Metal Stamping Material + Metal Finishing Selection Guide

Choosing an appropriate material for a progressive stamping project is about finding the right balance between part performance, manufacturability, and cost (of parts and the assemblies they go into). There may be multiple suitable options for an application, so it&#;s important to consider all of the material properties and design requirements before making a final decision.

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At CEP Technologies Corp. we specialize in small to medium sized progressive stampings for the electronics, automotive, aerospace, power protection and other industries. Our team of engineers, designers, and expert stampers provides end-to-end stamping services including prototyping, computer modeling,  tool and die building, stamping, metal finishing processes, and packaging.

Learn more about material selection, common metals used in progressive stamping, and different types of finishes for metal stampings.

How To Select the Right Material for Metal Stampings

At CEP we provide custom progressive stamping for miniature to small parts. We stamp metal coil materials between 0.002 in. and 0.080 in. thick and blanks up to 6×6 in. square. Our high speed presses range from 15 to 60 tons, and can supply customers with medium to high annual volumes of 25,000 to 1,000,000 parts. We also provide in-house tool and die building and maintenance for the lifetime of each project.

When selecting material for stamped parts and components, consider these factors:

• Cost: Material costs vary based on supply chain availability, relative rareness, and form of the raw material. Prices for precious metals like copper or gold may be higher if an entire part is stamped from them compared to thinner electroplated or selectively plated coatings. Different types of steel are often cost-effective; although, alloys may be more expensive.
• Part end-use: How and where a part will be used is a major factor in material selection. Consider things like exposure to moisture, extreme or fluctuating temperatures, dynamic physical forces, and other things that contribute to wear and tear. Also consider if high mechanical or tensile strength, electrical or thermal conductivity, solderability, weight, or other properties are important to the specific application.
• Formability: Depending on the geometry of the part, it may be easier or more difficult to bend, shear, pierce, or perform other operations on. This is especially true when tolerances are tight. Consider how each material&#;s bendability, modulus of elasticity, springback, brittleness, and hardness affect the stamping process.
• Corrosion resistance and protection: Parts that are exposed to corrosive environments such as rain, salt spray, high humidity, or harsh chemicals need extra protection to ensure a long service life. Some materials, such as stainless steel, are inherently resistant to corrosion, while others may require a protective coating like zinc or tin.
• Surface hardness: Is important in stamping because it determines the amount of force required to cut or deform the material. Higher carbon content material is generally harder and more brittle, which may affect manufacturability.

Material Selection Guide

The best material for a given application depends on the specific end use, stamping operations used, and anticipated environmental conditions. The following are common materials used in progressive stamping:

• Stainless Steel: This alloy of steel and chromium has high corrosion resistance, excellent strength, and temperature resistance.  It is available in several grades including some that are biocompatible for medical applications.
• Aluminum: This is a soft metal with excellent formability and conductivity. It is also lightweight, highly recyclable, resists corrosion and remains stable in low temperatures.
• Steel: Steel is a ferrous (i.e., iron based) metal available in several forms including hot or cold rolled steel, low, medium, or high carbon steel, and various high-performance alloys. Steel is highly formable, durable, and cost-effective. Many steels are not corrosion resistant and may require additional plating or coating. Higher carbon levels contribute hardness and brittleness and lower solderability, which may impact manufacturability or part performance and durability.
• Pre-galvanized steel: A zinc coating on the surface of steel improves corrosion resistance and reduces post-stamping metal finishing processes required.
• Nickel-plated steel: This is a pre-plated material with higher corrosion resistance than zinc coatings or plating. It reduces post-stamping finishing needs.
• Brass: A strong, durable, and highly conductive alloy of copper and zinc with good ductility, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial properties.
• Phosphor bronze: An alloy of copper, tin, and phosphorous that is elastic and malleable, highly conductive, and very resistant to corrosion and wear.
• Beryllium copper: A copper alloy often used for high strength, high stress applications. It has high conductivity, is malleable and easy to form, and can be strengthened with heat treatment.
• Precious metals: These include gold, silver, and platinum. They are generally softer metals that are highly malleable and conductive for electrical or medical applications. Precious metals are often expensive and it may be more cost-effective to use these materials for selective plating processes instead of stamping entire parts from them.

Types Of Metal Finishings

Various types of finishes for metal stamped parts help protect the base metal from corrosion, enhance conductivity, or improve solderability and other part characteristics. Some common metal finishing processes include:

