How Does a Stamping Press Work?

A stamping press is a metalworking machine tool that can precisely shape or cut metal to your specifications. The process involves forming, drawing, trimming, blanking, and/or piercing the metal with a die. Typically, the process can be used for both sheet and coil forms of metal.

The press is composed of a bolster plate and ram. The stamping process works by forming the metal between two halves of the press tool. The upper member is attached to slides of the press, while the bottom member is attached to the stationary bolster plate (or bed). Some large presses also have a die cushion integrated in the bolster plate, which can help apply blank holder forces.

Single-Acting vs. Double-Acting Presses

Single-acting presses have a single ram, while double-acting presses have a subdivided ram. The ram is clamped to the top portion of the stamping die. It generates the up-and-down movement when metal is fed through the die of the press. The metal is first unrolled from a coil and put through a straightener. Once the metal is cut, it can be shaped to any form. With the snap-through, shear occurs when piercing metal.

Mechanically Driven Presses

There are both mechanically and hydraulically driven presses. Mechanical presses typically use an eccentric drive, while hydraulic presses use hydraulic cylinders to move the ram up and down.

Mechanical presses are powered by a motor, which runs the flywheel. The flywheel stores kinetic energy to turn the wheel down towards the plate. These types of presses can operate at a steady pace and can easily produce metal products in assembly-style environments. Mechanical presses can also reach higher cycles per unit of time and are commonly used in industrial press shops.

Hydraulically Driven Presses

With a hydraulic press, there is constant press force during the stroke and with a mechanical press, there is a press-force progression. The die guides the pressing action and the hydraulic press utilizes air or liquid to create pressure.

Stampings are commonly used in a variety of industries, including the aerospace, automotive, medical, and construction fields. Stamping is ideal for high-volume and/or high-precision jobs. Typically, a stamping will fall within a 6-inch area with material thickness between .0005-.260 inches, and the product must be flat and shallow in form.

You can also choose to have parts customized to fit your needs. Whether you are looking for a basic metal stamping press design or something more intricate, your specialty manufacturer of choice can meet your needs. The process can be used to create the exact shape and size of metal material you need.

There are a variety of types of stamping presses to choose from, based on your project needs and industry requirements. As is the case with any piece of equipment, a mechanical stamping press is susceptible to problems, so it needs to be well maintained to ensure the press is kept with tight tolerances. Wear and tear is also normal, so the parts should be checked frequently and replaced when necessary. The machinery can also be repaired, rebuilt, or restructured, if needed.