Short-Run Stamping VS Long-Run Stamping
The term “manufacturing run” defines producing a fixed quantity of products throughout a one-time duration. Manufacturing runs can be short or long, depending on the requirements and goals of the application. Below, we will certainly talk about the benefits associated with both short and long-run stamping production periods and the applications each is best fit for.
What Is Short-Run Stamping?
Short-run stamping is a multi-step process that produces intricate metal parts in small quantities. Generally, short-run stampings define production runs of 5,000 parts or less that take place over 6 months or less. Throughout manufacturing, a metal blank is placed between a die and a punch and formed according to the consumer’s requirements. Various metals can be utilized for this process, such as aluminum, steel, brass, and much more. Short-run stamping has numerous benefits, including:
- Reduced production cost: Since a small percentage of material is needed for short runs, costs are reduced.
- Less waste: Sheet metal blanks produce considerably less waste than fabricating parts, using several pieces of metal.
- Reduced lead times: Short, low-volume production runs can be finished quicker than conventional runs.
A wide array of industries make use of short production runs to produce premium components rapidly. There is a high need for this solution from vehicle aerospace, the medical industry, electronics, construction, and much more. The stamping process works best with symmetrical parts. It is regularly used to create components such as engine cylinders, fire extinguisher housings, and lightweight aluminum cans, to name a few.
What Is Long-Run Stamping?
Long-run stamping is utilized to create large quantities of components swiftly and cost-effectively. A number of manufacturing methods can be used, consisting of coining, deep drawing, bending, and piercing. Long-run stamping manufacturers can generate over 800 parts per min in many scenarios. Long-run productions can last anywhere from 6 months to one year and deliver many substantial advantages, such as:
- Fast production capabilities: This type of production run produces large amounts of parts at once and also is excellent when speed is a worry.
- Cost-effective pricing: Long-run manufacturing supplies the most cost-efficient parts and is typically the most affordable price-per-piece production method, as long as the volume of parts called for offsets the tooling expense.
- High repeatability: Long-run stamping is perfect for duplicating the same part multiple times.
Generally, Long-run stamping is used by home appliance manufacturers, the illumination industry, the electronics business, and much more. The process produces both large, intricate elements along with little as well as very detailed components. Things such as metal washers, metal brackets, contact springs, and many more are well fit for long-run stamping production.
Choosing a Metal Stamping Process
There are several factors to consider to take into consideration when selecting a metal stamping process. Which materials and tooling methods will be used, how much lead time is acceptable, and the budget plan needs to be figured out. For short-run productions, at least one of these elements needs to stay fixed, while the rest can remain flexible and be adjusted over time. If a long-run production is picked, every one of these elements is adaptable as well as can be changed freely during the production procedure.
When picking a metal stamping process, among the elements, you should identify if you intend on a brief or long production run. Each metal stamping process and also tooling strategy requires different preparations. Long manufacturing runs to supply the most versatility and also the widest choice of processes. Stamping processes include:
Shallow draw stamping
Transfer press tooling
Stage tooling
Short production runs are often optimal as part of a testing or design process or when aiming for minimal tooling costs. Long production runs are best when a high quantity demand validates the required tooling costs. Long-run stamping provides the lowest cost per piece.
Customized Deep Drawn Stamping Solutions From Heju
Long and short-run metal stamping both offer various benefits. Establishing which technique is right for your application relies on factors such as your budget, production timespan, required tooling, and the number of components you call for. Heju Stamping is a leading provider of metal stamping services consisting of custom tooling, precision stamping, and deep drawing manufacturing solutions. Learn more about how to start on your job today by submitting a request for a quote.