Die cutting is the process of using steel rule dies or all steel dies to cut parts from sheets. This type of die cut is like a cookie cutter that cut product from sheets. The dies can be single cavity or multiple cavity. Sheet material is fed into the die cutting table and the cut is “stamped” out. This process can typically hold a +/- 0.030″ tolerance to the mean size and typically +/-.018″ part to part variation. The part size and shape is only limited to the table size which is 32 inches by 41 inches.

Die cutting allows for an alternative to CNC router cutting or machining if your design can accommodate the tolerances. Tooling for this process is very cost effective and Vulcan GMS can design tools to have multiple cavities to increase pieces per hour. In the tool design, we can also add punches and detailed patterns to allow parts to be made complete in the flat.

Vulcan has three die cutters up to 75 tons which allow us to handle large or small runs of product. Vulcan cuts lead, tin, aluminum, rubbers, plastics, and many other materials. Contact us to learn more.

 

Stamping

Stamping is done in a stamping press from strip or tape raw material. Vulcan GMS can either extrude this raw tape or purchase it based on the material and your needs. A die is a machined die set and can hold tight tolerances. We can cost-effectively set up for low runs (50 to 500 pieces) but we can also set up for higher volumes. Vulcan does not require high runs of product for this process. Stamping is frequently used to make washers, collimators, brackets and other similar parts.

Stamping provides better tolerances than die cutting; typically .005″ and in some cases better. Stamping dies vary greatly in complexity and cost. Where some options for basic parts such as washers can be inexpensive, complete parts that require compound dies or progressive dies can be costly. Cost is determined on a part by part review. Please contact us to review your part design and options to make the best process selection.

 

Press Forming

This process uses a hydraulic press and form tooling to generate formed or extruded product. The press by sheer tonnage can apply force to the blank in a tool to “squish” the metal into the finished shape and move the material as needed. This process allows us to form sheet, plate and cast blanks product into finished parts or we can use post machining to complete the part.