CEP Technologies Corporation offers custom metal stampings for a wide variety of industries, including automotive OEM and aftermarket, electrical, electronics, telecommunications, oil & gas exploration, and more. We create miniature to small, high-volume metal stampings. For applications requiring incredibly precise parts, our many years of experience providing global metal stamping solutions make us uniquely qualified to carry out high-quality batches of custom metal stamped parts that meet your exact needs.
Our Custom Metal Stamping Process
Precision metal stamping involves creating detailed, intricate parts out of coil strips of metal. Known for its exceptional quality, quick turnaround times, and relatively low cost, metal stamping is the optimal way to create small metal parts for almost any industry.
To ensure that your custom metal stampings are as precise as your application requires, the tooling for these stamping processes must be intricate and well-designed, often relying on complex CAD/CAM designs. Once the tooling design is finalized, many metal stamping methods can be used to create the part. These include but aren’t limited to:
- Blanking
- Piercing
- Bending
- Progressive stamping
Our diverse range of actions allows for highly customized parts.
Several finishing processes are available to improve the performance, appearance, corrosion resistance, or conductivity of precision stamped parts. These include:
- Heat treating
- Deburring
- Polishing
- Plating
- Anodizing
Cleaning and Packaging Stamped Components
Custom cleaning and packaging helps parts remain in their original condition and ensures they are ready to use even after a period of storage.
In accordance with ISO 16232 standards, precision cleaning removes grease, oils, and tiny particles that compromise part performance and appearance. It can be done with jets of forced air, ultrasonic agitation at different frequencies, submersion in cleaning solution, or rinsing. With these methods, it is possible to remove all but the smallest of particles from parts – smaller than 200µm for parts that have pre-plated raw material and as small as 100µm for other parts.
Careful packaging protects parts from damage and dirt during shipping and storage. Tape and reel packaging encapsulates small and miniature components in individual pockets on a paper backing strip, and is a simple way to keep them organized and damage-free. Custom packaging, such as cardboard trays and inserts, can also be designed to keep parts separated and immobile to avoid nesting, scratches, and deformities.
Another benefit of both tape and reel and custom packaging is the ability to store parts more efficiently so they take up less space in storage and at workstations.
Our Custom Metal Stamping Materials
In addition to selecting a specific stamping process and tooling, metal stamping involves choosing the best material for your industry and application. There are many common metals used for stamping that all have unique material properties. Common material options include:
- Stainless steel. Like many common metals, stainless steel comes in different alloys, each with its own set of advantages and properties. For example, 301 stainless steel boasts extreme resistance to corrosion but only moderately high tensile strength, while the 430 variety has moderate corrosion resistance and premium flexibility.
- Aluminum. Aluminum is lightweight, conductive, and lustrous in appearance. It is commonly alloyed with other metals to enhance its strength and other properties. The ductility and malleability of aluminum makes it an excellent choice for the metal stamping process.
- Cold-rolled steel (low and high carbon). Cold-rolled steel undergoes a process known as strain hardening, which can increase the material’s strength by as much as 20%. This material is best for producing various consumer products used in low stress environments.
- Pre-galvanized steel. Pre-galvanized steel offers an added layer of protection against moisture and rust while remaining less expensive than other high-quality alternatives.
- Brass. An alloy of zinc and copper, brass is tarnish-resistant and aesthetically pleasing. Other key advantages include solderability, rust resistance, and antimicrobial protection.
- Copper. Copper is a great choice for heat-sensitive applications that require inexpensive production, corrosion resistance, and great conductivity. Despite being one of the most inexpensive options, this material offers a host of beneficial material properties.
- Alloys. There are many that are suitable for metal stamped parts such as copper alloys, steel alloys, high performance alloys and alloys made from other precious metals.
Custom Metal Stamping Applications
Metal stamping is beneficial for producing small parts for a wide range of applications, particularly for various electrical and mechanical applications, in many different industries. Below are some examples used for the automotive industry:
Engine knock sensors- Transmission sensors
- Vehicle communication systems
- EMI RFI shields
- Custom battery contacts
- E-mobility
- Throttle components
- Key fobs
- Door locks
- Antennas
- Fuel pump
- Fuse panel
- EV infrastructure
- Infotainment system
- Ignition system, including terminals
Engine knock sensorsCustom Metal Stamping Services at CEP Technologies
Custom metal stamping is a flexible and affordable manufacturing process for producing custom metal components for use in a wide range of industries and applications.
At CEP Technologies, we are IATF 16949:2016 certified with TUV Rheinland of North America and specialize in small, high-volume custom metal stampings. Average lead time for prototypes is 10 business days or less. Our global production facilities can handle medium to high volume production runs. Whether it is 25,000 pieces a year or 100,000,000 pieces a year, our production can meet and exceed your demand. CEP’s various production facilities produce from only the best stamping presses. Our facilities listings include brand names like Bruderer, Minster, Raster, V&O and Perkins. Our tonnage ranges from 15 to 60 tons, which allows us to run material as thin as .002” to 0.080” thick. Our prototyping services can be utilized in order to satisfy immediate demand, test design concepts, determine material selection or handle low volume production.
To learn more about our capabilities, contact us today or request a quote to get started on your next metal stamping project.