Production stamping is generally performed on materials .020” to .080” thick, but the process also can be applied to foils as thin as .001” or to plate stock with thickness' approaching 1.000”.
Formability is the primary attribute of sheet metal material. Formability is further defined as the materials ability to be:
• bent
• stretched
• drawn
The metallurgical term for these qualities is “ductility”. Ductility is the materials ability to deform and elongate without fracture. The extent to which a stamping is subjected to such deformation is directly related to the part’s overall shape and geometry. Other factors also influence the material’s formability. They include:
• the die design
• the press
• the press speed
• lubrication
• sheet metal feeding mechanisms
• monitoring and control systems
The word “die” is a generic term used to describe the tooling used to produce stamped parts. A die set assembly consisting of a male and female component is the actual tool that produces the shaped stamping. The male and female components work in opposition to both form and punch holes in the stock. The upper half of the die set, which may be either the male or female, is mounted on the press ram and delivers the stroke action. The lower half is attached to an intermediate bolster plate which in turn is secured to the press bed. Guide pins are used to insure alignment between the upper and lower halves of the die set.
