Metal stamping is a process that has become an integral part of manufacturing. Many sectors from agriculture to engineering and consumer goods require metal stamping of some form or another combined with other processes or on its own. Some tool and die shops in Boston, for example, complete their work with value-added procedures. This approach is valid for many different types of metal stamping including aluminum stampings.
Advantages of Aluminum Stamping
Like all metals, aluminum exhibits certain inherent qualities that make it advantageous for many different industrial applications, including automotive and aircraft manufactories. Among the many reasons for such preference are the following:
- Light weight, aluminum has a less than that of low carbon steel
- The ratio of strength to weight ratio is categorized as excellent
- The metal is non-magnetic
- It is highly ductile
- As a highly rust-resistant metal, it is certainly ideal for products that are faced with potentially highly corrosive situations or environments. This makes it perfect for architectural components and automotive and aircraft parts
- The dimensional capability is good
- It is heat treatable
- It is also very high in reflectivity. This accounts for its use in various types of solar technology
- Aluminum is quite formable
- Aluminum is highly recyclable, requires less energy to produce and utilize. In today’s pro-environment atmosphere and with the cost of raw materials increasing, this makes it an attractive alternative to other metals
All these characteristics make aluminum a desirable and advantageous metal.
Potential Issues with Aluminum Stamping
In addition to the many positive characteristics of deep drawn aluminum stampings, there are additional benefits and challenges that an aluminum-stamping manufacturer needs to be aware of. These include:
If the process is deep drawn stampings, certain issues need consideration. Lower tonnage is required for the process. Make certain the operator is aware of this. The same applies to the specific techniques suitable for aluminum. In other words, it is very important to recognize that aluminum is aluminum and not identical to other metals such as copper or, more specifically steel. It requires different processes and handling if the results are to reflect its true capabilities.
Aluminum Stampings
The use of aluminum in certain industries shows no abatement. It continues to grow in application as people switch to a material they perceive as being more suitable for the times, the morals and economics. In Boston, many shops prefer to work with aluminum stampings, and they will be happy to continue to do so at an accelerated rate.