As explored by The Fabricator in their article “How Metalworking Manufacturers Decide Whether to Fabricate or Stamp”, metal fabrication job shops are known for their versatility in handling diverse projects. Yet, when manufacturers also offer stamping services, they face a key question: which process—fabrication or stamping—is best for a particular job?
Insights from industry leaders ACE Stamping & Machine Co., General Stamping & Metalworks (GSM), and Kapco Metal Stamping highlight the core factors influencing this decision:
- Cost Efficiency: Cost is central to process selection. Stamping can combine multiple operations—such as extruding, tapping, and marking—into a single press stroke, making it highly efficient for high-volume production. Additionally, stamping can be automated, reducing labor costs compared to manual fabrication processes.
- Part Volume: The annual production volume significantly impacts the choice. ACE Stamping typically opts for stamping when part runs exceed 6,000 units, while Kapco evaluates stamping for runs above 5,000. However, both note that exceptions depend on design complexity and lead time constraints.
- Timetable Considerations: Tight timelines may favor fabrication over stamping. GSM, for example, uses lasers and press brakes for rapid prototyping or urgent short runs. Large-volume projects often start with soft tooling for fabrication and transition to hard tooling for stamping once production stabilizes.
The article also emphasizes the evolving customer expectations shaped by laser technology’s speed and flexibility. Manufacturers like GSM frequently bridge the gap between short-term responsiveness and long-term cost savings by offering both fabrication and stamping options to suit project timelines and budgets.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com.
