High-Speed Stamping: The Key to Efficient Manufacturing

In manufacturing, time is of the essence, and high-speed stamping processes allow for faster, more profitable production for a wide range of parts. This method of fabrication supports all kinds of industries with precision and versatility. High-speed stamping can create the parts for everything from consumer electronics to aerospace equipment, and it works well with various materials.

If you need to create a high number of parts quickly or economically, high-speed stamping could be the perfect fit.

What Is High-Speed Stamping?

Typical stamping processes use a press to sandwich a piece of material between a press and a die. The die has a shape cut into it that punches, cuts or shapes the material. This method is often used with metal, but materials like plastics and rubber can also be stamped.

High-speed stamping increases the speed of the operation, but the amount can vary by industry. For example, a large die might have fewer than 100 strokes per minute, while a smaller one could support over 1,000.

The common denominator of high-speed presses is that they require special accommodations to address the unique demands of faster operating speeds. Some of the primary concerns associated with high-speed stamping include:

Tool wear: Frequent use causes increased wear on the tools, so operators must use certain technologies and practices to achieve high-quality results with each press.

Stock feeding: Feeding stock into the press becomes more challenging when it moves at high speeds, so certain types of materials — such as coils instead of sheets — might be necessary. Other tactics could include lubrication and assessing the characteristics of the material itself.

Scrap removal: The stamping process typically involves creating significant amounts of scrap metal. The equipment or technicians must remove the scrap to keep the system working properly.

Heat: Between the speed, pressure and friction, a high-speed press can create excessive heat. The equipment requires heat-resistant tooling, and engineers may need to consider the effects of heat on the hardness and other properties of the metal.

Overcoming these issues yields some powerful results, offering low-cost, accurate and fast production. The high-speed capabilities of this method have made it a necessary technology for many companies and industries. Some markets that depend on high-speed stamping include the automotive, aerospace, medical and consumer electronics industries.

The High-Speed Stamping Process in Manufacturing

High-speed stamping relies on several crucial pieces of equipment, although this manufacturing process can vary slightly. In general, high-speed stamping follows these steps:

Installing the die: Before starting up the press, operators must install the die, which features a pattern or shape that corresponds to the desired part. When the material presses against the die, it will deform it to the shape on the die. Technicians may use a lubricant on the die to protect it and ensure smooth movement.

Feeding the metal: After securing the die, the material, usually a metal sheet or coil, can be fed into the machine. Once in place, it moves consistently toward the die.

Stamping: Once it reaches the stamping area, the material sits between the die and the press, which applies significant pressure to the material. As the material presses up to the die, it takes on the appropriate shape. Then, the press releases, and the part moves along.

Finishing and quality control: After the formed part is released, the deburring process removes excess scrap metal from the edges. The part can then move along to quality control.

The stamping process occurs in the blink of an eye, making it great for higher production outputs or fabrication that requires a fast turnaround.

Advantages of High-Speed Stamping

High-speed stamping is ideal for many fabrication applications, especially where simple, consistent shapes are required. Below are some of the reasons so many companies turn to this fabrication method for their parts.

1. Speed and Throughput

High-speed stamping offers quick turnaround times and impressive throughputs that can accommodate some of the fastest production runs. If your operation requires a large number of parts in very little time, high-speed stamping could be the perfect approach. It can help you get to market sooner and gain a competitive edge over other businesses in your industry.

2. Cost Savings

Although it requires specialized equipment and training, the speed of this method often makes it an economical choice, especially when outsourced. Its high-quality results and automated system minimize labor requirements and material waste. Getting products out faster than the competition can also boost your bottom line.

3. Precision and Consistency

Many industries, like medical, aerospace and military manufacturers, demand accuracy and precision. High-speed stamping can meet both of these requirements. It’s also highly repeatable and great for products with low tolerances or variation allowances.

4. Versatility

Stamping presses can accommodate different types of metals and thicknesses, from stainless steel to copper and brass. While each one requires some adjustments to the equipment, a skilled fabricator can bring the benefits of high-speed stamping to various metals.

How New Concept Technology Can Help

Although high-speed stamping is crucial for many businesses, it requires considerable skill. This type of fabrication introduces unique stressors, such as those related to equipment wear, stock feeding and scrap removal.

Any company using a high-speed press must implement specialized training for technicians, follow intense maintenance requirements and invest in the right equipment. Doing this in-house can be expensive and challenging, but an outsourced solution offers all of the benefits at an affordable price.

Working with New Concept Technology allows you to leverage our expert team and industry-leading equipment without taking on the drawbacks. Our specialized knowledge of high-speed stamping offers high-quality results in short timeframes to help your company stay ahead. At New Concept Technology, you’ll get benefits like:

A team of 45 certified toolmakers and 10 accredited apprentices

24/7 tool services

An in-house fleet of high-end Bruderer presses

Quality management system certifications from the International Organization for Standardization

An automotive quality management certification from the International Automotive Task Force

As your single-source supplier, we offer design, engineering, process development, fabrication and manufacturing all in one place. Our manufacturing process integration helps us improve efficiency and incorporate custom designs into your product while maintaining quality and speed.

Reach Out Today to Explore Stamping Solutions for Your Organization

Using a high-speed stamping press is an essential kind of production for numerous types of businesses. If you need fast, precise fabrication for high production outputs, consider working with the experts in high-speed stamping. New Concept Technology brings leading technology and expertise to the process and serves as your one-stop shop.