The shortest answer is that a metal stamping press is a manufacturing tool that’s used to produce a multitude of metal parts used in many industries. The products that come from a metal press are widely used in the automotive industry and various other machine applications.
Would you believe that metal pressing technology is over 200 years old, hails back to England, and was the brainchild of a toymaker? It was another man that adapted the application to producing pots and pans to manufacture large quantities.
So how does metal stamping work and what’s involved in this clever method? Read on and be entertained by human ingenuity.
Anatomy of a Stamping Press
There are many different types of stamping press yet they all have the same basic components. There will be a ‘ram’ which is a sort of metal piston that applies a downward force. Second, there’s a press bed which receives the force of the ram.
Besides this, there must be a power source to drive the force of the pressing action. A very important component that will change from job to job is the die. This has 2 parts, one of which is attached to the metal press bed and the other to the ram.
Metal in the form of sheets or coiled metal is feed into the press and stamped between the ram and the bed.
Pack the Right Punch
Mentioned above is the need for a power source. The type of power source makes a difference in the application of the press. For example, there are hydraulic and pneumatic presses that rely on building pressure within a cylinder filled with a gas or liquid.
Due to the physical properties of gas and liquids, the pressure build-up is uniform throughout the cylinder. That means the subsequent pressing pressure is also uniform or constant across the die. This is good for deep presses or for pressing over a longer period of time.
Another power source is electrical in mechanical presses. These can perform at high speeds and are excellent for mass production processes.
Production Process
Many metal parts are the result of multiple presses or ‘manipulations’ as the metal works its way through a production process in which it is stamped many times. The stamping process can make holes in the metal, bend the metal, make deep impressions in the metal, and even stretch the metal to reduce thickness.
If you work in some form of industry, likely, you’re already using components that come from a metal press. Possibly you may even think about purchasing one. Here’s a great stamping press article on what to look for.
Must Press On
In this article, you have read about the workings of a stamping press. Its basic function is to manipulate metal so that various metal parts can be made according to industrial needs. Whether the press is hydraulic or mechanical makes a difference in the force distribution, and in turn, the application.
The next time you handle an intricate metal part from your washing machine or your car, you will no longer how such a part was made, you will recognize it’s the result of the ingenious metal stamping press. You can read other fascinating and informative articles like this on our site, so check out the latest posts.
