With the continued rising costs of gold and now palladium prices, there is a renewed interest in finding yet another low cost alternative for connector finishes. Continue reading
Increasing Use of Silver
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The Metal Stamping Process of Modern Day
Slowly, the conventional types of production of metals such as casting, forging and machining are displaced in their case, metal stamping. Stamping is not only faster and produce tool, but also more profitable. If it’s a brass ring or galvanized steel pool high tens of thousands of stamped metal parts and products that are produced worldwide every day.
A flat piece of metal known as a blank edges of the limiter, and graphically (forced) by using a punch to die to achieve a certain shape. If the depth of the die is less than the thickness of a white, the procedure is known as low-moulding. When the depth exceeds the thickness of the vacuum deep drawn stamping die is unknown.
The stigma can produce a variety of different forms of metals. Relatively complex forms can take advantage of a more sophisticated follow-up stigma. Holes can be cut in the blanks in the molding process. A key limitation is the process that the thickness of the final form must be uniform, as derived from the original thickness of the vacuum.
Various metals can be used for the moulding process, which means that almost all the work for the appropriate items that can be stamped. Some metals commonly printed include aluminium, copper, brass, stainless steel, not to mention the coating and steel.
Modern metal moulding is usually done in one of two ways: mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical presses use a large driving force for applying a mechanical pressure moulding. They are faster than the hydraulic presses and a very low cut and moulded to make blanks. Hydraulic presses are slower, but it can exert more pressure moulding of a mechanic. They are also monitored and may be used for both low and deep drawn stamping and embossing designed (white is pressed between two dies and is limited to the plastically deformed so that the surface is finely detailed features).
If you have a metal product or part you need, it is made worth your time to consult someone to see if it can be produced using modern metal stamping technology – a fast cost-effective alternative to traditional cast or machined metal.
Why You Should Trust Metal Stamping
Precision metal component manufacturing is an important part of our lives. It touches almost every aspect of what we do each day. It is in our houses, our cars, and at work. Without it, we would not have much of what we use each day.
This term has many meanings. It can mean laser cutting, spot welding, precision grinding and metal fabrication. Usually, the term is used to describe precision metal stampings such as hubcaps, soft drink cans, and auto body parts. Continue reading
A Little about Deep Drawn Stamping
Deep Drawn Stamping is a manufacturing process in which sheet metal stock is formed known as blanks. These “blanks” are typically formed into geometric or irregular shapes that have a diameter more than half in depth.
In this process, the metal is stretched around a plug and then moved to a moulding cutter known as a die.
Many people are unaware of how many products are made using this method; the products include cylinders that are used in the making of aluminium cans and cups that are for the purpose of baking pans. There are also many irregular things that are made which include the likes of enclosure covers that are used for fire extinguishers and truck oil filters.
They are even used in industry; a manufacturer will be using this process to make parts for a variety of industries ranging from tiny eyelets that are being used as reinforcements to larger enclosures that are meant for housing all kinds of industrial production equipment.
The forming of various shapes is attributed to the drawing press. The final shape would depend upon the final position in which the blanks have been pushed down in. This means that the metal used is always very particular, as it must be able to withstand any tension or pressure without snapping.
This form of stamping is essential to many industries, such as automobiles, plastics, lighting, automobiles, aerospace and pharmaceuticals.
This process actually differs from metal stamping, as it uses single sheets of blanks, whereas metal stamping uses a continuous stream of sheet metal blanks on a strip.
Precision Metal Stamping Explained
Precision metal stamping is used every day and signs of its use are visible all around us, and it has had a definite impact on our day-to-day lives. But many people are unsure as to what it is.
Precision metal stamping is not as complicated as its name makes it out to be; it is simply the term for creating various surface formations onto metal surfaces.
It uses extremely high pressures in order to force various metals and alloys into other forms and shapes; the stamping process can even include other materials such as cement and plastic, however most use some form of metal. These metals usually include copper, steel, aluminium, titanium and various alloys.
The equipment varies from precision presses to die processors, and some are even computer controlled for even more precision when the situation requires it.
These stamps can press metal in some cases at 1,200 strokes a minute, using equipment that weights as much as 600 tons.
There are many techniques used, however the ones used most commonly are:
The fourslide/multislide process – this incorporates horizontal die presses that can press from different directions either consecutively or synchronously.
Then there is the deep drawing technique, which uses a punch press in order to make depth impressions within the metal surface. This is used to make things like hubcaps and other types of impressions on all types of metal.
In addition to these, the wire forming technique creates shapes such as springs, clips, rings, or specialty pins at an incredibly quick pace. It greatly reduces the cost of these items due to the large quantities it is able to produce.
These processes give an insight into what goes into creating the various metal appliances used in our daily lives, including things as small as the clips and springs used in various machines. Therefore it is obvious that precision metal forming is not simply used in large projects by gigantic manufacturers, but is in fact an essential component in the production of many things you use every day.
Westley Engineering launches ‘loan an apprentice’ scheme
Contract pressings, pressed tools and CNC specialist Westley Engineering reckons it has devised a new take on apprenticeships by ‘loaning’ out its young people to like-minded firms to round off their training.
Located in a state-of-the-art factory in Aston, Birmingham, the company has already joined forces with Reddich-based Peterson Springs and fellow Midlands Assembly Network (MAN) members Barkley Plastics and Brandauer to kick-start the project and is looking to invite more businesses to take part.
The concept involves the apprentice – working towards the national qualification – being given an opportunity to spend time (usually a month) at one of the other manufacturers, thus providing greater experience in more disciplines of engineering and a more diverse understanding of how different companies and industries work.
