Metal stamping is a process where thin metal sheets are fed into a machine that shapes it in a certain way. A spring manufacturer uses a process called steel metal stamping to create products that are suitable for specific electronic or industrial purposes.
The sheets can be inserted into a die or a press, then are bent or molded into a predetermined size or shape. To ensure that the sheets are properly stamped, manufacturers use sheets only up to a certain thickness.
Most stamping machines can take sheets up to ¼” thick. Heavier stamping machines can create products out of thicker metal sheets without sacrificing consistency, quality and the condition of the stamping machine itself.
The kinds of metals manufacturers use for stamping are also very specific. Aluminum, brass, hot rolled or cold rolled steel, galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, zinc and titanium all work perfectly when metal stamped. These metals and metal alloys have high malleability and low brittleness that allow them to be shaped and bent without breaking or chipping off. A spring manufacturer would not have a hard time creating products using these metals because they have high breaking strength and are very durable.
There are three components in the metal stamping process. A spring manufacturer would usually use a die, a punch, and a binder or a blank holder. The die and the blank holder keep the metal sheet in place as the punch is driven onto the metal sheet to produce the shape desired. The blank holder prevents the sheet from wrinkling or tearing on contact by providing a solid backing for the sheet.