Finding the right progressive metal stamping manufacturer can be a daunting and difficult task for OEMs and supplier programs across the country. Manufacturers are going to promote themselves all in the same way – they offer high-quality manufacturing and superior customer service. But where are the differences truly that separate metal stamping manufacturers?

Make note of these five considerations to keep in mind when searching for a progressive metal stamping manufacturer from Die-Matic Corp.

Examine Technical Capabilities of a Progressive Metal Stamping Manufacturer

The initial consideration for customers in search of a progressive metal stamping manufacturer is to thoroughly review and examine the technical capabilities of a given manufacturing company. This includes starting off with researching a manufacturer’s track record and proven success stamping the alloys your project requires along with similar features in your design and even the industry you’re coming from.

After viewing the experience of a manufacturer, shifting the research toward design for manufacturability support is a strong move. Asking questions on how early DFM feedback is provided during the initial program run and what parts of the design are optimized or prioritized first. Additionally, since it’s a high-volume program being a progressive operation, asking questions on how a manufacturer handles strip layout and pilot design for stability is a wise move.

We’ll focus more on tooling later on, but from an examining technical capabilities standpoint, inquiring if tooling operations are perform in-house or not is a good move to make as the difference between an in-house tool and die shop versus an outside vendor is quite costly.

Gauge Quality Systems

A strong progressive metal stamping manufacturer is only as good and proficient as its quality management systems are efficient. The easiest way to gauge how strong a company’s quality management programs are is by viewing and searching for any certifications. This can include an ISO 9001 certification, IATF 16949 for automotive, AS9100 for aerospace or defense applications, and then any other compliance metrics such as ITAR.

Quality management, however, isn’t only defined by certifications on the wall in the front lobby. One of the best indicators of how proficient a manufacturer’s QMS is through how well documentation is performed. This means being presented with clear control plans, SPC on dimensions, FAI/PPAP applications when needed, and inspections. Asking questions during the consultation phase such as how tool wear is managed, regular maintenance schedules on equipment, and how dimensional drift over long runs are handled provide a glimpse into what to expect from a quality perspective.

Lastly, traceability in all aspects of manufacturing including pre-program engineering, production, and post-production operations is vital. Additionally, material controls and the material selection process should be defined and well-sourced.

Review Equipment Specifications

This aspect might be one of the more difficult considerations to successfully uncover prior to a consultation, but if there is an opportunity to learn more about a manufacturer’s equipment specifications during the search process, the more ahead and informed your team can be during the consultation.

As an example, Die-Matic Corp. lists our equipment on our website for prospective and existing customers to view exactly what we’re capable of creating in our facility. Manufacturers should at least list the press tonnage available in their stamping equipment to provide realistic expectations ahead of manufacturing.

Tooling

As mentioned above, tooling is one of the most important aspects when it comes to considerations to make in searching for a progressive metal stamping manufacturer. From the onset, seeing if a manufacturer has an in-house tool and die shop can save thousands of dollars compared to if a metal stamper says it has tooling services, but those services are really working with an outside provider.

Gauging the tooling strategy with a focus on die construction and the expected life of a given die along with regular maintenance schedules, and how ownership of the die plus storage considerations work.

Customer Support

Custom support with a progressive metal stamping manufacturer encompasses more aspects than just answering the phones and providing updates during a manufacturing run. Custom support is comprised of three key characteristics: responsiveness, communication, and risk management.

These characteristics show up in multiple ways, the first being in engineering and how lead times are established. The best progressive stamping manufacturers promote engineering capabilities early with strong DFM operations, clarity on program quoting, and creating realistic timelines for tooling, manufacturing, and part testing and validation services.

Another way where responsiveness, communication, and risk management need to appear is through change management and how continuous improvement to the process occurs. Manufacturers should demonstrate a clear process for numerous items including design changes, tooling modifications, and creating ways to introduce cost-effective promotions.

The final area where those three characteristics of custom support can show up is in supply chain resiliency and compliance. For manufacturers, this means checking material sourcing locations and communicating findings with customers to allow for proper material selection. Creating platforms for business continuity and maintaining compliance metrics in specific applications such as ITAR compliance for a military program.

End Your Search for a Progressive Metal Stamping Manufacturer and Contact Die-Matic Corp. Today

Die-Matic Corp., located in Brooklyn Heights, Ohio, has served as a progressive metal stamping manufacturer for OEMs, supplier programs, and other customers for nearly 70 years. Our work has been used in numerous industries including automotive, construction, military, and consumer goods just to name a few.

Part of our responsibility in being a reliable progressive metal stamping manufacturer is communicating with our customers on the timelines, manufacturability, and maintaining high quality manufacturing.

End your search for a progressive metal stamping manufacturer today and contact the team at Die-Matic Corp.