Automation isn’t a new concept, but the advancements made in robotics and automation over the last decade have placed a new level of importance on manufacturing automation parts.
Numerous manufacturing methods are used to create different parts of automation applications, but when it comes to metal stamping, there are a few challenges and considerations to make note of ahead of manufacturing. Placing a focus on tolerance considerations, tooling strategies, and supply chains early in the process allows for better components, a more streamlined process, and can even increase the market readiness of your parts.
Winco Stamping addresses tolerance, tooling, and supply challenges for manufacturing automation parts through metal stamping.
Identifying Tolerance Standards
Manufacturing automation parts requires a detailed plan and focus on tolerance throughout the component. Part tolerance should be focused on how the part is located within the automated assembly or fixture to account for the overall strain of the system and its impact on the specific part.
Start by assigning critical to function classifications on features such as mounting hole pattern and connector clearance, then secondary fits, and lastly cosmetic or nonfunctional. Apply a profile tolerancing to formed geometry as opposed to placing plus/minus dimensions around the part.
As often as possible, creating the space for repeated tolerances throughout the parts streamlines the manufacturing process and leads to easier throughput in production.
Creating a Tooling Strategy
Tooling is one of the, if not the, most important aspects for any manufacturing operation and that includes metal stamping for automation parts. Creating a sound tooling strategy consists of knowing projected annual part volume, stability, and inherit risks. Different types of dies can be created depending upon necessary volume. When manufacturing automation parts require numbers in the hundreds of thousands and even into the millions, progressive dies are the best option as these dies are best suited for stable, high-volume with strip-feed-compatible shapes. Restriking, forming, piercing, and blanking are consolidated into the manufacturing process.
When parts require larger or deeper formed parts where workpieces must be moved easily between operations, transfer die solutions are the route to go. Transfer dies offer more forming flexibility but can handle transfer and part-handling variables. If your program is for lower volume operations, compound or single-hit tooling might be the route to go. These dies aren’t as costly but are less suitable for fully automated systems.
How to Handle the Supply Chain
Whether your program requires stainless steel, aluminum, a rolled steel option, or another metal, material sourcing and the supply chain is a pivotal point for a successful automation parts stamping program. Addressing challenges with the supply chain for manufacturing automation parts begins with what type of manufacturing company you’ve entrusted to create your components. If you’ve partnered with a turnkey manufacturer, supply chain challenges become more streamlined as engineers and project managers are in communication with suppliers for materials not just for components but for any value-added services such as paint and powder coating sources.
When partnering with a turnkey manufacturer many of the supply chain challenges and concerns are already handled internally. Tooling is performed by the manufacturer which saves costs on outside vendors while simplifying the supply chain. Value-added services and logistics considerations are also handled by the manufacturer, further simplifying the supply chain.
Contact Winco Stamping for Metal Stamped Manufacturing Automation Parts Today
Winco Stamping is one the United States’ premier custom metal stamping manufacturers serving OEMs, supplier programs, and other customers with the high-quality stamped parts they and their customers need.
Manufacturing automation parts requires precision in tooling operations, communication throughout the design process, manufacturing with minimal variations, and then consistent quality control metrics throughout the entire process. Winco Stamping’s program runs for automation parts entails all of these key aspects with a focus on a personalized experience for every single one of our customers.
Quality control and management are one of the most important aspects of our stamping operations. We’ve been continuously ISO 9001 certified for over 20 years, and our customers know that their stamped components are going to hit the mark every time.
Take control of your automation parts manufacturing operations today and contact the team at Winco Stamping.