Why Metal Stamping?

While there are many types of stamping methods, metal stamping in particular consists of working on flat metal sheets to produce an enormous amount of shapes. They can be as basic as a coin or as complicated as a car part. Thus, it is no surprise that the following industries all carry products that were created using metal stamping:

• Optics
• Engineering
• Medical
• Automotive
• Sporting
• Computer technology
• Household appliances

The array of services which can be offered by metal stamping truly has few limits depending on the equipment used and the personnel trained. This is especially true for the Bihler machines, which relentlessly get the task done with about 200% more speed than the normal stamping machines available on the market. We will show you how it has achieved this remarkable feat and why our metal stamping equipment can still compete with it.

Speed: The Engineering Scope

Prior to beginning the stamping process, a design must be created to feed to the equipment. From there, stamping presses are utilized to generate the parts. The complexity of a component will often determine the completion time. However, other factors such as experience and software capabilities can definitely have an impact on how quickly a part can go from the first to final step. Phoenix Specialty is an excellent example of this, as we are able to typically guarantee two weeks delivery on any project, give or take some time for more customized requests. Our combination of machinery and machinists is what makes this all possible.

To be able to gauge what deems a particular turnaround time as fast or slow, one must first be familiar with the list of steps involved in metal stamping. Copper, bronze, zinc, and steel are all options for metal sheets at the start of the process. After choosing a material, the machinist has the liberty to mold, bend, cut, or shape the sheet into what a project requires. Presses take on the labor of three-dimensional objects because they have more range for forming. Once a shape has been defined using a die, then a press can handle the rest of the job.

It is becoming more and more evident that metal stamping, as opposed to die casting or forging, is the preferred method. Delivering stronger and more reliable parts and assemblies, metal stamping also happens to reduce production costs.

Features that Impress

A fast stamping machine must first be efficient. For example, if you are making a part that requires multiple stampers and different angles of cutting, then it would be crucial to be operating with equipment that not only carries these features but that can easily switch between them. Some instances where this might be the case is when producing door hinges or making decorative marks on pieces.

Stamped template plates are another benefit that some machines offer. With these types of stamping machines, it is more time-efficient to get production components rolling out the door. An added highlight of most machines is their automatic lubrication. With the proper amount of coolants reaching the tool before it is scratched by the machine, smoother surfaces and fewer errors are possible. Plus, for those customers with intricate projects, secondary operations such as tapping or welding may be a service that can be seen an incentive for choosing your metal stamping company.

In general, the more options for controls dictates the best chances for precision stamping to give a client both a nice surface finish and finish time. Each stroke of the press makes a difference and the more techniques that can be activated, the better the system.

The Equipment that Makes It Possible

With our priorities being speedy delivery and project quality, we always strive to make Phoenix Specialty the manufacturer that you turn to for your metal stamping needs. Other companies may use similar machines to ours, but the level of accuracy and technique does not come close in comparison. One example is the Bihler machine. Deemed the fastest in the world by a current press release, it runs on a servo-controller which allows for a set up that is nine times faster than the average!

Bihler manufactures the RM-NC and GRM-NC which increases the output of lot sizes by almost double of what regular machines can do. Its process control allows for rapid shifts and less hassle to change functions or feeds on the machine throughout all stages of the metal stamping period. Perhaps what makes these models most impressive is how they are able to transform the stamping process into a series of steps that essentially glide into one another. Though, it is key to remember that the maintenance and safety testing of this machine also plays a role in its performance.

However, at Phoenix Specialty, it is our goal to continue implementing the most efficient and affordable routes for manufacturing your metal parts. With a variety of the presses found in our shop—including hydraulic, straight side, and OBI—our team of professionals is equipped with all the tools they need to accomplish an impeccably manufactured piece. OBI and OBS presses are power-driven punch presses that are able to incline or move side to side. This makes the part more accessible to the machine, which in turn makes the process move more fluidly. Additionally, we take the extra step to ensure that preventative maintenance programs are in place to address any potential error before they occur and to also run constant safety and reconditioning tests on our equipment so that it exceeds national standards. Therefore, do not hesitate to contact Phoenix Specialty with your customized requirements; we are more than prepared to handle the task!

Sources:

• http://www.conceptmachine.com/products/stamping.html
• http://www.thomasnet.com/about/metal-stampings-78560109.html
• http://www.directindustry.com/prod/bihler/marking-machines-9212-1554970.html
• http://www.metaltags.com/stamping-equipment.htm
• http://www.euroblech.com/exhibitor-files/Bihler—Press-Release—EuroBLECH-2014—GRM-NC-(mB)-engl.pdf