What are the stamping basics?

Stamping — also called pressing — involves placing flat sheet metal, in either coil or blank form, into a stamping press. In the press, a tool and die surface form the metal into the desired shape. Punching, blanking, bending, coining, embossing, and flanging are all stamping techniques used to shape the metal.

Fourslide vs. Progressive Die

After the tool is completed, it’s time to get to work on the parts. The metal stamping process will already be determined by engineers during the tool’s design, and each process delivers certain advantages. Two of the most common types of stamping — fourslide stamping and progressive die stamping — offer unique benefits for different applications. Progressive die stamping provides an affordable way to perform multiple actions on a single press, eliminating inefficiencies and allowing for a speedy, streamlined process.

High Volume Metal Stamping | ESI Engineering Specialties Inc.

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High volume metal stamping capabilities for virtually any product.

All volumes, all different materials, all the time.

For more than two decades, ESI has put its stamp on all kinds of parts, from seat belt components to solar hot water systems. Because we specialize in safety-critical components, our technologies serve a higher level of quality assurance. To better serve a variety of applications, we utilize both progressive stamping and fourslide stamping techniques. We work within a wide range of services from low to high volume metal stamping, which allows you the flexibility to achieve successful precision stamping results.

Progressive Stamping

Progressive die stamping eliminates inefficiencies and provides a cost-friendly way to produce more than one action in a process.

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Fourslide Stamping

Fourslide metal stamping offers two important features: horizontal alignment and four different tools.

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View Metal Stamping Samples

We work with all different kinds of materials for various applications — check out some of our samples.

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Progressive die stamping eliminates inefficiencies and provides a cost-friendly way to produce more than one action in a process.

For more than 20 years, ESI has performed multiple actions on a single press, rather than constantly changing the tooling of one press or employing many expensive presses. The result is a complete part from one press.

Fourslide metal stamping offers two important features apart from traditional power presses. One is its horizontal alignment, and the second is its four slides. The numerous slides equates to having four tools to simultaneously bend a workpiece into a fully functioning part. Intricate cuts mimic the work of a progressive die, and quick bends result in high volume metal stamping capabilities.

Production metal stamping capabilities and materials

ESI invests in automated equipment with built-in vision inspection that can check every single part. Cutting-edge automation for production metal stamping and assembly also eliminates labor costs, to keep our prices sharply competitive.

We work with all different kinds of materials. We can handle thicknesses from 1/8” to .005” (4mm -.1mm). Whether you need volumes of 1,000 or less to 20 million or more, we can provide the custom service of a small shop with the sophistication of a global manufacturer. Our track record for on-time delivery speaks for itself: Ask to see our monthly customer report cards.

Perhaps most important of all, we don’t just look at a stamping; we think about the way it works in your finished product. That perspective led ESI to extend our capabilities into laser marking and advanced assembly, in which we help you lower production costs and increase production rates.

You’ll find that we’re far more than a superb stamping company; we’re a problem-solving ally that can add new dimensions to quality and performance.

Metal Stamping Resources

Specifications

Capabilities	Fourslide stamping In-die tapping Electronic tool and press monitoring Plastic overmolding
Press Capacity	5 to 150 tons
Materials	Ferrous and non-ferrous
Tolerances	.001" (.025mm)
Applications	Brackets Clamps Clips Connectors Contacts Cups Flat springs Levers Mounting plates Retainers Strain Reliefs Terminals
Additional Services	Finishing: Cleaning, deburring, heat treating, plating Assembly: Riveting, welding, tapping, staking Prototype stamping

Frequently Asked Questions about Metal Stamping

What is metal stamping?

Metal Stamping is a method to convert flat metal sheets into specific shapes. It’s such a common process that at least one item nearby (car, appliance, etc.) probably has one or more parts made via metal stamping. Not only is it used for these items, but it’s also used to produce large machinery parts. The process will vary depending on the need. For example, fourslide metal stamping offers more intricate cuts, while progressive die stamping offers a more cost-friendly result at high volumes.

How does metal stamping work?

When a stamping press shapes or cuts metal to precise specifications, it involves drawing, trimming, forming, piercing and blanking sheet or coil metal with a die.
Multiple types of presses produce different results. A single-acting press uses a single ram, which is clamped to the top of the stamping die to generate a vertical movement when metal is fed through the die. A double-acting press is similar but with a subdivided ram. Mechanically driven presses usually use an eccentric drive and are powered by a motor to run the flywheel, which stores kinetic energy that will turn the wheel toward the plate. Hydraulically driven presses use hydraulic cylinders to move the ram vertically.

What are metal stamping blanks?

A metal stamping blank is a metal sheet or part before it’s put through any type of fabrication process. Manufacturers follow standards and rules before fabricating, piercing and bending metal based on formulas like hole diameter, geometry and taper. For example, the minimum diameter for any hole should be 1.2 times the material thickness or larger and 2 times the material thickness for materials with high tensile strength.

What are the advantages of high-volume production metal stamping?

High-volume production lends advantages to major companies in aerospace, automotive and other large industries. Some of these advantages are speed, minimal scrap material, faster setup and more geometries available with a single process. Other advantages are high repeatability, longer runs and lower costs per part.

What kind of production metal stamping should I use for my project?

Depending on your project, you’ll use progressive die stamping or fourslide metal stamping. If you’re looking for a more cost-friendly way to eliminate inefficiencies, progressive die stamping might work better for you. It allows you to get one complete part from one press, rather than many expensive presses. Fourslide metal stamping offers horizontal alignment and, as the name indicates, four slides. These slides mean four tools simultaneously work a blank into a functioning part. Mimicking the work of a progressive die with intricate cuts, the fourslide process results in more high-volume capabilities.

What is the normal stamping lead-time?

Lead-time truly depends on the quantity, size and complexity of the parts. For high volume stampers, simple bends for 50,000 parts can be turned around in several weeks, while complex parts may take up to 10 weeks to turn around.