When most people think about metalworking, they think about pounding and shaping metal while it is still hot and malleable. But this isn't the only way to shape metals like aluminum, brass, and steel. Deep drawing is a type of metal stamping that transforms flat blanks of sheet metal into hollow three-dimensional objects. Metal objects are considered deep-drawn if their final depth is greater than their final diameter. If you are curious about the final products you can make with deep-drawn metal parts, here are a few of the ways you can enhance parts that have been created with deep-draw metal stamping.
Bulging
Simple deep-drawn metal objects are very simple in shape. They are formed when a piece of sheet metal is pressed into a straight-sided mold by a straight-sided die. They don't need to stay in this simple shape, however. Using compressed air or expansive materials, you can bulge out the sides of the part from the inside. You can create symmetrical or asymmetrical bulges to create parts that curve around sharp objects or that look more expertly designed than simple straight parts.
Ironing
Deep drawing is a simple, cost-effective way to shape metal, but it isn't perfectly precise. If you need a part with particularly thin and smooth metal walls, you can start with a deep-drawn part, but you need to finish it by ironing it. When ironing a part, an ironing rig is used to further elongate the part, stretching the walls thin and smoothing any imperfections in the process. These rigs look similar to the molds used to create deep-drawn parts, and they can be used while a part is still on its die. This step is best performed by the deep-draw metal stamping technician and is likely to be offered by any custom metal stamping manufacturer.
Threading
Many metal parts need to thread into other parts or interact with screws, bolts, or other threaded hardware. Adding threads to deep-drawn parts is a simple process. If the threads need to be on the outside of the part, they can be added by scraping away metal in the right thread pattern while the part is still on the die. If the threads need to be on the inside, the part will need to be removed from the die before it is threaded. No matter where the threads need to be, it's important to use a thread-cutting tool in the right size and with the right thread pattern.
To learn more about modifying deep-drawn metal parts, contact a custom metal stamping manufacturer in your area.