Guide to Fineblanking

Fineblanking produces parts with clean edges and strict dimensional control

By Patricia DeMunck

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Fineblanking is a single step manufacturing process that uses high precision tools (dies) to fabricate a part very close to its final dimensions with high accuracy and cleanly sheared edges. Fineblanking was founded on conventional metal stamping technology but uses advanced presses and custom tooling to produce more complex parts. In a single step, fineblanking services can produce a part that would normally require several operations, set-ups and man hours if conventional metal stamping processes were used. As a result, fineblanking can prove to be your lowest total cost option.

The fineblanking process offers several advantages over conventional forging, machining, stamping and casting. It has the ability to produce a clean, straight edge. It requires less machine finishing than traditional stamping methods which reduces secondary operations. It's able to achieve perfect flatness in products and tight dimensional tolerances. There are three basic components needed in fineblanking:

1. The fineblanking tool (die)

2. The fineblanking press

3. The material to be used

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Locate companies that manufacture fineblanking tooling (dies)

Metal fineblanking tooling is more costly than conventional stamping dies because expensive steel is required to build tooling with extreme accuracy. The two types of fine blanking tool systems are fixed punch and sliding punch. Most fineblanking dies are single station dies, but progressive dies are becoming more popular because they offer more complex features.

I recommend: MPI International is a fineblanking tool manufacturer that provides complete tool-building services. Transfer Tool Technologies is a producer of custom manufactured fineblanking machinery that includes fixed punch dies for the automotive industry.

Find a producer of fineblanking presses

The two kinds of fineblanking presses are fully hydraulic and mechanical toggle lever press. Press sizes can range from 40 tons up to 1,400 tons. Smaller presses are mechanical. All presses over 250 tons are hydraulic. Hydraulic presses provide constant force during cutting and cannot be overloaded.

I recommend: Feintool is an international fineblanking manufacturer that offers several types of hydraulic and mechanical fineblanking presses. AP&T offers a fineblanking press that can be used in embossing, bending and fineblanking operations.

Purchase finished products from fineblanking vendors

Rolled metal coils are most commonly used in fineblanking production. Metal types include brass, copper alloy, aluminum alloy as well as carbon steel, stainless steel and steel alloys. The fineblanking process is used to make parts for the electronics, cutlery, automotive and power tool industries.

I recommend: Steel Parts Manufacturing produces small and medium-sized fineblanking parts using transfer and progressive die molds. Harig Manufacturing is a fineblanking service provider of precision parts for many industries including the power tool, automotive, aerospace and appliance industries.

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