Metal Stamping Glossary
A – B – C – F – I – M – P – R – S – T – V – W
A
1. Anneal – The application of heat to soften a metal, relieving strain. Then the metal is cooled slow to ensure it does not harden.
2. Assembly – Creating a successful, efficient production line by combining various processes that add value to the final product.
3. Auxiliary Operations – Non-stamping actions that add value to the product. Example: Milling
B
4. Blank – The original piece of sheet metal that products are stamped from.
5. Burr – Protruding, sharp edges on parts. A common result of actions such as cutting or punching.
C
6. Capacity (press) – The amount of pressure, measured in tons, that a press can safely apply its slide at the end of a stroke.
7. CNC Turning and Machining – An added layer of complexity to machining parts. Utilizing these equipment options can add more features to a product.
8. Coining – Used to fix burrs in important locations on parts. Performed by forcing metal to fill the shape.
F
9. Fabrication – A consistent method for producing smaller batches quickly. Done by utilizing CNC punching and forming.
10. Fourslide Stamping – Horizontal machine that can achieve numerous bends in material simultaneously because of its four different components.
I
11. Inspection Criteria – The list of objectives a piece must fulfill before it is deemed as fit for sale.
M
12. Metal Finishing – The process of either deburring, grinding, or sandblasting to derive a desired finish or texture to the material.
P
13. Planting – Protective, non-corrosive coat of metal that also benefits appearance.
14. Prototype – Initial model of an idea and potential product or service that is made for testing purposes.
15. Progressive Stamping – An assembly-line style process, where each machine performs a unique manipulation of the material as it is fed through the process.
- The piece of metal could be first cut, bent into shape, then bent again to make a part.
16. Punch Press – Machine that compresses raw metal to reshape it.
R
17. Roll Feed – Feeds strip of sheet metal into machines for processes.
S
18. Slug – Scrap metal left over from the piercing process.
19. Staking – Used to fasten displaced material in order to retain it.
20. Stripping – Removal of tooling be used currently in the process.
T
21. Tolerance – The acceptable variation allowed in the creation of a product.
- Certain amounts of variation are acceptable depending on what the design allows.
22. Tooling – Equipment with the intentions of performing processes like CNC forming, welding, etc.
23. Trimming – The removal of unwanted material from an already made product.
V
24. Vibratory Finishing – A drum-like enclosure holds and tumbles parts to remove abrasions from the parts.
W
25. Welding – The union of two pieces by heating them to the point of melting together.