A stamping press is a piece of equipment people can employ in metalworking to shape pieces with the use of a die. The die can punch patterns into the metal, mold it into a specific form, or cut it to a desired shape and size. Stamping presses have an interchangeable design, allowing people to replace the die as needed for different projects. Companies can keep a library of dies around to reproduce products or make future production runs.
The size and speed of this device can vary. Some models are small and relatively slow while others are quite large and capable of handling very high volumes of material per hour. Some require an operator to actually handle the metal and operate the press. Others may use robots and computer-controlled programming so no one needs to be present to run them, with the machine handling operations on its own.
This equipment can be seen on the floor of facilities where people regularly have high volume metalworking needs, like car companies and tool manufacturers. The stamping press may be able to handle cold forging as well as warm and hot production methods to cover a variety of needs. Some machines use a mechanical engine to drive the die while others rely on hydraulic power to squeeze the metal. The best choice can depend on the kind of metal people are working and what kinds of products they plan to make.
The device has a number of moving parts and can be extremely dangerous. The pressure necessary to form metal is very high, and if the limbs of the operator get caught, they can be crushed or severed. It is important to make sure people observe safety precautions around the stamping press, and it is also necessary to maintain the machine properly. The stamping press should be well oiled, with all parts functioning and in place, for employee safety as well as product quality.
Some manufacturers offer stamping press rentals to companies that are not yet ready to invest in buying a press, and often it is possible to buy the machine at the end of the rental, at a reduced price. It is also possible to buy refurbished presses, a good option for companies that cannot afford the market value for a new machine. Another good source for affordable stamping presses can be liquidation auctions, where companies sell off all their equipment when they go out of business.
By Mary McMahon
Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a About Mechanics researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.