Materials Used for Metal Stamping

Aluminum is a very light weight metal that is a good conductor of heat and electricity. Aluminum is also ductile, resistant to corrosion, has high tensile strength in low temperature environments, good for absorbing sound and shock vibrations and is non-magnetic. Another benefit of using aluminum in metal fabrication is that it’s a sustainable and recyclable material. Aluminum is a good material choice for shielding and housing stamping components where it can act as a sound and shock absorber while protecting subcomponents from negative impacts of other metal by relying on its non-magnetic nature.

Beryllium copper is known for its high electrical and thermal conductivity and high ductility. This metal is also corrosion and oxidation resistant and non-magnetic. Beryllium copper contains concentrations of beryllium, nickel and cobalt. Compared to pure copper, beryllium copper is harder and offers higher strength than all copper-based alloys. This metal is commonly used for electrical connectors, electrical contacts and housings.

Copper is a softer metal known for its strength, malleability, ductility, heat and electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, non-magnetism and machinability. Compared to all non-precious metals, copper has the highest rating for conductivity, which makes it a great material selection for electrical-power applications.

Galvanized steel is steel with protective zinc coating applied to the metal to prevent the formation of rust. Galvanized steel is used in applications that require good long-wear use and performance as well as its hardness and strength.

Phosphor is a copper-based alloy with a mix of tin and phosphorous. The tin increases the corrosion resistance and strength of this metal and the phosphorous increases its wear resistance and stiffness. Phosphor bronze is known for having good spring functionality, good formability and solderability, good electrical conductivity and high fatigue and corrosion resistance. Phosphor bronze is typically used to produce springs, fasteners and electrical components.

Platinum is a very soft and malleable alloy known for being extremely resistant to corrosion. It’s also known for its ductility, strength, scratch resistance and catalytic properties meaning it can increase the speed of chemical reaction between substances without changing their physical properties. Platinum is also a conductor of electricity, but less conductive than copper-based metals and aluminum. Platinum is extensively used in the automotive industry for catalytic converters in trucks, buses and cars. Platinum is also used to produce computer electronics, wire components for medical and laboratory instruments and electrical contacts.

Titanium is a lightweight, low-density, corrosion-resistant, and high-strength metal. Titanium is very ductile and known for its stiffness and toughness. Titanium has a high strength to weight ratio. Compared to aluminum, titanium is slightly heavier in weight but is higher in strength. Its strength can be compared to steel. Titanium is used in aerospace and automotive engine applications because of its low density and ability to withstand extreme temperatures.