BALFORD.Metalworking engineering answers

Focus processes: fine blanking and thinning deep drawing

Fine blanking vs conventional blanking: which should I specify?

Reviewed by: pending engineering reviewStatus: draft6 cited sources

Answer

The process virtually eliminates edge deformation, so geometry stays true. We hold flatness and perpendicularity to within 0.03mm, and in some cases down to 0.01mm. The sheared surface is smooth and can extend over 90% of the material thickness, which improves both the look and the function of the part. Fine blanking also leaves a minimal fracture zone, and burrs are nearly nonexistent.

Sources

  1. Fine Blanking Operations in Precision Stamping | Balford
    The process virtually eliminates edge deformation, so geometry stays true. We hold flatness and perpendicularity to within 0.03mm, and in some cases down to 0.01mm. The sheared surface is smooth and can extend over 90% of the material thickness, which improves both the look and the function of the p...
  2. Precision Metal Stamping Services | Custom Stamped Parts
    Can Balford hold IT7 to IT9 accuracy? + We can hit IT7 to IT9 on suitable precision-stamped features, but it is not a blanket tolerance for every part. Material, geometry, feature type, distance from datums, tooling and measurement method all come into play. Capability is drawing-specific — we confi...
  3. Custom Metal Shims & Shim Washers Made to Drawing | Balford
    What is the difference between laser cutting and blanking for shims? Cost and edge condition. Laser cutting needs no tooling, so it is the economical route up to roughly 2,000 pieces and the right choice for prototypes and profiles that are still changing; the edge carries a light heat-affected zone...
  4. Custom Metal Shims & Shim Washers Made to Drawing | Balford
    A: Cost and edge condition. Laser cutting needs no tooling, so it is the economical route up to roughly 2,000 pieces and the right choice for prototypes and profiles that are still changing; the edge carries a light heat-affected zone and a dross burr that is removed before packing. Blanking needs a...
  5. Precision Metal Stamping Services | Custom Stamped Parts
    Brackets Stamped brackets with repeatable hole positions for reliable assembly. Sensor Components Small functional parts for sensor assemblies where feature location drives performance. PROCESS OPTIONS Precision Stamping Process Options The correct process balances functional requirements, edge qual...
  6. Metal Stamping Guide: Processes, Materials, Costs | Balford
    It stops in three places. A closed, seamless body deeper than roughly half its own diameter is not stamping — that is deep drawing, and it needs a draw die, a blank holder and often several draws with annealing between them. A part whose geometry is turned or bored from bar is machining. And a...

What an engineer still needs from you

  • material and material condition (grade, temper)
  • material thickness, plus the key diameter, height and wall thickness
  • tolerances, burr direction and the visual acceptance standard
  • annual volume - it decides whether tooling is single-hit, progressive or transfer
  • surface finish, and any secondary machining, annealing or plating
Next step. Send the drawing for a manufacturability review, or send the part data for a process and cost route.
Submit a drawing / RFQDFM review

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This page is an engineering answer, not a quotation and not a dimensional acceptance. It is generated from Balford's published material and held to the verified company fact sheet.