Key Differences Between Metal Stamping and Metal Fabrication

Over many years, Merit has built up a reputation as one of Victoria’s premier metal stamping companies. But this service can often be confused for metal fabrication, which calls for an entirely different process and requirement. These processes are used to produce parts and accessories for a wide range of industries, including but not limited to the automotive, aerospace, transport and medical industries. In this blog article, we’ll have a look at the main difference between the two and what is involved for each.

The process of metal stamping

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Metal stamping, also known as metal pressing, is relatively simple and quick process when compared to metal fabrication. Essentially, the idea here is to cast and produce large metal sheets, before shaping them with the use of various different kinds of machinery, according to what the specific job calls for. The shaping can involve folding, pressing, bending and stretching in order to create a shape with the desired dimensions and structure. The process of manufacturing pots and pans, for instance, is a form of metal stamping. Additional customised elements can be added to metal components afterward, whether that be the inclusion of a welded parts, fasteners, nuts, and bolts, etc.
Stamping is to be distinguished from die casting, which is another form of metal forming that has its own advantages and disadvantages. With this method, metal is heated to great temperatures beyond its melting point, at which point the shapes of the metals are manipulated. This allows for more complex shapes to be produced but is more labor intensive.

Generally, metal stamping is considered a quick way to produce a large number of metal components for a relatively low cost. As more parts are produced with the same specifications, the cost per piece is reduced. In contrast, for orders with a small number of components, it can be quite costly.

What is a metal fabrication?

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In contrast, metal fabrication involves more of a hands-on approach on the part of workers, working with raw materials to create new and highly complex components. It involves creating holes and cutting the metal with the use of a laser to change the composition of the metal sheet. The process of metal fabrication can include a range of different processes involved in the construction of certain products and components. It can include the assembling of parts, laser cutting, welding, bending and various other actions to arrive at the finished product. While stamping is about reshaping what is there, metal fabrication can involve removing parts of metal sheets if necessary. This can mean constructing particularly complex components including machines in some cases.

Obviously, metal fabrication is required for more specific and customised tasks, whereas metal stamping is suited to mass production of a single, simple component, with some customisation possible if necessary. This article has provided a basic idea of the difference between the two methods and the uses for each. You can get in touch with the Merit Manufacturing team for more information about metal stamping products.