Deep Drawing Special Materials and Alloys

Material-specific planning for stainless steel, aluminum, copper alloys, nickel alloys, titanium, tantalum and controlled-expansion metals.

Material selection is part of the process design

Deep-drawn parts can be produced from far more than low-carbon steel. Balford evaluates the material together with the part geometry, drawing depth, wall requirement, surface specification and operating environment.

Each alloy behaves differently under tensile and compressive strain. Draw ratios, radii, lubrication, blank holding, tool materials and intermediate heat treatment must be adapted accordingly.

Materials we evaluate for deep drawing

• Cold-rolled steel
• Stainless steel
• Aluminum
• Copper and brass
• Monel® nickel-copper alloys
• Titanium
• Hastelloy® nickel alloys
• Kovar® controlled-expansion alloy
• Invar controlled-expansion alloy
• Mu-metal / permalloy
• Inconel® nickel alloys
• Tantalum and other specialty alloys

What changes from one alloy to another?

Nickel alloys and titanium may demand high forming loads and carefully selected lubrication. Copper alloys provide useful conductivity but require surface protection. Controlled-expansion and magnetic alloys are selected for very specific functional behavior and must be formed without compromising those properties.

A material certificate alone is not enough. Actual strip condition, temper, thickness variation and grain direction should be considered during trials.

Developing a reliable special-alloy part

Send the drawing, target alloy, expected volume and functional requirements at the start of the review. Balford can assess manufacturability, propose a forming sequence and identify where prototype trials or material samples are needed before production tooling is finalized.