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Emerging Technologies in Press Dies and Precision Stamping Dies

Precision stamping die

The field of precision metal stamping has been in existence for a long time now and its applications have been diverse. Considering the many benefits this process offers, an increasing number of manufacturers depend on the process of precision stamping die to produce suitable parts for them. However, with the increase in demand, the field of precision metal stamping has seen lots of advances and improvements over the years. These improvements have increased in the past few years as technology offers many refinements that are used in the field of precision metal stamping die. This article covers some of these emerging technologies in press dies and precision stamping die. 

One of such emerging technique is hot forming. Some automotive parts these days produce components from boron steel sheet metal by exposing it to high temperatures with the help of a die that forms and fulfills the stamping at the same time. The method used to stamp is actually by means of heat. The process of hot forming is quite different from other methods like the traditional deep-drawing process. Instead of using blank holders, there are special clamping parts that are fixed to hold the material in position and prevent the formation of wrinkles during the stamping process. To quench the process there are cooling lines that are installed close to the precision stamping die surface. These take full advantage of the special precision stamping dies steel which has immense strength and high heat transfer rates. To help with the removal of the produced part from the precision stamping die, strong ejector systems are required; at times these need to be designed specifically for the intended purpose. These additional features need to be addressed since they are quite critical for the success of hot forming process. This process of hot forming is an impressive one since the majority of tool and die makers even engineers are seldom trained in this particular technology. 

Not just the methods used in precision stamping die are improving, the materials are too. A new type of high tensile strength materials which are called Advanced High Strength Steel or AHSS is being used with precision stamping die in the manufacturing process. These materials are made to be used in the traditional manner along with precision stamping die and press lines at normal room temperatures. The exception to this is the boron-based hot forming grades mentioned above. The beauty of these materials is that they are almost thrice as stronger when compared to the traditional high strength low alloy or HSLA steel. With the material being so strong, there are high demands that are placed on the tooling which needs to be new just like the press lines on which they are installed. 

There are Advanced High Strength Steel or AHSS materials that are under development which have the tensile strength of some hot-formed stamping parts with the required ductility to also be cold-pressed at room temperature. Once these super-strong materials are out into the market ready for use, they will certainly push the current press lines and precision stamping die beyond limits that they presently have. 

Not just steel but even aluminum alloys are undergoing changes in the way metal stampers are putting them to use. The automotive and transport industry has been using aluminum alloys in larger quantities for sheet metal part applications. It is true that aluminum precision stamping die is difficult to process. That is especially true when new or unknown alloys are employed in the production process. There are newer alloys under production which have greater tensile strength and can be used with hot forming applications. There are other alloys that are being formed with appropriate warm temperatures and some other alloys that can be formed similar to the way plastic is used. Existing alloys are also being refined so that they can be formed at room temperatures in a much better way. For design engineers and die designers to make the most out of these alloys, it is vital that they understand the similarities and differences between these various alloys and how they respond to heat. In this way, precision stamping die can be produced with great efficiency. 

Another advancement is found in the matter of lubricants. With the advent of high-end machinery, the way lubricants are being produced, their methods of applications on precision stamping die, their thickness and technology to measure it is all undergoing changes and improvement. The future will very soon be free of chlorinated paraffin! This is especially true with the evolution of third-generation Advanced High Strength Steel or AHSS materials. 

Modern-day precision stamping die is put through many different forces and stresses. They are exposed to a variety of temperatures and chemicals, even shocks and vibrations. With so many parameters working on these precision stamping die, there are high chances that these can fail at times during the production process. To meet these high demands placed on precision stamping die, there is constant improvement in tooling chemistry, engineered surface coatings and heat-treating methods. For production runs that are prolonged, carbide materials are being increasingly used to make precision stamping die. The reason behind using carbide materials is that they exhibit high amounts of compressive strength. Besides they can also resist deflection and hold on to their hardness even at really high temperatures. These properties are very useful when it comes to processes that employ high-speed cutting, forming and punching applications like that used in precision stamping die production. There are certain processes that are only possible with the use of tungsten carbide punches, for example, making holes with a small diameter in tough or hard materials. 

The engineers at Eigen keep pace with the best in technological improvements and are abreast with the latest advancements. They also make every possible effort to employ these new changes to give our customers the very best stamped parts. Their up-to-date knowledge of the recent developments coupled with their experience in using different materials for production and handling various challenges encountered during the production process gives us, Eigen, a chip over the rest when it comes to producing precision stamping die. Our legacy speaks for us, so do our satisfied customers. Be one of them; use our stamping services for all your needs.

 

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