Metal stamping parts within manufacturing has become such a regular occurrence today, that we often don’t think twice about it.
We utilize metal stamping services in such a wide variety of industries, but how did they begin and how have the processes evolved?
Like any other manufacturing process, however, it had to get its start somewhere, and in this post, we will look into the history of the American metal stamping industry, how the field has changed, and what we can expect for the future.
The Early Years of Metal Stamping Services
The concept of metal stamping is estimated to date back as far as 7th century B.C., when the first coins were struck by the Lydians, a people living in what is now modern-day Turkey. Some key points:
- Prior to the Lydians, blacksmiths would use hammers to mold metals into everyday products.
- The Lydians, however, created a mold or die bearing the image of one side of the coin, and after pouring in the molten metal or alloy, they would stamp the other side with a carved image to create a two-sided coin.
This process of striking coins was eventually translated to other objects as well and remained virtually the same until 1550 when a German silversmith named Marx Schwab developed a screw press to stamp coins.
- Schwab’s press required as many as twelve men to turn it in order to exert the amount of pressure needed to form the metal.
- While there were some advancements made in metallurgy, such as harder and more durable dies and stamps, the concept remained roughly the same in the metal stamping industry until the industrial revolution.
The Evolution of Metal Stamping Parts
The process of metal stamping parts actually dates back to more than 100 years ago, to the 1890s. Prior to this, however, metal stamping parts was virtually unheard of.
- Initially, the metal stamping process was used to produce parts for bicycles as a way to replace the process of die forging.
- The benefits of utilizing metal stamping services soon became clear, such as greatly reducing cost for the same quantity, and as a result, the demand for metal stamping parts and metal manufacturing within the United States began to rise.
- By the 1900s, industrial development and manufacturing within the U.S. was booming, creating an even larger need for assembly parts in a quicker, and less expensive way, giving rise to the American metal stamping manufacturer.
Henry Ford
One of the biggest influencers in the evolution of metal stamping parts, though, was the introduction of the assembly line by Henry Ford of the Ford Motor Company.
Although Ford was a little late to adapt metal stamping services and parts into his facility, his use of assembly lines in the manufacturing process helped streamline production and it’s said that his Model T could be completed in only 93 minutes.
After seeing other automobile manufacturers utilize metal stamped parts, and realizing he couldn’t meet the same demands by using die forged parts, Ford adopted metal stamped parts into his processes.
Fast forward to today, and the metal stamping industry has grown to influence a wide variety of other industries, including healthcare, sporting goods, office/retail and more.
How to Get High-Quality Metal Stamping Services
If you’re looking to get high-quality metal stamping services for your own manufacturing processes, then look no further than Valco Valley Tool & Die.
For more than 50 years, Valco has been a leader in the metal stamping industry, providing quality products, and dedicated service and performance.
We’ve built our success on our innovative Snap Button product line, but also have the capabilities and engineering experience to help with your prototyping and metal stamping service needs.
For more information about our wide range of metal stamping services, contact us today!