The quality of stamped parts depends greatly on the production process of precision metal stamping. Since the precision metal stamping process has different complexity for different designs, careful planning is a must to ensure a low product defect rate and high accuracy.
What makes the planning of the precision metal stamping process a success?
An efficient team of engineers plans the most profitable precision metal stamping process that guarantees cost-effective results. Precision metal stamping manufacturers ensure the entire process is seamless and adheres to the design and delivery requirements of the clients. The plan must also include material usage and an estimation of the fluctuation in the product’s final design.
Here’s what an ideal planning for the production of precision stamping parts looks like:
Step1:
Start with the right metal stamping design
The best way to start planning for precision metal stamping parts is to get the engineers and manufacturers on the same boat and finalize an optimum metal stamping part design. It ensures that the metal stamper can understand the client’s metal stamped part specification and assess the material and part tolerances.
Step 2.
Assess and estimate critical tolerances of the metal stamping
Critical tolerances are one of the most crucial material specifications that need due consideration in a metal stamping process. OEMs generally specify the tightest tolerances to ensure the lowest risk of failure of the product. Even though tighter tolerances indicate a higher ability to withstand physical variations, it often increases the production cost of the metal-stamped part. This is because tighter tolerances require a longer time to develop a die.
Step3:
Consider the dimensions of the final assembly
The final assembly is where the metal part is eventually going to fit in. Therefore, the design of the metal part and its metal stamping die must consider the dimensions of the final assembly. It is important for metal-stamped parts that are designed to mate or snap into other metal-stamped parts.
Step4:
Set realistic production volume target
Setting accurate production volumes helps to produce metal parts in just the required amount. It also minimizes the production cost due to over-production. It reduces the metal stamped part wastage as well.
Step 5:
Select the right material
Choosing the right metal is the toughest and most critical step that decides the quality of the end product. Here the metal must match the tolerances that the engineer specifies for the metal part. The metal’s chemical and physical properties must be compatible with the application of the metal part.
Step 6:
Plan the secondary operations like plating. welding etc.
Scheduling secondary operations in advance help in starting them right away after the metal stamping process. This reduces the cycle time and helps the metal stamping firm deliver the metal part to the OEM on time.
Since the quality of these operations needs supervision, OEMs must consider experts like Eigen Engineering company to oversee the secondary operations.
Step 7:
Simulate and assess the prototypes before mass production
Most metal stampers provide 3D-PART Simulations and prototypes. It improves the reliability and manufacturability of the metal part. OEMs can use the prototypes and evaluate if they fit the functionality before investing in the whole production process. The metal stampers this way, and OEMs can address any need for redirecting to improve function or manufacturability.
Step 8:
Build in time for tool design
Time flexibility is the key to metal stamping success. The tool design and development require a good amount of time, especially when creating a customized tool design. Here the production requirements and characteristics of the metal play a decisive role.
Step 9:
Monitor quality in real-time
The final step is to monitor the process quality in real time. Any glitches must be addressed as soon as possible, to avoid a last-minute rush and ensure the highest quality output.
Tips to ensure optimum precision metal stamping parts production
Apart from effective planning, here are some ways the best precision stamping part manufacturers use for a successful production process:
1. Each piece of precision stamping part undergoes daily inspection before the start of the production process.
2. Ensuring proper cleanliness of mold cavities and workpieces.
3. Keeping each piece in its original place after the production process.
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