4 Metals Most Commonly Used in Metal Stamping

Metal stamping is a manufacturing process used to form flat sheets of metal into a variety of designs. Sheets of metal are placed in a stamping press where a die or a series of dies cut, shape, or form the material into the desired shape. Metal stamping is done in a variety of ways depending on the required specifications of the final product. Stamping may use a single process with one or more dies, a group of progressive dies in the same machine, or the workpiece may have separate operations performed on different machines, a process known as transfer stamping.

Cangzhou Futong is a leading custom component and metal stamping manufacturer for a variety of major industries, including construction, electronics, and solar and wind energy. Here, we share the four most common metals we use in metal stamping and the benefits they offer.

Four Metals Most Commonly Used in Metal Stamping

Aluminum

Aluminum is a non-ferrous metal that has a relatively low cost, an excellent strength to weight ratio, and is suitable for high-speed production. Its strength-to-weight ratio enables the production of components that are durable and strong, yet lightweight.

Aluminum also offers good thermal and electrical conductivity while resisting damage that may be caused by electrical charges or heat. It has the added benefit of not requiring a coating during the finishing process, although it can be anodized to enhance its appearance and improve its corrosion resistance.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel is a ferrous metal that contains high levels of chromium, molybdenum, and nickel. The addition of these elements gives stainless steel greater resistance to corrosion than other types of steel. This metal is available in many different varieties, each with unique characteristics to fulfill specific applications.

Stainless steel is highly durable, has high tensile strength, and retains its strength and characteristics even when exposed to temperature extremes. Stainless steel is stronger and harder than carbon steel, which makes it ideal for knives or cutting tools, and its stain resistance makes it easy to clean and maintain.

Carbon Steel

Carbon steel materials are available in both flat sheets and coils. The metal’s composition differs from stainless steel because it contains 2.1% carbon by weight and has lower ductility and offers less resistance to corrosion. Carbon steel provides several benefits for metal stamping, including being a low cost, high strength material. Carbon steel can also be soldered, and with proper maintenance is a very durable metal.

Copper & Brass

Copper is easily formed, making it perfect for fast production of one-piece seamless components, and is compatible with cold forming processes, which hardens the metal. Copper is a low maintenance durable metal that resists corrosion and has natural hygienic properties, which make it suitable for applications in the medical and food and beverage industries.

Brass is a copper-zinc alloy that retains many of copper’s beneficial characteristics. Brass has a smooth surface, is resistant to corrosion, easily soldered, and offers conductivity that makes it suitable for a wide range of electronic applications.