Metal Stamping Materials Guide
Optimal materials for high-volume stamped parts
Stamping material selection is driven by formability, strip availability, and die wear. Unlike machining, you're working with coil stock — so your material must be available in the right width, thickness, and temper. Here's what works best for progressive die and transfer stamping.
Key Selection Factors
Formability
How much the material can stretch and bend without cracking in the die.
Strip Flatness
Coil stock flatness and consistency — critical for progressive die feeding.
Conductivity
Electrical and thermal conductivity for connectors and terminals.
Die Wear
How quickly the material wears out punches and forming stations.
Coil Availability
Standard coil widths and thicknesses in market — non-standard = long lead time.
Material Cost / kg
At stamping volumes (10K–1M+), material cost dominates part price.
Recommended Materials
The cheapest and most common stamping material. Excellent formability in deep-draw grades (SPCD, SPCE). Available everywhere in every gauge.
301 is the stamping stainless — it work-hardens during forming, creating spring-like properties. 304 for corrosion resistance. Both require more press tonnage than mild steel.
The standard for electrical connectors and spring contacts. Excellent fatigue resistance, good conductivity, and reliable spring properties after forming.
Most formable of the copper alloys. Deep draws easily, stamps cleanly with minimal burr, and plates/solders well.
Lightweight stamping for moderate-strength applications. 1100-O for maximum formability, 5052 for strength. Watch for galling — use proper die lubrication.
💡 Pro Tips
- ▸ Always specify material temper for stamping. Annealed (O) vs half-hard (H) dramatically changes formability.
- ▸ SPCC is standard for 90% of stamped steel parts. Only upgrade when corrosion or strength demands it.
- ▸ For electrical contacts, phosphor bronze C510 is the industry default — don't reinvent the wheel.
- ▸ Die wear: stainless wears dies 5–10× faster than mild steel. Budget for more frequent die maintenance.
- ▸ Minimum order for custom coil widths is typically 1–2 tons. Use standard widths when possible.
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