Modern stamping press machines are undoubtedly an integral part of production processes the world over, with the parts produced by the process being utilised in virtually all industries. From tiny metal tools to large vehicle manufacturing, there's barely a business anywhere that has not benefitted from stamp press machines in some form.
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The stamping press as we know it today was not always this way, though. Improvements in technology, efficiency and accuracy have all helped the modern stamping press become an essential component in global manufacturing.
But what are metal stamping presses? Why are they so important and how have they changed over the decades to become the beloved tool we know them to be today? Let's take a closer look.
What is a stamping press machine?
Stamping press machines are used to shape materials ' most often coils or sheet metal (also known as 'blanks') ' into specific shapes, so they can be used in a wide array of applications or further cut to meet the needs of the project.
The materials are warped using high pressure to essentially fold them around a specifically shaped upper die, after being placed at the dead center of the machine. The shape of the dies determines the shape of the final product.
How old stamping presses were operated
Like presses of all kinds, it used to be the case that 100% of the work involved was performed manually using mechanical press techniques. None of which benefitted from the sheet metal and coil handling equipment that is used today. This included the insertion of the materials into the press as accurately as possible, to produce the desired results, as well as replacing each piece of material every time a new press was required.
Without the use of a hydraulic press or hydraulic cylinders, the force needed to stamp the materials in question was also produced by physical workers, who would utilise cogs and weight systems in mechanical presses to press the materials into the dies. These dies are often made from very high-strength steels, so they do not fold under the extreme pressure and full tonnage of the machinery.
Given it was a very laborious job, involving a lot of physical force and heavy or potentially sharp materials, accidents were commonplace, with some workers suffering irreparable damage during the stamping process. However, modern stamping presses are equipped with much-needed safety mechanisms and more automated jobs to help keep workers safe.
Modern stamping presses
Modern stamping presses, when compared to previous iterations, benefit hugely from advancements in technology ' both to the benefit of the worker and the production process as a whole.
High-speed stamping presses and similar hydraulic presses can perform approximately stamping strokes per minute, making them incredibly efficient at stamping many separate pieces of material into the correct formations. Plus, thanks to Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology, much of the stamping process is completely automated, meaning these machines can remove completed pieces and insert new ones from a blank holder in rapid time with incredibly high precision.
Not only does this make the process super-quick, but it also removes the human factor, eliminating the chance of human error in the placement of the material, leading to better quality work, greater profits and lower excess material figures for businesses taking advantage of such technology.
Your stamping press needs are covered with Cambridge Dynamics
If you need expertly stamped materials for your business, or you are exploring onboarding industrial stamp presses to improve operations, speak to the team at Cambridge Dynamics.
As an industry leader with decades of experience in all things presses (including punch presses, stamp presses, CNC technology and more) and an extensive range of stamping services, we are your ideal partners to bring your vision to life and to help your business expand through its use of press processes.
For a free, no-obligation chat, reach out to the Cambridge Dynamics team today.
Stamping presses combine the customization of steel stamps, type, and dies with medium- to high-volume repeatability in an easy-to-use marking machine.
What is a Stamping Press?
Stamping presses, also referred to as impact presses, are either manual or pneumatic marking machines that incorporate a holder filled with steel type, a shank stamp, a roll die, or a numbering head above the marking surface; force is generated by compressing and then releasing a spring inside the press, and then the die is driven down which transfers the image from the face of the die onto the surface being marked.
In the video below you can see a manual, spring-actuated press in action.
Stamping presses can be integrated into a production line or mounted, like the one in the video above, on a benchtop.
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Why Use a Stamping Press?
Stamping presses are an excellent marking solution for repetitive indent marking applications. They are low-maintenance machines that are relatively straightforward to use. Manual impact presses, in particular, are easy to operate.