Westley says benefits to the employer include better motivated young people, wider skills and the potential sharing of best practice training and manufacturing principles between the quartet currently involved.
Gerry Dunne, managing director at Westley said firms were often quick to moan about education letting them down and irrelevant training schemes.
“We preferred to take a more pro-active approach and do something about it ourselves. The national Apprenticeship Scheme is a great starting point, but we felt we could enhance it further by working in partnership with firms who share similar values to ourselves, but could offer different work placements.
“It’s simply a case of Apprentice exchange. They continue to do their college work and learn on-the-job with the employer and this grounding is improved by doing placements at companies that can teach them new skills and techniques.
Westley Engineering already has two toolmaking apprentices – Rhys Griffiths and George Hanson – taking part in on-site training at the EEF and will shortly be gaining injection moulding experience at Barkley Plastics.
Heading in the other direction will be apprentices Daniel Trimble, Dave Timmons and Thomas Taylor.
Pictured from left are: Rhys Griffiths, Gerry Dunne (both Westley Engineering), Matt Powell, Thomas Taylor (both Barkley Plastics) and George Hanson (Westley Engineering).
Why the Best use the Hydraulic Press
In the metal pressing industry, more and more companies are realising the benefits of switching to a hydraulic press due to its efficiency and ease of use which could prove to be invaluable with regards to future projects within the industry. It also a more versatile alternative to conventional machine presses. The usage of hydraulic presses is trending with the best companies due to its low production cost and high quality results.
For a start, hydraulic presses work at a higher level than standard machine presses, as the hydraulic pump generates more power. The computer technology within the press also makes the hydraulic press proficient in terms of precision metal pressing more so than machine presses.
They are also able to apply smaller amounts of pressure on weaker materials so as not to break or damage them. This again results in greater precision engineering for where it is needed for certain parts and components
They are also fitted with slide mechanisms that position the metal within the machine, as well as adjustable power settings. With the interchangeable settings, the machine is capable of pressing, stamping, shaping and moulding efficiently. This makes the machine incredibly versatile.
In essence, the hydraulic press performs the functions of several machines, eliminating the need to have machines for secondary operations as you would with a machine press. Not only does this save metal pressing companies space, but it also saves them large amounts of money and time.
In conclusion, to ensure that pressing is being done efficiently and to a high standard of quality, hydraulic presses are incredibly practical due to the cost effectiveness, the ease of use and most importantly, the level of professionalism in the results.
Dozens arrested in campaign against metal thefts
Police in north-east England have arrested thirty-six people as part of a campaign against metal thefts.
During the raids, 10 scrap yards were closed down and large quantities of money seized as police raided metal yards suspected of large-scale money laundering and of breaching legislation on Wednesday.
About 80 officers and colleagues from British Transport Police, as well as other agencies,conducted the raids which targeted dealers who had failed to co-operate voluntarily with ‘Operation Tornado,’ which strengthens the requirement for sellers of metals to scrap yards to provide identification.
The British Transport Police said that, to make it harder for stolen metal to be sold, police were targeting dealers who wilfully flout the law for their own gain.
The multi-force operation targeted those scrap metal dealers who are suspected of profiting from proceeds of metal theft and money laundering, it added.
Metals get Chinese growth boost
A boost in China’s economic growth has taken copper prices to a four month high.
China, the largest consumer of industrial metals, reported a growth of 8.9 per cent in fourth-quarter gross domestic product grew in the three months to December. The figure was higher than consensus estimates of about 8.6 per cent
Benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) was bid up more than one per cent at $US8,360 a tonne at 1523 at the kerb close from $US8,235 on Wednesday. Earlier in the session, the metal used in power and construction reached its highest level since September 20 at $US8,410 a tonne.
The price of lead on the LME rose 3.8 per cent to $2,105 a tonne. In 2011, the price of the metal, used mainly in batteries, was hit by production problems at Japanese carmakers as well as increased output in China.
US-based firm lowers its predictions on metal prices
Citing “uninspiring” prospects and a stronger dollar, global financial services firm, Morgan Stanley, has cut price forecasts for most metals and minerals for this year.
The US-based firm has predicted that although Gold and silver prices will go high in 2012, they will be more moderate than previously anticipated. It added that prices of base metals and bulk commodities such as iron ore will fall marginally before recovering again in 2013.
“Our bear-case scenario for 2012 and 2013 in particular reflects the downside risks in base metals and bulk commodities from this major growth risk,” the firm said.
“In general, we are negative on the metals with sizable surpluses such as aluminum, nickel, lead and zinc,” the report said. However, the firm said it remained positive on copper, which it said was “supported by low inventories, high levels of supply disruption and a restocking cycle in China,” it added.
Despite remaining a “favored base metal,” copper could average $3.70 a pound in 2012, down from $4.01 a pound in 2011 as well as an earlier 2012 forecast of $3.80 a pound. A strong U.S. dollar and weak euro are negative for commodities in general, the house said.
Among other metals, aluminum could average $1.02 a pound, down from $1.05 a pound forecast earlier and $1.10 a pound in 2011 while nickel could average $9 a pound, down from $10 a pound forecast earlier and $10.40 a pound in 2011, it said in the report.
Gold, however, could average $1,845 a troy ounce in 2012, rising 19% from $1,546 an ounce in 2011, although that is lower than an earlier 2012 forecast of $2,200 an ounce. The more moderate expectation reflects the impact of an anticipated strengthening of the U.S. dollar, Morgan Stanley said.
“We still anticipate significant annual increases in gold and silver prices in 2012 from strong investment demand,” as the safe-haven appeal is expected to continue despite a strengthening dollar, it said.