From the electronics industry to agricultural equipment, automotive, aerospace, and so on, the need for high-quality metallic components is profound. Due to initiatives like ‘Make in India’, most businesses are keen on locally sourcing their metal parts. As a result, many progressive tooling companies have gained prominence. Progressive die stamping is a critical process to manufacture precision-based components from sheet metal. Multiple operations are performed sequentially to convert metal sheets or strips to the final parts that match the exact specifications. It is one of the most cost-effective and efficient progressive tooling processes, implemented widely in industrial metallurgy.
How Does Progressive Die Stamping Generate the Required Metal Parts?
The progressive die is hailed as an industrial tech marvel by many. This is because it can carry out many operations in a single movement. A designated die stamping press is used to station the progressive stamping die. When the die stamping press moves up, the die goes ahead with it. Towards the end, when the press goes down, the die subsequently gets closed. Instead of using mechanical arms to shift components, progressive die stamping multiple cutting/stamping/piercing operations are attained in a single stroke. As opposed to a transfer press, an automatic stamping press is used in this highly efficient metal stamping procedure. Consecutive processing workstations receive the part for processing, akin to an assembly line method. The metal parts are routed via a band-like conveyor belt through successive punching presses in a sequence. At the end of the belt, after the final operation, the finished parts pass through a conveyor belt hole. Thereon, they fall directly into the designated container for collection. The scrap generated is separated from the component at each punching stage and collected likewise. The entire exercise of using mechanical arms and transfer presses is hence avoided, while the parts produced are highly accurate.Â
Benefits of Progressive Die Stamping
- It is ideal when complex metal parts need to be produced in large quantities within a short span.
- The operations are highly finesse-oriented, with negligible amounts of scrap material produced.
- A much higher running time is achieved as compared to other die stamping methods, with minimal labour-intensiveness.
- Provided the engineering team is well-versed with this metal stamping process, the setup required is minimal and quick.
Differentiating between Common Die Stamping Procedures
While we have discussed progressive die stamping above, there are several other die stamping variants that one should know about. Apart from the progressive die, the most common dies used in metal stamping include the Compound Die and the Transfer Die. The compound die is mould-shaped and operates via single-stroke metal stamping operations. Transfer Die Stamping is similar to Progressive Die Stamping, considering that they both involve multiple operations in a fixed sequence. The key difference is that in the case of transfer dies, mechanical arms are used. These are used to transfer the component to the designated workstations, one after another. This is not the case with progressive stamping.
How to Choose the Right Metal Parts Manufacturer?
- Fast turnovers- Manufacturing speed is an important consideration, especially if you are working under strict deadlines.
- Minimum scrap or wastage- Some sheet metal scrap parts will always get left behind in progressive tool stamping. But an expert manufacturer will reduce it to the minimum level.
- Cost per part- This is an obvious parameter when it comes to outsourcing your metal part manufacturing requirements.
- Quality of Compliance of metal parts as per the prescribed national and international standards
- The durability of components- This is the most important consideration. Before signing a contract, ask for samples and specify the exact dimensions and longevity required in the contract.
- Versatility- If you have diverse/fluctuating requirements, their team should have the required engineering prowess to manufacture different shapes/sizes/specifications of parts skilfully.
- Proper Infrastructure and Equipment- Don’t forget to take a physical tour of their metal stamping facility.
Conclusion
Swift and efficient press strokes with a transfer press help in generating a high output of precision-based metal parts. Both ferrous and non-ferrous metals that have the required ductility and tensile strength are used in progressive metal stamping. This metal stamping procedure has spearheaded the development of cutting-edge industrial equipment for a multitude of industries.
