Hot stamping process is defined as the process used to form metals while it is very hot and then cooling it quickly in the die. This converts a low-tensile metal to high-strength steel. The process of Hot Stamping starts by using a very good heating system provides a temperature to more than 900 degrees. The blanks are then heated continuously until it becomes malleable.
Using an automated handling, the material is then transferred to a press. The use of automated handling is to relocate the material while it is very hot to be manually moved. The material is then formed to the desires shape. When this stage has been successfully done, the material is then quenched or cooled down using a system with controlled cooling circuits. By being submerged in the water, the materials’ grain structure changes to a martensitic, a specific type of stainless steel alloy.
The final trim, however, cannot be done using the hot stamping machine. When a part is already hardened, traditional steel trimming finds it hard to trim it, nevertheless, this can be possible with the use of laser trim. Additionally, since the material is already press-hardened reformation of the material can no longer be done. Other processes such as flanging and other multiple processes are also seemingly impossible for a press-hardened material.
It is also necessary to take note that hot stamping maybe applicable to boron to produce stamping too many materials like plastic, papers and pencils, but cannot be used to painted and galvanized steel. Though, there are still few options when it comes to the dies that can be used. The metal dies, which include magnesium, copper, brass, and hardened steel, and the silicon rubber dies. Magnesium is the easiest to produce and of course it has the least cost. Brass is cost a little more than magnesium.
Copper is in between the former two when it comes to cost. Hardened steel is the most expensive of all materials aforementioned. With its price, its quality also ranks the supreme as it is the most durable while magnesium ranks the least durable. Silicon rubber dies adapt better to parts that are not flat. It has different amount of hardness. The varying hardness is made to suit the different stamps desired. For larger graphics, it is advisable to use the softer rubber while on the detailed and perhaps smaller graphics; it is safe to use the harder rubber.
Lastly, during the hot stamping process precautionary measures has to be followed with great deal. Since it really requires a lot of heat, one who stamps must do careful actions to avoid exposure and even attachment to heat that can do serious damage or injury. Metal heating is not a joke. Although hot stamping can be done manually, it doesn’t mean there is no need of a machine to do the process. Also, it should be noted that this process requires a great deal of pressure. Thus, the part which the stamping will be done must be supported properly to avoid unnecessary outcomes.
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