Introduction to Metal Stamping Materials
Sheet metal stamping is a versatile manufacturing process, capable of producing everything from simple to highly complex custom parts quickly and cost-effectively. With many types of metals and alloys compatible with metal stamping techniques, identifying the most appropriate material is essential to ensure the final product’s durability and performance.
Verdugo Tool & Engineering has been offering expert metal stamping services since 1957 and has experience working with an extensive range of materials. Here, we will provide an overview of common metal stamping materials, key material considerations, and how Verdugo Tool & Engineering can meet your needs.
Why Material Selection Matters in Metal Stamping
Whether your project is simple or highly complex, material selection plays a large role in its success. Metal stamping uses a variety of processes, including bending, coining, notching, embossing, and more. The material you select must not only perform as required in its end-use application but must also be compatible with the manufacturing processes themselves.
The type of metal you choose impacts your finished component’s cost, longevity, and performance capabilities. For example, materials with inadequate strength can lead to part failure. Difficult-to-form materials, on the other hand, require longer processing times and higher production costs.
Material selection affects many critical aspects of a metal stamping project, including:
Performance. The right material will withstand operational stresses without failure, performing reliably in its end-use application.- Manufacturability. Identifying materials with good formability will reduce the risk of defects occurring during the stamping process.
- Cost-Efficiency. The right material will balance cost and performance requirements to ensure economic viability.
Expert advice can make a big difference in your project’s results. If you’re looking for guidance on material selection, contact Verdugo Tool & Engineering today. We’re happy to offer advice specific to your application.
Our List of Common Metal Stamping Materials
As a third-generation sheet metal stamping house, Verdugo has expertise in an extensive array of materials. The metals we work with are used in everything from highly demanding aerospace and defense applications to food processing, automotive, and much more. Below, you can browse through the most common sheet metal stamping materials we use and learn about their unique properties.
- Stainless Steel Alloys: 304L, 321, 316, 301
Stainless Steel Alloys: 304L, 321, 316, 301
- 304L stainless steel. 304L offers excellent formability and corrosion resistance. It is frequently used to manufacture food processing equipment and medical devices.
- 321 stainless steel. 321 is a form of stainless steel that has been stabilized with titanium. It is ideal for use in high-temperature environments and offers improved resistance to corrosion and is often used in exhaust and engine applications.
- 316 stainless steel (full hard, half hard, quarter hard). 316 contains molybdenum for enhanced corrosion resistance. It is frequently used in marine or chemical applications.
- 301 Stainless Steel (full, half, quarter hard). This type of stainless steel provides high strength and good ductility. It is a common choice for springs, clips, and clamps.
Each of these stainless steel variants provides a good balance of formability, strength, and corrosion resistance. Stainless steel is a highly versatile material that’s compatible with an extensive range of industrial applications. It is not only highly ductile but also strong and can be drawn, formed, and coined easily when annealed.
- Aluminum Grades for Metal Stamping: 6061, 2024, 5052
Aluminum Grades for Metal Stamping: 6061, 2024, 5052
- 6061 aluminum (O to T6 tempers). 6061 aluminum is highly resistant to corrosion and offers good weldability and relatively high strength. It is commonly used in structural applications.
- 2024 aluminum (O to T6 tempers). Valued for its high strength-to-weight ratio, 2024 aluminum is stronger than 6061 and therefore, is a more popular choice for aerospace components.
- 5052-H32 aluminum. With its excellent formability and corrosion resistance, this type of aluminum is ideal for marine environments and automotive manufacturing.
Aluminum alloys create lightweight parts with high levels of strength and stability. However, it is sometimes resistant to forming and drawing. For this reason, care needs to be taken when engineering aluminum parts for manufacturability.
- Carbon Steel Options
Carbon Steel Options
- Spring steels. Spring steels are specific types of steel that have been engineered for resilience, hardness, and high yield strength. These high-carbon steels are used to manufacture springs and other high-stress components.
- Galvanized steels. Galvanized steels are carbon steels that have been coated in zinc for enhanced corrosion resistance. They are commonly used in construction and automotive applications.
- Cold rolled and carbon steels. These steels offer good strength and surface finish properties. They are commonly used for machinery parts and structural components.
- Mild carbon steel. This affordable steel variety is easily formed and welded, yet offers good strength and ductility.
These steel materials all provide a versatile combination of cost-effectiveness, strength, and durability. They are used throughout many industrial applications, including structural components, ductwork, piping systems, and more.
- High-Performance Alloys: Beryllium Copper, Brass
High-Performance Alloys: Beryllium Copper, Brass
- Beryllium Copper. With its combination of excellent electrical conductivity and high strength, beryllium copper is ideal for precision instruments and electrical connectors.
- Brass. As an alloy of copper and zinc, brass offers good machinability and corrosion resistance. It is often used in electrical and decorative applications.
Both of these high-performance alloys are ideal for projects that require superior physical and mechanical properties.
- Uncommon and Exotic Metal Options
Uncommon and Exotic Metal Options
- Inconel. This group of nickel-chromium-based superalloys is known for its ability to withstand incredibly high temperatures. It offers excellent strength and corrosion resistance, making it a common choice for aerospace and chemical processing applications.
- Titanium. This strong yet lightweight metal has a density that is 55% of steel. It is corrosion-resistant and used in aerospace, marine, and chemical processing applications.
- Tungsten. Tungsten offers exceptional strength and density. It is used in applications that require high impact resistance and wear resistance.
- Molybdenum. With its low thermal expansion, molybdenum accommodates tight tolerance requirements, ensuring dimensional stability in stamped parts.
- Hastelloy. Hastelloy is a nickel-based superalloy designed for use in highly demanding environments. It easily withstands high temperatures and corrosion, making it ideal for chemical processing and defense applications.
- Tantalum. This element offers exceptional ductility, making it ideal for precision stamping applications. It produces thin, intricate parts that do not become brittle.
Critical Factors to Consider When Choosing Materials for Your Stamped Parts
Understanding material properties and your performance requirements will help you make the most reliable and cost-effective choice for your project. To meet these goals, consider the following factors:
Material Properties That Impact Part Performance
Tensile strength and hardness
This refers to a material's ability to withstand force without breaking.
Formability and ductility
Adequate ductility is important for ensuring components can be deformed under stress without fracturing.
Thickness tolerance
Precision applications require materials with consistent thickness.
Conductivity
Metals with high conductivity are used for electrical conduction and heat dissipation, whereas metals with lower conductivity are great for electrical insulation or heat resistance.
Corrosion Resistance
Applications that involve harsh environmental conditions will require corrosion-resistant materials.
Surface finish requirements
Certain materials are compatible with surface treatments and finishing techniques to accomplish functional as well as aesthetic goals.
Verdugo's Standards and Certifications
At Verdugo, we implement rigorous quality control standards. We are ISO 9001:2015 certified, ITAR compliant, and we also meet an extensive range of industry-specific specifications, including:
- ANSI
- ASTM
- ASME
- DFARS
- Mil-Spec
For Expert Guidance in Material Selection for Stamped Parts, Contact Us Today
Sheet metal stamping is compatible with many materials, including stainless steel and steel, high-performance alloys, exotic metals, and much more. With the right knowledge, you can select an option that perfectly balances your budget and performance requirements.
Verdugo has been helping high-performance industries since 1957, offering our expertise for an extensive range of metal stamping materials, especially for high-volume production. Our engineers can help you explore all of your options and get the parts you need as efficiently as possible. Request a quote today to get started or contact us with your questions.