Difference Between Sheet Metal Stamping and Common Stamping

Sheet metal stamping and ordinary stamping are common processes in metal processing, and their main differences lie in processing objects, application scope, precision requirements, and cost-effectiveness.

Firstly, sheet metal stamping is mainly aimed at processing metal sheets, which are deformed by stamping with molds to form the required parts or products. And ordinary stamping is more widely used in the processing of various metal materials, including plates, strips, etc.

Secondly, in terms of application scope, sheet metal stamping is often used to manufacture large components and structural components, such as chassis, frames, etc. These components usually require high strength and stability, so the process characteristics of sheet metal stamping make it very suitable for this application. However, ordinary stamping is more commonly used to manufacture small precision components, such as power connectors, connectors, etc., which require high precision and detail.

In terms of precision requirements, the machining accuracy of sheet metal stamping is relatively low, usually controlled at the millimeter level. However, ordinary stamping often has higher machining accuracy, reaching an accuracy of 0.01 millimeters, due to the need to meet the manufacturing needs of small precision components.

Finally, from a cost-effectiveness perspective, sheet metal stamping has a relatively low cost and moderate production efficiency, making it suitable for medium scale production needs. Due to higher precision requirements, the cost of mold design and manufacturing may be higher for ordinary stamping, but its production efficiency is often higher, making it suitable for large-scale and high-precision production needs.

There are differences between sheet metal stamping and regular stamping in multiple aspects:

Material characteristics:
Sheet metal stamping is mainly aimed at metal thin plates, usually with a thickness of less than 6mm. These thin plates have good ductility and plasticity, and can adapt to complex shape changes.
The range of materials processed by ordinary stamping is wider, including thicker plates and various metal bars.

Part complexity:
Sheet metal stamping is often used to manufacture parts with complex shapes and high precision requirements, such as electronic product casings and automotive coverings.
Ordinary stamping is relatively more suitable for producing parts with simple shapes and more regular structures.

Application field:
Sheet metal stamping is widely used in industries such as electronics, electronics, automotive, aerospace, etc. that require high appearance and accuracy.
Ordinary stamping is commonly used in fields such as mechanical manufacturing and construction.

Mold design:
Due to the complexity and high precision requirements of sheet metal stamping parts, mold design is usually more refined and complex, requiring consideration of more factors such as the flow and rebound of the sheet metal.
Ordinary stamping molds are relatively simple.

Cost factors:
Sheet metal stamping has high requirements for mold accuracy and material quality, so the cost is often high.
Regular stamping may have more cost advantages, especially for large-scale production of simple parts.

To manufacture the outer shell of a laptop, sheet metal stamping technology is usually used to achieve the requirements of being lightweight, beautiful, and high-precision; And producing some simple connectors for construction may be able to meet the demand with ordinary stamping and have lower costs. Sheet metal stamping and ordinary stamping have their own characteristics and applicable scenarios, and in actual production, it is necessary to choose the appropriate stamping method based on specific product requirements and cost budgets.

When exploring the world of manufacturing, we often encounter various stamping techniques, and understanding the difference between sheet metal stamping and common stamping is crucial for making informed decisions in production processes. While both methods share some similarities in the basic principle of using force to shape materials, their distinct characteristics set them apart in several key aspects.

One of the most significant differences lies in the materials they typically handle. In common stamping, the range of materials can be quite broad. It encompasses not only metals but also other substances such as plastics, rubber, and even some composite materials. This versatility allows common stamping to be applied in a wide array of industries, from the production of consumer goods like toys and household items made from plastic to the manufacturing of rubber seals and gaskets. On the other hand, sheet metal stamping, as the name implies, focuses primarily on metal sheets. These metal sheets can vary in type, including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and mild steel, each with its own unique properties. The choice of metal sheet is often determined by the specific requirements of the final product, such as strength, corrosion resistance, and conductivity. For example, in the automotive industry, sheet metal stamping of high-strength steel is commonly used to create structural components that need to withstand significant forces.

The scale and complexity of the products produced also differ between the two. Common stamping is frequently employed for creating relatively simple and small-scale components. These can be single – piece items with straightforward geometries, like buttons, small fasteners, or basic plastic casings. The dies used in common stamping for such products are often less complex and can be designed and manufactured more quickly. Sheet metal stamping, however, is well – suited for producing larger and more complex components. In industries such as aerospace and construction, sheet metal stamping is used to fabricate large structural parts, like aircraft fuselage sections or building panels. These parts often require intricate designs, multiple bends, and precise hole placements. The dies for sheet metal stamping in these cases are more elaborate and require advanced engineering and manufacturing techniques to ensure accuracy and durability.

The production processes themselves also have notable distinctions. Common stamping may involve a variety of stamping methods, including progressive stamping, which is useful for creating multiple parts in a single pass, and transfer stamping, where parts are moved from one die station to another. These methods are optimized for the materials and product requirements of common stamping. Sheet metal stamping, on the other hand, often relies on deep drawing for creating three – dimensional shapes from flat metal sheets. This process requires careful control of factors such as the blank holder force, punch speed, and lubrication to prevent issues like wrinkling and tearing of the metal. Additionally, sheet metal stamping may involve subsequent operations such as bending, welding, and finishing to complete the final product, which is less common in many common stamping applications.

Cost considerations also play a role in differentiating the two. The cost of common stamping can vary depending on the material and the complexity of the die, but generally, for simpler products, the initial investment in tooling and production can be relatively lower. Sheet metal stamping, due to the nature of working with metal sheets and the complexity of the dies and processes involved, often requires a higher upfront investment. However, in high – volume production, the economies of scale in sheet metal stamping can lead to cost savings per unit, making it a more cost – effective option for large – scale manufacturing of metal components.

In conclusion, while sheet metal stamping and common stamping are both valuable manufacturing techniques, their differences in materials, product scale and complexity, production processes, and cost make them suitable for different applications. We need to carefully assess our production needs, considering factors like the type of material, the complexity of the product, and the production volume, to determine which stamping method is the most appropriate for our specific projects.