Guangzhou Metalstar Prototype Co., Ltd.
Add to Cart
Some information about using aluminum 1100 alloy to make rapid deep draw stamping prototype parts using soft prototype tools.
1. Aluminum 1100 Alloy Properties:
Aluminum 1100 is a pure aluminum alloy with very low alloying content, typically around 99% aluminum.
It has good formability, making it suitable for deep drawing and stamping operations.
The relatively soft and malleable nature of 1100 aluminum allows it to be easily machined and formed using soft tooling.
2. Soft Prototype Tooling for Deep Draw Stamping:
As mentioned earlier, soft prototype tooling materials like CNC-machined aluminum, low-carbon steel, or polymer composites can be used to create rapid prototype dies and punches.
These soft tools are more cost-effective and can be produced quickly compared to hard production-intent tooling.
The softer nature of the prototype tooling materials is well-suited for working with relatively soft materials like aluminum 1100.
3. Rapid Prototyping Process:
The aluminum 1100 sheet metal can be rapidly deep draw stamped using the soft prototype tooling.
This allows for quick iterations and design changes during the prototyping phase, as the soft tools can be easily modified or replaced.
The resulting prototype parts can be used for functional testing, design validation, and gathering user feedback.
4. Limitations and Considerations:
While aluminum 1100 is suitable for rapid prototyping, it may not have the same level of strength and formability as higher-strength aluminum alloys or advanced steels.
The soft prototype tooling may have a limited lifespan and may not be able to produce the same level of surface finish or dimensional accuracy as hard production tooling.
For the final production parts, it may be necessary to transition to more robust tooling and higher-strength materials to meet the required performance and quality standards.
Overall, the combination of aluminum 1100 alloy and soft prototype tooling can be a cost-effective and efficient approach for rapidly producing deep draw stamping prototype parts during the new product development process.