Precision metal stamping employs a custom metal stamping machine to "punch" metal into shapes and dies to create surface designs. Metal stamping is one of the oldest metalworking techniques. In days gone by a person took a tool and a hammer and knocked out a shaped piece of metal. Today, a precision metal stamping manufacturer may use a number of methods to make the finished product.

Analyze the metal stamping information, including plant operations and manufacturing capabilities, when selecting a precision metal stamping supplier. Most suppliers offer a metal stamping design guide and engineering assistance. Also take into account the production capabilities, short-run or high-volume and assembly and packaging services of any precision metal stamping distributor your company considers. In addition to the metal stamping information above, do the following:

1. Search for suppliers of precision metal stamping online. Many companies have thorough information on their services there.

2. Investigate the precision metal stamping services offered by leading suppliers.

3. Choose the precision metal stamping supplier that meets your company's specifications.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Identify a fine stamping manufacturer with your desired capabilities online

Precision metal stamping methods include fine blanking, progressive die, deep drawing and multislide stamping. You might also need metal stamping on wood and other custom metal stamp capabilities. Determine the technique that applies to your company's project and find a supplier with that expertise.

I recommend: Check with the tradespeople at Component Engineers for progressive stamping capabilities. Beverly Manufacturing specializes in metal stamping. Take your firm's high- or medium-volume precision stamping jobs to it. Find specific information about Fotofab's design guide on its website.

Use a precision metal stamping manufacturer with CNC for special projects

Very precise machining uses turning, milling and boring for designing metal stamping. These operations require computer numerically controlled (CNC) machining. Check each precision metal stamping website to locate businesses with computer capability.

I recommend: Check the machining capabilities at La Croix Industries. In addition to stamping, it provides multi-axis CNC machining. Jackson Precision Industries specializes in fine blanking, a stamping technique that yields precision finished products with cleanly sheared edges. You can also get CNC machining services.

Find a certified precision metal stamping distributor

When selecting stamping services, consider certifications and quality requirements. ISO standards for a stamping service include ISO 9001:2000 for suppliers to the aerospace industry. These guarantee required tolerances will be met. Depending on your company's needs, look for companies with one or more of these certifications.

I recommend: You'll find ISO 9001:2000 manufacturing quality stampings at Boker's, a woman-owned company producing stampings since 1919. Arcade Metal Stamping also is ISO 9001:2000 compliant. Check out the capabilities of its 66,000 square-foot facility.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If your company supplies materials to the U.S. military, look for MIL-SPEC certification to guarantee that stamping services meet U.S. military specifications.