Benefits of Forming Deep Drawn Metal Stamped Parts
The deep drawing sheet metal forming process is a cold-forming process performed in an environment at or near room temperature, where the metal is permanently deformed into the desired geometry. In this process, the flat metal blank is formed and stretched around a die cavity with a punch, typically done by a mechanical or hydraulic press. As the materials is drawn into the die cavity, it flows to conform precisely to the contours of both the die and the punch, taking its shape, and resulting in a cup, dome, housing, or enclosure.
The dimensions on the part are set based on the shape of the plug, the shape of the die, and how depth of the draw. Deep drawing is ideally suited for applications requiring their depth to be greater than their radius, while providing excellent structural integrity and ductility due to material work-hardening and localized thickening as the blank is drawn into the die cavity.
Seamlessly Formed
Deep drawn metal stamped parts are seamlessly formed from a single metal blank, the final shape resulting with fewer failure points and no weak joints that sometimes occur from secondary forming operations like welding. Because of this increased durability, deep drawn applications have a higher load-bearing strength and can handle heavy-duty applications, the perfect forming process to use for demanding industries like Oil and Gas, aerospace, or Marine environments.
Seamlessly formed applications allow for smoother product flow because they have no welds, and are ideal for waterproof or airtight operations. A beneficial option for food processing, plastics, or material handling applications. Because of their seamless build, deep drawn parts can be leak-proof and can be sanitized rather easily, if needed.
When deep drawing, often times secondary operations are unnecessary because the final shape can be formed in just one to two strokes of the press.
Uniform with Reduced Defects
Because deep drawing can be automated or partially automated by setting parameters on the press, the repeatability and consistency ensures that every part is formed with the same specifications, reducing defects like wrinkling, or tearing. This also assists in minimizing scrap and waste, lowing costs and assisting in sustainability efforts.
Efficient Cycle Times
Because of automation and partially automated presses, continuous operations can streamline production and cycle times, making deep draw stamping an efficient process. Some shapes can be formed from a single blank, with a single stroke of the press, while others may need one to two draw-re-draws. However, this eliminates the need for further fabrication, welding, or other secondary processes, minimizing production time, and shortening lead times.
Streamlined Assembly
Oftentimes deep drawn metal applications do not require a weld or further forming. Because of its seamless construction, a part taken directly off the press can be washed and boxed up for shipping right away.
Durable, Ductile, and Strong
Deep drawn applications have an improved structural integrity because of work hardening: when the metal’s fundamental structure is compressed and stretched during the forming process. Deep drawing is performed by controlling the material flow, a gradual deformation that allows the metal to form into the final shape as it is stretched over the die. Throughout the forming process, the metal hardens and develops an increased durability, resulting in a higher product quality with more resistance to wear and tear.