A good metal stamping parts needs 16 steps from idea to perfect parts. So how do you get metal stamped, and what should look for in a metal stamping supplier ?
The easiest way is to produce high-quality metal stamping parts. However, there are many factors that affect the quality of metal stamping parts. Now, I will take you to check 16 factors that affect stamping metal. It is also convenient for everyone to understand how to choose a good metal stamping supplier.
1. Mold material
Mold material is one of the most critical factors affecting the quality of metal stamping parts. Good machining starts with the right tooling, so a qualified manufacturer should pay great attention to issues such as mold material, heat treatment, etc.
The material of the stamping die depends on the type of product and its characteristics. Typically, common steels are used for stampings with thin walls and large surface areas. But if it is necessary to produce high-precision, thin-walled complex parts, special steel should be used.
2. Accuracy
The precision of the mold determines the smoothness of your parts and what kind of problems will occur after molding. Better precision can significantly improve metal stamping quality.When choosing a metal stamping manufacturer, it is necessary to check whether their machines are equipped with advanced testing equipment to ensure the accuracy of the mold.
Every good metal stamping manufacturer should recheck the size of each mold for errors after heat treatment and surface grinding, at least once or twice a year to ensure product quality.
3. Stamping parts and the number of stamping parts
How many times a part is significantly stamped will affect its tolerance, so you must pay attention to this issue when choosing a high-quality metal stamping manufacturer.For thin-walled parts, it is best to do several injections after the molding process, as fewer secondary operations are required and avoid leaving marks on the product.
However, multiple perforations are a good option if used to accentuate the aesthetic appearance of a product.
Note that too many stampings can cause distortion and lower the overall quality.
4. Surface roughness
Surface roughness is a key factor to determine whether your product is smooth and beautiful after molding.
A high-quality stamping surface should be mirror or satin. For many thin-walled parts, one grinding operation is sufficient to improve surface quality. Multi-layer stamped products with multiple punches may require as much as three times as much polishing prior to heat treatment.
5. Heat
Heat treatment is usually carried out after stamping.
High temperature tempering, quenching, normalizing and tempering are commonly used heat treatment processes for continuous die metal stamping parts in my country. After heat treating, your parts will be stronger and perform better.
Heat treatment can significantly improve stamping quality and help your parts resist deformation, stress and cracking. However, excessive heat treatment can quickly reduce the precision of the product, resulting in poor surface finish and deformation.
6. Surface treatment
The surface treatment of continuous die metal stamping is different from that of transfer die metal stamping.
The surface of high-quality continuous die stamping parts will be coated with anti-rust oil or black oxide after heat treatment. However, if your product requires a heightened aesthetic, please consider having it polished by an experienced worker.Surface treatment significantly improves metal stamping quality and improves performance.
7. Processing
Continuous die metal stamping parts are usually transferred to the processing department after stamping.
High-quality continuous die stamping parts may go through a series of machine turning and other processes to complete the finished product. Each is essential to ensure high-quality products with precision, smooth surfaces, good looks and enhanced performance.
8. Part inspection
When choosing a professional Chinese metal stamping manufacturer, you need to check whether they have the required equipment, such as Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT), to ensure product quality.
It is best to choose a manufacturer with an in-house laboratory that can conduct hardness tests on molds and finished products once a week. This helps you avoid some unexpected issues after stamping.
There are two inspection methods in the metal stamping industry, 1) random inspection, which is carried out by machine operators during the manufacturing process, and 2) 100% final inspection before packaging, which can only be done by high-quality workers.
9. Delivery date
In order to meet the urgent demand, many metal stamping manufacturers are unable to deliver a large number of parts on time due to the difference in production workload. When you need high-quality stamping parts, please ask your suppliers about their capacity and the time required to produce the product after you place an order. A supplier can be considered a professional supplier if they tell you that they will provide a quote within 24 hours of your inquiry.
10. Marking and painting
Marking and painting are key processes in making your final product look its best via brand name, model number and/or other descriptive information.
The high-quality stamping is equipped with advanced 3D laser marking equipment, which can provide precise marking and high processing speed. These are automated machines that reduce labor costs for these procedures.
However, they are also expensive compared to traditional marking methods, so be aware when choosing a manufacturer.
11. Quality control process
Quality control is always one of the most important factors in determining whether your stamping parts meet customers’ requirements.High-quality manufacturers should have quality control personnel responsible for testing their products during every procedure, including heat treatment.
Their testing procedures should be strictly defined in accordance with international or national specifications, which you need to provide before production. If possible, consider ISO system certification to ensure that all your procedures are under the control of qualified management personnel.
12. Packaging and transportation
Proper packaging and shipping can reduce the risk of damage to stampings, especially large and/or heavy components.Ask your stamping manufacturer for details on their packaging and shipping options prior to production. Also, if possible, provide samples of similar products and test packaging and shipping.
13. Price
Price is a factor that cannot be ignored when you choose a metal stamping manufacturer, but this does not mean that the lowest price is the best choice.
Quality and service levels are a function of price, so don’t make the mistake of making a choice based on cost alone. Compare based on price and service level before choosing.
14. Profit margin
Profit margins are something few people discuss, but they are an important factor. Before deciding which metal stamping manufacturer to choose, consider your ultimate profit margin and determine whether the prices offered will allow you to achieve the desired profit margin.
If not, you would consider getting lower production costs or even higher productivity from a high-quality metal stamping manufacturer.
15. Reliability
The best way to determine reliability is through feedback from other businesses using their services (word of mouth). You can also take advantage of trade platforms that offer supplier evaluations to their members.
16. After-sales service
You must pay attention to the after-sales service provided by the stamping manufacturer you choose. If there is a problem with your product, the manufacturer should immediately provide after-sales service according to your requirements, including remanufacturing and repairing.
A professional metal fabrication plant should have a machine maintenance department and spare parts storage in case of any unexpected situation during the production process. Even if it takes longer, they should stay in close contact with you.
Why Shean Iron Steel
We know selecting the right metal stamping supplier is not easy. As a reliable metal stamping manufacturer, we will consider good engineering judgment must be incorporated into the practice of sizing and selecting stamping parts to achieve the best dynamic performance. If you are looking for good quality metal stamping supplier, we are the right choice for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.