Application scope of strip continuous deep drawing
Continuous strip drawing is a highly efficient stamping process that gradually draws the strip into the desired shape at multiple stations in a progressive die, enabling the mass production of complex cylindrical and box-shaped parts. Compared to single-stage deep drawing, continuous strip drawing offers advantages such as high production efficiency, a high degree of automation, and excellent product consistency. Its applications span a wide range of industries, including automotive manufacturing, electronics, medical devices, and daily necessities. With the advancement of stamping technology, the process capabilities of continuous strip drawing continue to improve, and the range of materials that can be processed and the complexity of parts are also expanding.
In the automotive manufacturing industry, strip continuous deep drawing is widely used to produce various small cylindrical and special-shaped stamping parts, such as oil seals for automobile engines, pistons for brake systems, filter housings for fuel systems, etc. These parts are usually made of low-carbon steel plates or alloy steel plates with a thickness of 0.5-3mm, and are gradually formed through 5-10 deep drawing stations. The final dimensional accuracy can reach IT8-IT10 level, and the surface roughness is Ra3.2-Ra1.6μm. Continuous deep drawing of strip material can effectively ensure the uniformity of the wall thickness of parts. For seals with strict requirements, the wall thickness deviation can be controlled within ±0.05mm. In addition, the large-scale production characteristics of the automotive industry (the annual output of a single part can reach millions of pieces) are highly compatible with the high efficiency of continuous strip drawing, which can significantly reduce production costs and improve market competitiveness.
The electronics and electrical industry is another important application area for continuous strip drawing, primarily used to produce small precision parts such as connector housings, motor commutators, and battery casings. These parts are typically small (5-30mm in diameter) and thin (0.1-1mm) in thickness, often made of copper alloy, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel, and require high dimensional accuracy and surface quality. Through precise die guidance and positioning systems, continuous strip drawing can achieve part inner diameter tolerances of ±0.01-±0.03mm and height tolerances of ±0.02mm, fully meeting the assembly requirements of electronic components. For example, the housing of a mobile phone connector is formed using continuous strip drawing, which not only ensures dimensional consistency of the interface but also enables integrated production through subsequent punching and bending processes, reducing assembly steps.
The medical device industry places extremely high demands on component precision and cleanliness. Strip drawing is primarily used in the production of syringe barrels, infusion pump accessories, and precision cannulas for surgical instruments. These parts are primarily made of 304 stainless steel or titanium alloy, which offer excellent corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. The drawing process must be performed in a clean environment, and the mold surface must be polished (Ra 0.025μm) and passivated to prevent material contamination. Strip drawing achieves burr-free part formation, with an inner wall roughness of less than Ra 0.8μm, meeting the cleanliness requirements of medical devices. For example, the continuous drawing of a syringe barrel requires 8-12 stages, ultimately achieving a cylindrical structure with uniform wall thickness and a smooth inner surface, ensuring smooth and residue-free flow of liquid medicine.
In the consumer goods industry, continuous strip drawing is commonly used to produce various container parts, such as can lids, cosmetic packaging, and lighter casings. These parts are typically made of aluminum foil, tinplate, or thin steel sheet, with a thickness of 0.1-0.5mm. They require excellent surface gloss and decorative properties after forming. Continuous strip drawing can be combined with other processes such as printing and coating to achieve integrated part production. For example, in the production of can lids, continuous deep drawing can be used directly for printing and embossing, significantly improving production efficiency. Furthermore, the high material utilization rate (over 85%) and low labor costs of continuous strip drawing make it an ideal forming process for these products, which are often produced in large batches and are cost-sensitive.
The application of continuous strip drawing has also expanded to the aerospace and new energy sectors, where it is used to produce high-precision, thin-walled parts such as aircraft engine fuel nozzles and lithium battery casings. Parts in these sectors are often made of high-strength alloys (such as titanium and high-temperature alloys), which are difficult to draw and require specialized processes such as hot or isothermal drawing. Continuous strip drawing, through segmented heating and precise temperature control, can form difficult-to-deform materials. For example, continuous strip drawing is used to form lithium battery casings, ensuring the dimensional accuracy and sealing properties required to meet the high-pressure operating environment of the battery. With advances in materials science and tooling technology, the application scope of continuous strip drawing will continue to expand, providing efficient and precise forming solutions for even more industries.
