![]() ![]() Adding chrome and nickel to steel produces stainless steel. Chrome is very hard and resists oxidation, and so does nickel. For example, two common alloys added to steel are chrome and nickel. When combined, the metals must be compatible and resist separation under normal conditions. Carbon content is only one factor.Īn alloy is a homogeneous compound or mixture of two or more metals that enhances the metal's chemical, mechanical, or physical properties. Keep in mind that the carbon content of a particular metal does not fully determine the metal's mechanical properties. For example, tool steel used in manufacturing dies contains far more carbon than the sheet metal being processed. (Yes, "Carbon is a girl's best friend." Just make sure that it's natural, highly compressed carbon that you are giving her.)įrom this basic knowledge of carbon, it is easy to deduce that the more carbon present in the steel, typically the stronger and less formable it will be. A diamond is nothing more than pure, compressed carbon. A piece of coal buried a mile or so beneath the surface of the earth and subjected to intense heat and pressure for about a thousand years yields what? A diamond. In its raw form, carbon could be described as a chunk of coal or pencil lead. ![]() Steel BasicsĬarbon is a basic element of the steelmaking process. Although hundreds of alloyed steels exist, plain carbon steel is by far the most commonly stamped ferrous metal. Aluminum is approximately one-third the weight of steel. Some commonly stamped nonferrous metals are aluminum, brass, bronze, gold, silver, tin, and copper.Īluminum is a very popular metal for applications in which strength, weight, and corrosion resistance are factors. ![]() Because nonferrous metals do not contain iron, they are less likely to deteriorate through oxidation or rusting. With the exception of a few exotic specialty metals, ferrous metals are magnetic and nonferrous metals are nonmagnetic. Aluminum, however, contains no iron and is classified as a nonferrous metal. ![]() Steel is a classic ferrous metal because it is derived essentially from iron ore. Ferrous metals contain iron, and nonferrous metals are those without iron. Two Metal TypesĪlthough there are literally thousands of metals that can be stamped, all fall within two basic categories- ferrous and nonferrous. Because stampers are end users of metals, this article focuses on selecting and understanding the end-product behavior only and not the metal-making process. In addition, different metal types require different lubricants, press speeds, and capacities. The metal type that the die is forming and cutting often determines the tool steel that must be used, as well as how many operations are required. For example, if you are forming 5000 series aluminum and you follow the same process you use for deep drawing steel, the operation most likely will fail-not because aluminum is bad, it's just different from steel.Įach metal has its own unique mechanical characteristics. To process, design, and build a successful stamping die, it is necessary to fully understand the behavioral characteristics of the specific material to be cut and formed. This article discusses stamping materials-both ferrous and nonferrous. Previous articles in this series focused on stamping dies and production methods. ![]()
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