• Cleaning: Stamped parts often require cleaning to remove grease and oils. For some applications high precision cleaning is required to remove particles and contaminants. This technical cleaning can be done with various methods and solutions including bubbling water baths or vibrating baskets in cleaning solution. It is possible to achieve different cleanliness and particle size tolerances.
• Heat treating:  Heat treatment is often applied to transporting parts through an oven or industrial furnace. The high heat alters the metal&#;s grain structure to enhance hardness, smoothness, and other characteristics.
• Plating: Adding a protective outer layer of metal can be done before or after the stamping process and improves corrosion resistance, conductivity, or other properties. Common plating materials include nickel, copper, tin, zinc, and precious metals. Learn more about plating here.
  • Electroplating: An anode (i.e., a piece of the plating material) and cathode (i.e., the stamped part to be plated) are placed in an electrolyte bath with an electric current, which deposits a thin layer of metal ions on the part. An electric current deposits a thin layer of metal onto the base metal surface.
  • Barrel/immersion plating: Stamped parts are placed in a bath of metal ion solution, resulting in a thin metal coating without the use of electrical current.
  • Reel to reel plating: Finished parts are attached  to a reel-to-reel carrier system that feeds into the plating bath and then taken up onto a second reel. Parts are secured to webbing that exposes the area to be plated and the plated strip is interleaved with a paper strip to keep the parts separated. This process can also be used to pre-plate raw material blanks that will later be stamped.
  • Selective plating: Commonly used with precious metal plating, this method uses special masking material to block off areas of a part that will not be plated.
• Deburring, sanding and grinding: These methods use abrasives such as sandpaper or a grinding wheel tool to remove burrs or imperfections, smooth rough edges, and prepare the metal for further treatment.

Quality Progressive Stamping and Metal Finishes for Stamped Parts by CEP

At CEP we are committed to providing highest quality, comprehensive stamping services and rapid prototyping to customers around the world. With facilities in New York, Texas, and China we have an efficient, global reach.  to our customers. We are IATF : and ISO : certified with TUV Rheinland of North America.

Contact us to learn more about our capabilities or to request a quote for your next project.

Custom metal stampings play a crucial role in various industries, offering a versatile solution for creating intricate components with precision and efficiency. One of the key decisions in the manufacturing process is selecting the appropriate material for the metal stampings. The choice of material not only affects the physical characteristics of the finished product but also influences factors such as durability, cost, and performance. In this article, we&#;ll explore the considerations involved in choosing the right material for custom metal stampings.

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5 Factors to Consider Before Choosing Custom Metal Stampings

There are several factors to consider when choosing a material for custom metal stampings:

• The end-use application of the product

What will the product be used for? Whether the metal stampings will be used in automotive, aerospace, electronics, or other industries, the application&#;s demands will guide the material selection process. This will help you to determine the required properties of the material, such as strength, corrosion resistance, and formability.

• The desired properties of the product

What are the specific properties you need from the material? Different materials offer distinct properties that can significantly impact the performance of custom metal stampings. Factors to consider include tensile strength, hardness, ductility, corrosion resistance, and thermal conductivity. Each material has its strengths and weaknesses, and the goal is to find the balance that aligns with the requirements of the application.

• The cost of the material

Materials can range in price from relatively inexpensive to very expensive. While performance is crucial, cost considerations cannot be overlooked. Evaluate the overall project budget and weigh the costs associated with materials, processing, and any additional treatments or finishes. Sometimes, a slightly more expensive material may prove cost-effective in the long run due to its performance and durability.

• Compatibility with Manufacturing Processes

Consider the manufacturing processes involved in creating custom metal stampings. Different materials respond differently to stamping, forming, and finishing processes. Ensure that the chosen material is compatible with the manufacturing methods and tools available, optimizing efficiency and reducing production costs.

• Environmental Impact

In an era of increased environmental awareness, it&#;s essential to consider the ecological footprint of the chosen material. Some materials may be more sustainable or recyclable than others, aligning with environmental goals and regulations.

Common Materials for Custom Metal Stampings

Some of the most common materials used for custom metal stampings include:

• Low carbon steel &#; Low carbon steel is a versatile and inexpensive material that is easy to stamp. It is a good choice for applications where strength and durability are not critical.
• Stainless steel &#; Stainless steel is a strong and durable material that is also resistant to corrosion. It is a good choice for applications where the product will be exposed to the elements.
• Aluminum &#; Aluminum is a lightweight and strong material that is also easy to machine. It is a good choice for applications where weight is a concern.
• Copper &#; Copper is a good conductor of heat and electricity. It is also a relatively soft and malleable material, which makes it easy to form into complex shapes.

Other Factors to Consider about Material of Custom Metal Stampings

In addition to the factors listed above, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a material for custom metal stampings:

• The thickness of the material &#; The thickness of the material will affect the strength, weight, and cost of the product.
• The surface finish of the material &#; The surface finish of the material will affect the appearance and function of the product.
• The tolerance of the material &#; The tolerance of the material will affect the accuracy of the product.

Consulting with a Metal Stamping Parts Manufacturer

If you are unsure of which material to choose for your custom metal stamping project, it is always a good idea to consult with a Metal Stamping Parts Manufacturer. They can help you to assess your needs and recommend the best material for your application.

Conclusion

Choosing the right material for custom metal stampings is a critical decision that directly influences the performance and success of the end product. By carefully considering application requirements, material properties, cost factors, manufacturing compatibility, and environmental impact, manufacturers can make informed decisions that result in high-quality, durable, and cost-effective custom metal stampings.

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