Short run stamping is just one of the many services offered by Special Metal Stamping. But what is short run stamping? For those who don’t know about this form of metal forming, here’s a quick primer.
Less Complicated Stamping Means Fewer Tools
Short run stamping tends to be less complicated than progressive stamping. This means that the process uses fewer tools. These tools range from standard or stock ones to those that are designed specifically for the part that’s being formed. Die inserts are another part of the process. What matters here is that the part is made in fewer steps. Other forms of stamping require the use of complicated tools and forms, most of which are custom-made. This makes progressive stamping more expensive and time-consuming. Short run stamping is exactly the opposite. It costs less in the long run, even though the price per part may be more because the combination of tools and the steps required are smaller in scale. Essentially, the setup is cheaper. The reason behind the more expensive price per part charge is because short run stampings tend to be ordered in smaller quantities.
Shorter Lead Times Mean That You Get Your Parts Faster
Another factor in short run stamping is how quickly you’ll get the finished parts. Of course, in the metal stamping world, “quickly” can still mean “weeks,” but it will take less time to get your short run parts than any progressive stamped ones. Why? This is because the set up is smaller. Since the process uses fewer customized tools and dies, it’s just a matter of setting up the correct order of operations. Unlike progressive stamping, which requires a long lead time in order to get the tools designed and created – which can take weeks or even months – short run stamping is much simpler to arrange.
You’ll Still Have Tool Maintenance Costs And Other Charges
Short run stamping does have a few things in common with progressive stamping. This includes some of the charges that you’ll have to deal with in the long run. Things like tool maintenance costs, which covers their upkeep when they’re not in use still apply for specific custom tools. However, the use of stock dies and tools tend to make this less expensive. Also, revision charges, for designs that need to be redone mid-flow, still apply here as well.