Metal Stamping


What is Metal Stamping?

Stamping is a term used to refer to various press forming operations including “coining; embossing; blanking; and pressing.  The process includes metal forming by applying pressure onto the surface of a metal, usually a strip or sheet.

The operations most commonly associated with stamping are blanking, piercing, forming and drawing.  These operations are done with dedicated tooling, also known as “hard tooling.”  Hard tooling is used to make high volume parts of one configuration or part design.  Soft tooling is used in processed such as CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Turret Presses, Laser Profilers, and Press Brakes.  Soft tooling, tooling that can be easily modified or adjusted, is also used in the stamping process.  Soft tooling can also be utilized for shorter part runs not requiring long tool life.

 

What is the capacity of Interstate’s Presses?

Interstate’s press capacities range from 22 Ton to 700 Ton capacity.

 

How large are the bed sizes of Interstate’s equipment?

Maximum Bed Size is 96” x 54” or 91” x 66” and varies depending of the individual press and specific press tonnage.

 

What Tolerances can Interstate hold on the stampings?

We can hold tolerances as close .005” during the metal stamping operations.  Stamping tolerances all depend on the part specification and the design of the die.

 

What is the metal thickness range the can be stamped at Avery Barron Industries?

We can stamp metal thicknesses from .002” to .75”.

 

What Materials are used in the manufacturing of the stamped parts?

Most metal and alloys specified by the customer can be used in the stamping process.  These include, steel products including cold rolled, hot rolled, galvanized, stainless steel, high strength low alloy steel, and most other alloys.  Interstate can also stamp Aluminum (all alloys) including T1/T2 and also brass, copper, zinc and titanium. 

 

Does Avery Barron Industries design and build tooling?

Yes; a partial list of ABI's tool making equipment is included in our brochure that can be found on our website.

 

How long does it typically take to produce hard tooling?

Depending on complexity, lead time of a die can range from 5 weeks to 16 weeks after drawing approval and receipt of order.

 

Who pays for the tooling? 

This can be the customer upfront or it can be amortized over a number of individual parts produced on the tooling or some negotiated time frame.

 

Does Avery Barron Industries make prototypes or soft tooling?

The production of soft tooling or prototypes is dependent on the type of application.

 

What about operations using progressive dies?

Yes, Interstate has the capability of stamping using progressive dies

What is the smallest size part that ABI can stamp?

The size of the part depends on the tooling design and the tonnage required to stamp the part.

 

What types of quality assurance programs are followed in the Interstate process?

Quality is a major focus at Avery Barron. Random sampling, testing and measurement based on statistically sampling methods are employed depending on the size of the production run.  Part accuracy is examined at the beginning and end of each shift or product run.

 

What are the optimum size manufacturing run that fits ABI's process?

Generally the optimum runs are 4,000 to 10,000 parts.  However, Interstate’s processes are very flexible.  As a result, production runs smaller and larger than this range can be handled.  In addition, Interstate will be happy to work with a customer to establish inventory management programs.

 

Who is responsible for tool maintenance?

Normal routine tool maintenance (sharpening etc.) is done by the staff at Avery Barron Industries with no additional cost to the customer.  In the case of a major tool failure, Interstate provides with a quotation on the cost to make the necessary repairs.   

 

Does ABI offer any other “value added” services in addition to the basic stamping function?

Yes.  In addition to stamping, Interstate also offers secondary operations such as welding, de-burring, finishing and the assembling of sub-assemblies based on the specific needs of the customer.

 

Does Avery Barron Industries require a minimum order level?

The minimum order level is generally $500.00.  This depends however, on a number of variables including design, tooling, cost, run size, business potential, etc.