How to be successful in Deep Drawing

Being successful in deep drawing depends on several factors. If you ignore one of the key factors, the outcome can be disastrous. The most important factor of successful deep drawing is initiating metal flow. These are the key principles on how to be successful with your deep drawing:

Material Type and Thickness: Thicker materials tend to be stiffer. It can be gripped better during the deep drawing process. The thicker materials have more volume, meaning they can stretch for longer distances during the deep drawing process.

Types of lubricants used and the tool surface finish: Lubricants and surfaces finishes are vital. They reduce the friction between the metal being drawn and the tool surfaces. This allows the materials to flow through easier. The slower the deep drawing speed, the better the flow. Die temperatures can also affect the lubricants.

Blank sizes and shapes: If the blank sizes and shapes are too large, it can restrict the metal flow. The geometry of parts are also affected while deep drawing.

Pressing speed: Sufficient pressing speed allows the materials to flow through the tool. The timing has to be precise. During deep drawing, if the process is too fast, the corners will begin to crack. The slower the time allowed, the materials will flow smoother.

Draw ratio: This is the ability of a material to draw or flow. It affects the draw size and depth per single draw.

Draw radii: The radius on the die draw. A medium radii is the perfect result. If the radii is too big, the material will begin to wrinkle. If the radii is too small, it creates cracking at the bottom of your radius.

Draw bead height and shape: This can cause materials to bend and unbend to create restrictive forces into a tool. Draw bead height and shape controls the metal flow and gripping pressure during the deep drawing process. Increasing the gripping pressure will exert more force. While exerting more force, it creates restraint on the materials going into the tool.

N and R value: The N value is the ability of enabling steel to stretch. The R value is the ability of a material to draw and flow.

Binder Pressure: To control metal flow, sufficient binder pressure must be present. The materials will wrinkle during compression, if the binder pressure is unstable. The wrinkles cause the binder to separate from the draw's surface, and the control of the material will be lost.

Usage of Standoffs: The pressure of the binder can be reduced by creating standoffs. The area's space is maintained between the draw surface and its binder. It's highly recommended to set the standoff at 110% of the metal's thickness. If the gap of the standoff is too small, the material will be pinched tightly, which reduces its ability to flow freely. If the gap is too large, the material will wrinkle during compression.

Keep in mind, the materials you use can play a vital role in reducing force when you draw. Softer materials are much easier to deform and requires less force. Aluminum, brass, Cold-rolled steel, and stainless steel are the most common materials that deform easier.

Anyone can be successful in deep drawing; however, ignoring just one factor can halt your deep drawing.

Contact deep drawing and metal stamping specialists in Canada for all your deep drawing needs.