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Does my part need deep drawing or standard stamping?
Deep drawing is the right process for a one-piece cup, can or shell as deep as its diameter or deeper; the first draw reduces diameter about 40–45% and each redraw 20–30%, so tall parts run through several stations. Standard stamping is simpler and cheaper for flat and bent parts and for shallow forms less than about half their diameter deep.
Which is cheaper at your quantity?
The same housing, each process in a suitable material (1008 CRS and 1008 CRS).
| Quantity | Deep draw | Stamping |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | $1,995 | $568 |
| 50 | $399 | $114 |
| 100 | $199 | $56.80 |
| 500 | $40.20 | $11.90 |
| 1,000 | $20.40 | $6.31 |
| 5,000 | $4.54 | $6.54 |
| 10,000 | $2.56 | $3.55 |
| 50,000 | $1.07 | $1.16 |
| 100,000 | $0.75 | $0.86 |
Where each pays off
Deep drawn stamping
1101001k10k100k1M+
- Tooling
- 8–14 weeks
- First article
- 1–3 weeks after tooling
- Production
- 3–6 weeks per release
±0.002–0.005 in (±0.05–0.13 mm) typical
Metal stamping
1101001k10k100k1M+
- Tooling
- 3–12 weeks
- First article
- 1–2 weeks after die tryout
- Production
- 2–4 weeks per release
±0.002–0.005 in (±0.05–0.13 mm) on pierced features; ±0.010 in (±0.25 mm) across bends
Which should you pick?
Pick Deep draw when
- The part is a one-piece cup, can, shell or housing
- It must be leak-tight without welds
- Depth equals or exceeds diameter, up to 3:1–5:1 with redraws
- Volume is 10,000 or more parts
Pick Stamping when
- The part is a bracket, clip, shield or washer
- Forms are shallow, less than about half the diameter deep
- Runs are short, 500–25,000 parts
- Holes, tabs and bends can be made in one die
Key differences
| Deep draw | Stamping | |
|---|---|---|
| Tooling cost | $15,000–$100,000+ | $1,500–$15,000 short-run; $15,000–$100,000+ progressive |
| Economical volume | About 5,000–10,000 parts and up | About 500 parts and up on short-run dies |
| Tooling lead time | 8–14 weeks | 3–12 weeks |
| Material | Drawing quality: A1008 DS or DDS steel, annealed stainless, 5052, copper | Wider range, including spring tempers |
| Wall thickness | Thins 10–20% near the punch radius | Stays near nominal away from bends |
| Tolerance | Diameter ±0.002–0.005 in (±0.05–0.13 mm); trimmed height ±0.005–0.010 in (±0.13–0.25 mm) | Pierced ±0.002–0.005 in (±0.05–0.13 mm); across bends ±0.010 in (±0.25 mm) |
| Press setup | Eyelet, transfer or progressive tooling with several draw stations | Single-hit, compound or progressive dies |
Questions
What is the difference between deep drawing and stamping?
Deep drawing is a type of stamping in which the part's depth equals or exceeds its diameter. Standard stamping mostly cuts and bends, while deep drawing stretches the blank into a one-piece cup over several stations.
How deep can a part be drawn?
Depth-to-diameter ratios of 3:1 to 5:1 are common with multiple redraws. Higher ratios are possible with intermediate anneals and ironing, at added cost.
What if my volume is too low for deep draw tooling?
Below about 5,000 parts, machined tube or bar, metal spinning, or a welded assembly usually costs less. Move to deep drawing when volume and design are stable.
Try both on your part.
The builder prices the same geometry in every suitable process and material, with DFM for each.