The history of metal stamping tools dates back to the 1800s when blacksmiths used tools to punch out coins from metals. Now these metal fabrication techniques have conquered the metal parts manufacturing world with its numerous advancements and ability to produce highly complex metal structures.
In this article, we will take you on a memory ride to experience the journey of metal stamping tools from manual to being automated in the current scenario.
From Manual to Automation- A quick review of the metal stamping tools journey
Let’s go back when people used simple tools and techniques like hammering and forging to produce metal parts like bowls, cups, and weapons.
With each technological evolution, there were significant changes to these methods.
The Steam-powered machinery, introduced as a by-product of the industrial revolution in the 19th century, was one of the first advancements in metalworking techniques that enabled faster and more efficient metal parts production. It fuelled the metal stamping industry to grow exponentially in the 20th centur. There has been an increase in industries using these techniques to produce various materials like car parts and household items.
Now, the metal fabrication industry is reaping the fruits of automation -a significant part of IR4.0. Metal stamping techniques like Progressive die metal stamping is one example where engineers use automation to create complex shapes of desired tolerances at high speed and accuracy.
History of progressive die stamping
Progressive die stamping is undoubtedly one of the most significant advancements in metal stamping technology.
But would you believe that in 1953, when Ed Stouten introduced the concept of single multi-station die, the manufacturing community was quite reluctant to invest their money and time? When Stouten found a metal fabrication shop where he successfully tried his concept,progressive die metal stamping became immensely popular among the manufacturers.
How is it beneficial for manufacturers to create small and medium metal parts?
Since progressive die has multiple die stamping stations, the manufacturer feeds a metal strip or coil into the progressive die stamping press, which moves from one station to another until it turns into the desired design.
It allows manufacturers to leverage progressive die stamping to produce metal parts of different geometries and applications.
There is no need to transfer the metal sheet from one die to another for different metal forming or cutting operations. It means that the overall production time is less, which increases the production speed. It also allows for high repeatability without any compromise on quality.
Apart from being a potent tool for creating accurate and consistent metal parts, this metal fabrication technique is also cost-effective. It is because manufacturers need not invest heavily in manual labor and also make optimal use of material sheets with minimal scrap.
Impact of computer-controlled stamping machines on the manufacturing
Metal stamping tools and processes started as manual processes. However, now these are heavily controlled using computers in the current Internet of Things era.
Some significant benefits of computer-controlled metal stamping machines are:
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Unmatched Precision-
A manual process could be subjected to unwanted variations to the metal part design. But with a computerized process, manufacturers can create complex shapes and designs with higher accuracy.
It makes it an important tool to create parts for industries like aerospace, medicine, oil, and gas, where design holds the highest value.
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Extremely good repeatability-
One of the main reasons why metal stamping processes like progressive die stamping gained immense popularity was its repeatability. A computer-controlled system enhances the repeatability of such high-performing metal stamping tools.
It has become a boon for industries like the automobile industry where bulk manufacturing is mandatory.
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Improved Flexibility
The new-age computer-controlled metal stamping tools enhance the flexibility of the conventional process and tools.
This is because the design engineer can feed the required specifications to the computer which then uses all the information to create metal parts of the required size and shape. This proves to be beneficial for manufacturers of customized metal parts, like OEMs.
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Faster Operation
It is a no-brainer that computers are designed to be faster than the human brain. With proper codes and commands, computer-controlled metal stamping tools and processes guarantee faster stamping operation than its traditional counterpart.
What’s in store for the metal stamping industry in the future?
From being a blacksmith’s job to forge and create metal parts to using the IoT and the latest software for computer-controlled design and production, metal stamping has come a long way.
As per the latest reports, demand for metal stamping is predicted to grow with a value of the metal stamping market $300 billion. The growth is due to the ever-increasing need for customized and highly precise metal parts in almost every industry vertical.
