Tooling, work-hardening and surface-control considerations for demanding stainless-steel drawn parts.
Why stainless steel is selected
Stainless steel combines corrosion resistance, strength and durability across wet, chemical, high-temperature, low-temperature and high-pressure environments. These properties make it attractive for structural, wear-resistant and precision housing applications.
The same properties make stainless steel more demanding to deep draw than many conventional sheet materials.
Work hardening and forming difficulty
Stainless steel can harden rapidly under cold work. Local over-strain affects later piercing, machining and dimensional control, while high forming forces increase demands on die strength, alignment and wear resistance.
Draw ratios, radii, blank-holder force, lubrication and station sequence must be selected to control cracking and wrinkling while maintaining a uniform wall.
Precision features beyond the draw
A successful stainless process may include fitting surfaces, pierced features and controlled edges in addition to the basic drawn form. Venting inside the tool is important where trapped air could affect the component. Edge finishing and final sizing must be planned from the beginning.
Balford has developed stainless drawing sequences that can avoid intermediate annealing for suitable materials and geometries, reducing handling while maintaining precision.
In-house die development
Tool design and manufacture are coordinated with the required material and geometry. Engineers calculate the number and order of forming stages and evaluate whether conversion from a welded or machined process can lower cost.
The development team verifies every stage through tool trials and measurement before approving the process for production.
Applications and process conversion
Drawn stainless components are used in containers, housings, fittings and industrial assemblies where corrosion resistance and long service life matter. When considering a new design, early review of material grade, wall requirement, annual volume and functional surfaces helps identify the most economical route.
Discuss Your Component
Need a stable production process for a difficult metal part?
Send Balford your drawing, material, annual quantity and quality requirements. Our engineering team will review the forming sequence and recommend a practical manufacturing route.
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