Automotive stamping is a key manufacturing process in the automotive industry which consists on transforming metal sheets into components with specific shapes.
It is a cold working deforming process using mechanic or hydraulic presses to cut, bend, and mold metals, generally steel and aluminum. This is an essential process to create structural pieces and car bodies which meet design and safety standards in modern vehicles.
Stamping is performed in several phases including die-cutting, drawing, folding, and forming. Through this process, chassis components, suspension parts, exhaust systems and car cabin parts are built. The resulting stamping parts are critical for car assembling due to their endurance, precision and lightness.
Phases of the car stamping process
The automotive stamping process consists on several steps which assure the proper transformation of metal according to design requirements.
Some of the phases include:
Innovation in automotive stamping
In later years, car stamping has witnessed important technological advances which have improved efficiency and accuracy in the process. Among these innovations:
Sustainability and energy efficiency
In the current context where sustainability and carbon footprint reduction are a priority, automotive stamping has evolved to more sustainable practices. The use of light materials, such as aluminum, has allowed manufactures to reduce the whole car weight improving fuel consumption and reducing greenhouse emissions.
Also, the use of low-energy-consumption presses and adoption of recycling practices at stamping facilities have helped to reduce the process’ environmental impact. Recycling metal and material use optimization have been key for the industry to its transition towards more responsible practices.
Companies belonging to Autoparts From Spain with relevance in automotive stamping
Spain enjoys the presence of several well-known companies specialized in automotive stamping which belong to the initiative Autoparts from Spain promoted by SERNAUTO. These companies have integrated the most advanced technologies in their manufacturing processes which has allowed them to keep a relevant global position. Among the main companies devoted to automotive stamping are:
Future of automotive stamping
The future of automotive stamping is linked to the development of more efficient and sustainable vehicles. While the industry moves forward to electrification, the need for lighter and more resistant parts will increase. The use of technologies such as heat stamping, 3-D printing and the components in materials assure a revolution in the process of automotive component manufacturing.
Furthermore, integrating Smart technologies such as artificial intelligence and IoT will allow companies to optimize their stamping processes then reducing costs and improving product quality.
Automotive stamping is an essential process for car manufacturing and Spanish companies have displayed their vanguard position regarding innovation, sustainability and efficiency. Thanks to technological advances and their capacity to get adapted to new market needs, these companies keep up with being key players in the global industry of cars.