Compound vs. Progressive vs. Transfer Die
Leave a CommentCompound, progressive, and transfer die stamping are all methods used to produce metal stamped parts for many industries. The three die stamping methods allow manufacturers to meet unique design specifications, tolerances, and volumes, but it is crucial to choose the right process method that meets your needs.
Compound Die
Compound die stamping is a metal stamping method that simultaneously performs multiple bends, punches, or cuts in a single stroke. It is ideal for producing flat parts like washers and wheel blanks in medium or high volumes. Compound die stamping is a high-speed stamping process, but larger components can take longer to exit the machine, reducing the overall speed.
Compound die stamping delivers various benefits to manufacturers. The benefits of using compound die stamping include:
- Less costly tooling than progressive die tooling
- Efficient and fast production of simplistic and small parts
- Facilitates high repeatability of single-die cases
- One stroke produces flatter parts
Progressive Die
Progressive die stamping can produce parts with tight tolerances in large volumes. This stamping method can simultaneously shape, bend, and punch parts from a metal coil that is fed through the stamping press.
In progressive die stamping, the workpiece stays attached to the metal strip from start to finish. The part is removed only in the final step in the stamping process. This process is compatible with a range of materials; however, it requires costly steel tooling and is not suitable for parts requiring deep drawing.
Progressive die stamping provides several benefits, including:
- Saves time and money by performing multiple operations simultaneously
- Reduces waste
- Can perform long production runs
- Lower labor costs and reduced setup
- Permits complex geometries
- Can quickly produce large runs of small parts with exacting tolerances
Transfer Die
Transfer die stamping starts by separating the workpiece from the metal strip to focus on the individual part. The process relies on automation to transport and align the workpiece to several stations, each performing a different operation. The multiple-step process of transfer die stamping allows for designs with high levels of intricacy, including threading, ribs, and knurls.
Transfer die stamping is suitable for manufacturing deep drawn parts because the metal strip’s removal occurs at the beginning of the stamping process. It is also ideal for manufacturing tubes and applications that require a workpiece separate from the metal strip.
Transfer die stamping provides the following benefits to manufacturers:
- Cost-effective for small production runs
- Improved versatility
- Efficiently produces complex and intricate parts
- Suitable for large parts
- Reduces the need for secondary operations for specialized parts
Metal Stamping From Keats Manufacturing Co.
Metal stamping is an efficient method of creating various parts from a strip of metal material using a die and press system. Because each type of metal stamping method has its differences, it’s important to work with an experienced partner that understands each process and can help you determine the best option for your needs.
At Keats Manufacturing Co., we deliver custom metal stamping using various die stamping methods. Our industry-leading metal stamping capabilities allow us to fulfill order quantities in a range of sizes and provide support from prototyping to production. For more information on our metal stamping capabilities, or for help choosing the right metal stamping method for your project, contact us or request a quote today.