One of the most important advantages of a stamping press is that it combines the flexibility and customization of steel stamps, type, dies, and numbering heads with machines that are ideal for medium- to high-volume applications. Stamps, type, and dies can be customized with logos or custom fonts and are manufactured from hardened, high-grade tool steel for long service life and durability. How Do They Work?
Step 1 - The energy section advances towards the workpiece by gear rack and pinion, powered manually by the operator pulling down the lever.
Step 2 - Once the press stroke is engaged and the workpiece is contacted, the press stroke continues. The workpiece is held in place by the pressure from the energy section (this is a significant safety feature.) The impact spring is compressed and builds force as the press continues to maintain contact with the workpiece.
Step 3 - When the ball bearings reach their release point, the powerful impact is discharged. The impact spring delivers force to the hammer, which in turn strikes the plunger (tool holder.) You can control the amount of impact depending on which spring you choose and how much tension is applied.
Manual Stamping Presses
Manual impact presses offer users a safe, reliable marking solution that is easy to set up and to operate.
This manual press is best suited for low'to medium-volume applications. If you're unsure whether you need a manual or pneumatic stamping press or have any other related questions, please contact us here.
Unlike more complicated marking solutions, manual impact presses are low-maintenance and easy to set up and operate. The manual press's simplicity, the degree of control it offers, its safety, and reliability make it a popular marking solution. Specifically, high-volume repetitive indent marking applications are best handled using impact presses, which achieve a very short cycle time that cannot be met with any other marking method.
Pneumatic Stamping Presses
Ideal for high-volume applications, pneumatic impact presses can do more than just stamp. Pneumatic impact presses can be used for part marking, riveting, pressing, assembly, stamping, forming, punching, and shearing.
This style of press can be operated either manually or with a control package (higher-volume applications typically dictate the use of a control package). See below for more information on control packages.
When selecting a pneumatic press, there are a few specifications that you should consider to ensure that you are selecting the correct press for your particular marking requirements. Of course, your Durable sales rep can help you with all of the options and features, but in general, the three main areas you will need to consider are the press model, the control package, and the marking dies.
Choose Your Pneumatic Stamping Press Model
Pneumatic impact presses are ideal for high volume, repetitive indent marking, assembly, stamping, forming, punching, and shearing. Because there are so many ways a pneumatic press can be used, there are a few things to consider when choosing an impact press.
Most pneumatic presses sold are of the bench-top variety, although U-model presses for inline marking are also available. First, you must decide which size (model) is appropriate for your marking requirement. Generally speaking, the larger the press, the more impact force it can generate. The two main variables determining the correct impact press size will include the material being marked and the amount of text (number of characters and character height).
Choose Your Pneumatic Stamping Press Control Package
Pneumatic presses can be operated manually using the control lever but in most cases, operators will use a control package to activate the press. We carry three pneumatic press control packages that are designed to give you a range of options.
Which control package you choose will depend on the press model that it's being used with, your preference for safety and ease of use, as well as your budget.
Choose Your Stamping Press Marking Dies
Pneumatic presses can use shank stamps, steel type with a holder, or numbering heads for sequential marking. Your marking requirement will usually dictate which marking dies make the most sense.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing between a stamp, type, or numbering head. All three are machined from high-quality, long-lasting steel and can be customized. Numbering heads, however, are designed for serial numbering and sequential part marking, so they are not ideal for all applications.
Stamping Press Applications
The popularity of the impact press is also due to its versatility. An impact press can be used for a wide variety of applications other than marking, including:
- Stamping
- Riveting
- Staking
- Forming
- Punching
- Bending
- Crimping
- Piercing
- Assembling
- Broaching
- Coining
Stamping presses are typically found in industrial and manufacturing settings, and over the years we have helped a number of companies find the right press for their particular application. You can check out a couple of those applications below.
Learn More
Click here to see how Durable Technologies can help you make your mark with complete marking solutions for any application!
Or contact us if we can be of help with your part marking requirements. From agriculture to bookbinding to electronics manufacturing to blacksmithing, we can help you make your mark!
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