals and alloys have different properties. The part may require a common alloy or a specialty metal, depending on its nature and application.
Several common alloys are used for precision metal stamping in a variety of industries, including:
- Alloys of aluminum
- Alloys of brass
- Alloys of copper
- Alloys of nickel
- Stainless steel and steel
Designers and engineers need to know the most common metals and specialty metals available for metal stamping processes to inform material selection.
Metal Stamping Raw Material Selection
Metal stamping uses a variety of raw materials. It is usually determined by the application itself what metals can be stamped. Metals used in stamping include:
- Alloys of copper
As a pure metal, copper can be stamped into a variety of parts, but its alloys are also useful. Brass, bronze, nickel silver, and other versatile metals are copper alloys. Copper and its alloys are among the best metal stamping materials due to their versatility.
- Alloy Cooper
Copper alloys have varying degrees of copper’s most popular properties, such as conductivity, corrosion resistance, and antibacterial properties. Alloys of copper are also non-magnetic and non-sparking.
However, copper and copper alloys are often too soft for applications requiring strength or structural support. It is easy for metals to bend, crack, or break, but their softness facilitates easy metal forming as well. The malleability of copper alloys makes them easy to form and stamp, and they can be stretched into thinner, finer wires than other metals. Furthermore, copper alloys are able to hold complex and intricate designs that accurately replicate the original design, which is incredibly important for electronic and electrical applications.
An Overview of the Characteristics Copper alloys
- Finished smooth.
There is a smooth finish to copper alloys that is neither abrasive nor rough. Smoothing its edges makes it safe for high-contact parts.
- Conductivity of thermal energy.
The conductivity of copper and copper alloys is relatively low. Many cooking and food processing materials have a thin copper or copper alloy coating to facilitate even heat distribution.
- Resistance to corrosion.
There is no corrosion in copper or copper alloys. During finishing or forming processes, a thin oxidized layer forms on the surface. Corrosion resistance varies among copper alloys.
- Aesthetic appeal.
Gold and yellow colored copper alloys are available. Decorative components, consumer goods, and architectural accents can all benefit from their characteristics.
- Simple to sanitize.
Combined with its corrosion resistance, copper’s smooth finish makes it easy to clean and sanitize. Medical and food-safe applications benefit from copper alloys’ antimicrobial properties.
- Conductivity of electricity.
Electricity is commonly known to be resistant to copper. Electrical systems and electronics can still benefit from copper alloys, even though most have less electrical conductivity.
- Environmental resistance.
When exposed to UV radiation, cold temperatures, and heat, copper retains its shape and characteristics. Common environmental exposure won’t cause the metal to brittle or degrade.
Copper alloys’ malleability also makes them easy to work with, similar to their ductility. A simple or complex shape can easily be bent or pressed into the metals.
Hammering or forming thin wire is easy with ductile metals. Among the most ductile metals, copper and copper alloys are ideal for wiring and metal threading.
