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Variations: Metal Stamping

Stamping is a method of working sheet metal to a prescribed size and shape by means of a die and a press.The die determines the size and the shape of the completed workpiece. The press provides the force needed to effect the change. We present some short-run methods involving a variety of means for working sheet metal. A more comprehensive list in available in the handbook referenced below.

Those methods utilize tooling of universal applicability. They rely on the skill of the operator rather than on tooling for their accuracy.

Rolling

Compressive forces are applied to a long workpiece through a set of rolls. This process gradually deforms the workpiece into a shape with the desired cross sectional area. The direction perpendicular to the direction of rolling is constrained, thus only the deformation of the length of the workpiece is increased, not its width.

Straight-Line Shearing

Sheet material is placed between two blades, the lower one is stationary and the upper one is movable. This movable blade is forced down into the stock, cutting and fracturing it with an action similar to that which occurs when sheet metal is blanked.

Notching

Similar to straight shearing except that it produces an angle cut in the workpiece.

Nibbling

It cuts out a contour or other shape by punching a series of overlapping round or square holes along the edge of the part.

Rotary Shearing

It cuts sheets in a contoured shape or a straight line by passing it between two tapered wheel cutters.

Folding-Machine Bending

It produces straight-line bends. The sheet is clamped between two beams, while a movable beam pivots upward, folding the sheet against the edge of the clamping beam. It is possible to make round as well as sharp folds.

Source: Bralla, Design for manufacturability Handbook