Stamping is a manufacturing process in which external force is applied to materials-such as sheets, strips, tubes, and profiles-using a press and a die to induce plastic deformation or separation, thereby producing workpieces (stampings) of the desired shape and dimensions. The primary raw materials for stamping are hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets and strips.
Materials for stamping come in various forms, including sheets, strips, and blanks (blocks). Sheets are large in size and are typically used for stamping large parts; for small to medium-sized parts, sheets are usually cut into strips before use. Strips (also known as coils) are available in various widths and can extend for several kilometers in length, making them suitable for automatic feeding in high-volume production; very thin materials can also be supplied in strip form. Blanks are used only for stamping specific steel grades or expensive non-ferrous metals.