What Are the Uses of Metal Stamping in Automotives

What are the uses of metal stamping in automotives?

1. Trunk Lids
2. Hubcaps
3. Firewall

There are several uses of metal stamping in automotives. This method of vehicle component manufacturing has led to several applications for both a vehicle’s interior and exterior components, as well as parts for the topside and the undercarriage. Although the technique has been in use for several decades now, it still remains the reliable method of manufacturing OEM parts that are lightweight, easy to assemble, and can be used in a variety of designs.

What is automotive metal stamping?

Simply put, automotive metal stamping refers to a process of modifying sheet metals in different shapes and sizes. This is usually made possible through a number of metal fabrication processes, like extrusion, punching, stamping, rolling, bending, piercing, and the like. Continue reading to learn more. 

Trunk Lids

Trunk lids are some of the most common applications for metal stamping. Also commonly referred to as the “boot lid” or “deck lid”, this part of the vehicle is responsible for storing objects that are placed in the trunk of the vehicle.

Manufacturers can get creative with trunk lid designs in order to accommodate other small vehicle parts and features. For example, trunk lids can be fashioned to fit in keyholes, spoiler holes, taillights, trunk lid grip, and the like. 

Metal stamped trunk lids are usually made of fabricated steel sheets for better durability. But depending on the preferences of the end-user, it’s also possible to design with aluminum or other workable metals and alloys. 

Hubcaps

Aside from trunk lids, metal stamping is also used in wheel assembly, particularly with the hubcaps. These are hollow discs that are attached to the rim of a vehicle. While oftentimes these are used for decorative purposes, they do serve a functional use in protecting the rims and preventing further damage from deteriorating their quality.

While there are many modern hubcaps that are made using plastic, other materials like steel, copper-brass, or aluminum are still popular. Usually, one hubcap component is cut out of a single sheet of metal or alloy. A high-performance CNC cutting machine and other metal fabrication methods are employed in order to create a wide variety of grooves and threads to fit the wheel structure. 

Firewall

The firewall of a vehicle is arguably one of the larger components that can be designed through metal stamping. The hubcap is important in creating a divide between the passenger side and the engine components. 

As you may already know, there is a significant level of heat that is produced in combustion engines — the firewall which is also part of the chassis, helps prevent heat generation from affecting the car’s interiors. 

Aside from heat protection, the firewall is built to provide excellent sound insulation. As the engine produces heat, it may also produce a great deal of noise that can affect the focus of the vehicle. Knowing this, firewalls sometimes come in dual layers for housing purposes and noise pollution prevention. 

Key Takeaway

Some uses of metal stamping in automotives can be found in a vehicle’s wheels and housing. For example, a single sheet of cut metal can be bended and manipulated to become a deck lid for the vehicle trunk. In other applications, metal stamped sheets can also be used to make high-precision hubcaps that come in OEM quality.

Roberts AIPMC is the Philippines’ leading metal stamping service provider, specializing in OEM parts. Click here to learn more about their products and services.