Metal Stamping Tools and Equipment

metal processing

Metal stamping crafts cover a wide range of items and materials---foils, sterling, copper, jewelry, home accessories, book covers, framed artwork. Place verses and words of inspiration on metal using letter stamping tools. Stamp thin metal to create an embossed design to apply to a craft project. Give stamped metal an aged look using metal patina techniques.

Metal Crafting
Use Marie Browning's book "Metal Crafting Workshop" as an encyclopedia of ideas and techniques for metal stamping projects. Her design technique using rubber stamps to create a stamped image on metal is discussed in detail and projects using this technique are included along with a materials list, instructions and photographs. Embossing is added to metal stamp designs for color and texture. Metal stamping design ideas include metal bookmarks, metal jar labels, and decorative metal plates to be added to plain votive candle holders, drinking glasses and other objects.

Age A Stamp Design
Learn the art of oxidizing stamped metal using liver of sulfur. Stamp words, letters or shapes into the metal and make them "pop" and become the focal point when the design is darkened with the liver of sulfur. Linda and Opie O'Brien give instructions on using this method ion their book "Metal Craft Discovery Workshop". Photos and step-by-step instructions are provided.

Metal stamping allow production lines to create high volume cuts in metal, which are then shaped into a desired form. There are several varieties of stamping metal stamping that a business may employ based on its needs of production, whether that be high versatility, productivity or sheer volume of metal processed. Each press has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so any shop considering a purchase should look carefully at its needs before selecting which manufacturing tool to go with.

Mechanically driven metal stamping are powered by a motor that runs the machine's large flywheel. The press's flywheel works by storing kinetic energy, which is then expended through the motor turning the wheel down toward the press plate. The drive train of the press (motor) then restores the expended kinetic energy to the flywheel as the plate is pulled back up. These metal stamping can operate at a steady speed, making them ideal for assembly line-style work, such as that in the automotive industry.

Hydraulic metal stamping are powered through a series of hydraulic pumps and cylinders that push the slide down using air or a type of liquid to build pressure. An advantage of hydraulic metal stamping is their ability to preset pressure with no occurrence of overload, as can sometimes occur in other press types. The press does not need to be as accurate as other mechanical press types, because the die (upper and lower cutting/bending tools) guides the pressing action. Press speeds in hydraulic metal stamping are lower than other types of metal stamping, making them less than ideal for assembly line-style work.

Servo metal stamping are driven by servomotors. These are high-performance, efficient metal stamping that come in many sizes (from small- to manufacturing-sized) with high productivity across the model range. Servo/transfer metal stamping are programmable to work through a set of predetermined functions; although, they do not adjust well once they begin a given task. All components of the press work in synchronization to create effective line production, so the system is highly susceptible to any irregularities in machine parts that may throw off press timing.

Metal Logo Tags
Add a stamped metal logo or nameplate to handmade jewelry, to luggage (makes them easier to identify when rolling off the airport baggage carousel) or personalize a set of keys. Use the symbols in a metal stamping set for a quick easy process. Consider an ampersand, exclamation point or the dollar sign. Combine them with initials, single letters or small words. For business logos, consider having a custom die made of the logo. Use the stamped metal logo design to identify business property and promotional items or as a visual calling card by attaching them to the products the company makes. The Rings 'n Things blog contains more ideas on how to make metal tags and complete this idea inexpensively.

Metal Stamping Process Comparison - Fabrication, Stage Tools or Progressive