Reliable Metalcraft Corp.

United States

Stainless steel metal stampings are typically used in applications where the corrosion and oxidation resistant properties of stainless steel are desirable. Stainless steel metal stampings can be found in household appliances, medical devices, and industrial equipment.Stainless steel metal stampings are also widely used in the aerospace and automobile industries. Stainless steel metal stampings can be made from many different types of stainless steel which are created by varying or adding alloying elements such as chromium, nickel, carbon, molybdenum and nitrogen. The most commonly used type of stainless steel for metal stampings is the so called 300 series (Types 301, 302 and 304), due to its high form-ability and good corrosion resistance. The 300 series stainless steels are available in various tempers and finishes to accommodate a wide range of metal stamping requirements. Other options for stainless steel metal stampings are the use of 400 series stainless steel and 17-7 PH which can be heat treated after forming for additional strength.

Brass, an alloy of copper and zinc, can be used to make a wide variety of metal stampings. The bright gold-like appearance of brass, and its resistance to tarnishing, makes it an ideal candidate for metal stampings that are designed for decorative purposes or where the cosmetic appearance of the stamping is important. Brass metal stampings are often used in applications where low friction is required; since brass is softer than many other metals, metal stampings made from it can be utilized in situations where it is important that no sparks be struck. Brass metal stampings are often used in plumbing, hardware, fastener, and electrical applications. Brass metal stampings are most commonly made from the 260 brass alloy, also known as cartridge brass, since it possesses the optimum combination of strength and ductility, while keeping the high form-ability properties of copper. Depending on the requirements of the brass metal stamping, the 260 brass alloy is available in a wide range of tempers from soft to spring (8#’s hard). Brass metal stampings can also be made from tin coated brass or tin coated after forming to increase electrical conductivity and solder-ability.

Copper metal stampings are made from one of the earliest metals to be used by humans. Evidence of the use of copper and its alloys, brass and bronze, date back thousands of years. Copper is widely used in making metal stampings because it is resistant to corrosion, has superior electrical and thermal conductivity, and is strong, yet easily formed. Copper metal stampings can also be welded or brazed. Copper metal stampings are used in electrical and electronic products, industrial machinery and equipment, and many consumer products. Examples of copper metal stampings are heat sinks, bus bar, switches, relays, terminals, and contacts. Copper metal stampings are frequently made from CDA 110 copper, which is called electrolytic tough pitch (ETP) copper, because of its high electrical conductivity. CDA 110 copper is available in a range of tempers, from soft to spring (8#’s hard), which make it suitable for a wide variety of metal stamping applications.

Steel metal stampings are typically made from low carbon or what is frequently called “mild” steel. Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon, but is mostly iron. Since iron is one of the least expensive metals, and abundant supplies exist in nature, low carbon steel is usually cheaper than stainless steel, which contains other alloys, and spring steel, which has a higher content of carbon. Steel metal stampings can be made from low carbon steel that has been “hot rolled” or “cold rolled”. Hot rolled means that the steel goes through the rolling process to achieve its final dimensions at temperatures over 1000 degrees F. As the metal cools some variation can occur, so hot rolled steel is supplied with looser tolerances. Cold rolled steel, on the other hand, is rolled to its dimensions at close to room temperature so more precise tolerances can be achieved. Hot rolled steel also has a slightly darker and rougher finish than cold rolled steel. In the metal stamping process, which type is employed depends upon the exact specifications and requirements for the metal stamping itself. Steel metal stampings that are exposed to harsh conditions aresusceptible to rust and corrosion due to the high iron content. To protect against deterioration of the steel metal stampings from exposure, they can be manufactured from steel that has been already coated with tin or zinc (electro galvanized or hot dip galvanized) or even pre-painted. Alternatively, the steel metal stampings can be plated or painted after manufacture with a wide variety of coatings and finishes. Steel metal stampings are used in all types of construction, and in the manufacture of furniture, house hold appliances, industrial machinery and automobiles.

Beryllium copper stampings are made fromcopper that has be alloyed with 0.5 to 3% beryllium. Beryllium copper, with its high ductility, can be stamped and formed into complex metal stampings with tight tolerances. Metal stampings made from beryllium copper offer high strength, are non-magnetic and non-sparking, and have good electrical conductivity. Beryllium copper stampings can be precipitation hardened to very high strength levels foruse in applications where they are subjected to repeated stresses and strains. Beryllium copper stampings can be welded and are also resistant to non-oxidizing acids, abrasive wear and galling. Beryllium copper metal stampings make excellent electrical contacts and connectors and are frequently used in the electrical and electronic component and aerospace industries. Beryllium copper is more expensive than ordinary copper alloys, but metal stampings made from this material, especially when heat treated; offer better dimensional stability, and fatigue and corrosion resistance.

Aluminum metal stampings are becoming increasingly popular due to their high strength to weight ratios. Aluminum metal stampings are widely used in the automotive and aerospace industries where elimination of excess weight is crucial to fuel economy. Aluminum metal stampings offer excellent corrosion resistance even in harsh environments. Additionally, aluminum metal stampings have an attractive surface finish for applications where appearance is important. Aluminum metal stampings also have good electrical and thermal conductivity. Aluminum is a relatively soft metal which gives it exceptional form-ability in the metal stamping process. Aluminum metal stampings can be found in consumer electronics, many household items, and automobiles and aircraft. Aluminum is frequently alloyed with other elements such as manganese, magnesium and silicon to enhance its strength and usefulness in a wide variety of metal stamping applications. The most common grades of aluminum used in metal stampings are 1100, 3003, and 5052. Aluminum used for metal stamping can be found in many forms; sheet, strip, coil, wire, and extruded. Aluminum metal stampings can be anodized to increase corrosion resistance and surface hardness. Aluminum metal stampings can also be anodized in wide variety of colors for use in consumer products where appearance is especially important. Aluminum metal stampings have one drawback in that they cannot be welded by standard welding practices and require special welding techniques.