Intro

You’re faced with a big decision shopping for metal webbing hardware. Do you consider a stamped part or a die-cast part? Do you know the difference? This seemingly-simple manufacturing difference can completely reshape how the hardware interacts with your process.

Our experts at A Plus Group put together this piece to clear things up. We’ll explain each manufacturing method, the big differences, and which is right for you.

What Is Stamping?

Stamping is also called pressing and typically reserved for sheet metal. It can be done in a single step or might involve multiple stages.

The underlying concept is pretty simple: A piece of thin metal is positioned under a blade affixed to a press head. The head comes down, cuts out the metal, and leaves you with a stamped piece.

The cutting head can change to achieve punching, embossing, blanking, bending, or flanging — all of which fall under the “stamping” umbrella.

What Is Die-Casting?

Die-casting is taking molten metal and putting it in a mold. The metal is in the shape of the final product when it fills the mold (in this case, metal webbing hardware).

Then, the metal gets pressurized, which forces it to harden and cool, creating a finished unit.

Pros and Cons of Both

There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of manufacturing. Let’s take a look at some of the most effective options.

Material Selection

Die casting is typically only done with non-ferrous metals, while stamping can be done on either type. For reference, aluminum, copper, gold, and silver are examples of non-ferrous metals.

Overall Cost

Stamping is a less expensive option than die-casting for metal webbing hardware, meaning the final product will cost less for you and the customer.

Making Complex Features

Unfortunately, stamping is pretty limited when it comes to overall features. Only die-casting works for complex geometries due to the precision you get with this technology.

Resulting Scrap

These two manufacturing processes also vary with how much scrap they produce. All the cut material is scrapped at the end of the process with stamping.

You only use as much metal as the part needs with a die-cast part effectively, resulting in no waste, saving you money on raw materials and recycling costs.

Final Accuracy

Manufacturers often choose die-cast pieces for parts like metal webbing hardware that need to be highly repeatable.

While stamped pieces can be very accurate, some additional factors can hurt this value. For instance, dulling cutting heads, mistakes when aligning the raw material, or operational errors can result in an inaccurate unit.

Speed of Production

While both options are pretty fast, die-cast parts tend to get produced quicker. For a warehouse making metal webbing hardware, you can produce many more units across the same period of time if you choose die-casting.

Overall Strength

Generally, stamped parts tend to be stronger than die-cast because metal must be overheated above its melting temperature to die-cast a part.

Stamping is a cold working process. However, the sheet metal can be cut after it’s purchased from the manufacturer without added processes.

Which Is Right for Metal Webbing Hardware?

The answer to this question varies depending on what you’re looking for.

Stamping is the best option for less expensive, stronger, simple parts made of any kind of metal. They are also fabricated quicker, so you can deliver bulk orders quickly.

die-cast pieces are the right choice for more complicated metal webbing hardware. Die-casting is also the right choice if your operation requires accurate parts that are all nearly identical.

Conclusion

Now you know the difference between stamping and die-casting with respect to metal webbing hardware. If you want to find the right solution for your operation, you can reach out to our experts at A Plus Group today.