Pros and cons of types of metal manufacturing

Need to make metal parts but having trouble navigating the processes? Use this beginner's guide to metal parts manufacturing.

SIMPLE: Using Metal Coils or Strips
Stamping: Forming metal coils or strips into shapes (blanks, embosses, and bends, for example) using a press (a single operation or a series of stages)
Metals used:

• Aluminum
• Electrolytic steel
• Stainless steel

For large runs (10,000+ parts)
Pros: Rapid production time (seconds) and most cost-effective part pricing
Cons: Tooling generally costs from $10,000 to $50,000, and tooling changes are limited.

Laser Cutting: Cutting and etching metal using a laser, usually through optics and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) for material or laser beam control. The process leaves a high-quality surface finish and permanently etched parts.
Metals used:

• Aluminum
• Sheet steel
• Stainless steel

For small runs (less than 10,000 parts)
Pros: No tooling needed
Cons: Slower process with longer turnaround time and higher prices

COMPLEX: Using Bar Stock or Melted Metal
Die Casting: Putting liquid metal into a mold under high pressure, commonly used for the production of complex geometries.
Metals used:

• Aluminum
• Copper
• Lead
• Magnesium
• Tin
• Zinc

For large runs (10,000 parts)
Pros: Rapid production time (seconds) and cost-effective part pricing
Cons: Tooling generally costs from $10,000 to $50,000, and tooling changes are limited.

Machining: Drilling and threading bar stock, commonly used in production of nuts.
Metals used:

• Aluminum
• Brass
• Stainless steel

For large runs (10,000+ parts)
Pros: Little or no tooling needed
Cons: Slower process with longer turnaround time and higher prices

Want to know more? Contact Curtis: 508-845-6501 x306 or sales@donahueindustries.com.