Deep draw manufacturing is a metal forming process that takes a flat metal blank and is carried through a series of operations using a punch and a die. The process is considered deep drawing when the depth of the drawn part exceeds the diameter.
Deep Drawing Has its Advantages and Disadvantages
Virtually all manufacturing industries have the potential to benefit from deep drawn metals. There are some drawbacks as well. This article will explore the pros and cons of the deep draw metal stamping process.
Benefits of Deep Draw
High Volume: Once the tooling and dies have been set, parts can be manufactured in high volumes quickly and efficiently. There is little down time as the process can continue as metal coils are continuously fed into the transfer press. Deep draw metal stamping is also suitable for long production run cycles.
Cost Efficiency: After the initial tooling investment, production costs are low. Although the initial tooling charge can be costly, it is a one-time charge which covers the life of the part. Factors that determine the price of the part include the cost of raw material, volume, and the rate of production. Typically, the unit price is a cost savings when compared to other metal fabrication methods.
Seamless, Complex Geometries: Deep drawn parts are seamless in design which are beneficial for applications that need to be leakproof. Complex geometries are possible where they are not feasible using other metal stamping techniques.
Detailed Precision: Deep drawn parts can be produced to exacting and precise standards. In addition to accuracy, these precise requirements can be reproduced part after part. The production process is table and very little dimensional variations can occur. This can reduce the liability for potential quality control issues. Producing a seamless part via deep draw forming has superior accuracy and precision that can be maintained over the life of the part.
Diverse Material and Fast Cycle Times: Deep draw forming can accommodated a range of metals such as carbon and stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, nickel-silver and pre-plated steels. Because the deep drawing process facilitates faster cycle times, necessary adjustments can be made quickly and efficiently without disrupting or delaying the overall production or delivery of the part.
Disadvantages of Deep Draw
High Initial Setup Cost: The initial tooling and setup cost can be relatively pricey especially when compared to other metal forming methods. Also, the more complex the geometry the more extensive the tooling and initial setup charge can be.
Not Suitable for Small Runs: The deep draw metal stamping process does not prove to be cost effective for smaller volumes. The time to setup the press can be lengthy and requires the experience and expertise of an eyelet toolmaker. Here at PMP, our minimum production runs start at 10,000 pieces.
Limited Prototype Capability: Prototype builds are not always possible as we do not use soft tooling. Once the tooling is nearly complete, we engage in initial sample runs, engineering trials and move into full scale production.
Work With Our Metal Stamping Experts
For over 70 years, PMP has worked with customers over a wide range of industries to provide cost-effective high quality deep drawn solutions in a variety of metals. We will get you your parts at the right time and at the right cost.
To find out if deep draw is right for your next project, contact us for a quote or book a meeting today!
