Stamping and progressive stamping

Stamping and Progressive Stamping with TOS: Your Production Partner

At TOS – Technical Outsource Solutions, we support companies in the production of high-quality sheet metal components through stamping and progressive stamping. These techniques enable the manufacture of precise products in high volumes at low unit costs.

We advise on material selection, tolerances, and die design, and guide clients from design through to series production. Thanks to our international network of specialized partners, we offer competitive pricing, short lead times, and flexible production volumes. With TOS, you choose a single partner that controls the entire stamping process—from engineering to finishing and assembly.

Progressieve stanslijn verwerkt metaalstrip tot onderdelen bij TOS

Why choose TOS

Significant Cost Savings
Broad Network of Suppliers
European Quality Standards
Personal Dutch Contact Point
Expertise in Labor-intensive Processing
Progressieve stanspers in productiehal bij TOS

What is stamping and what options does TOS offer?

Die cutting is a production technique in which sheet metal is cut or formed to size using a die in a press. The process is ideal for producing large quantities of identical parts with tight tolerances and sharp contours. Examples include rings, plates, brackets, or housings used in various sectors, such as automotive, mechanical engineering, and electronics.

Progressive stamping takes things a step further. In this process, the sheet metal strip passes through multiple stations in a single die, with each pass performing a sub-processing operation, such as punching, bending, or cutting. Ultimately, each press stroke produces a complete part. This process is exceptionally efficient and ideal for large series where high reproducibility and consistent quality are essential.

The advantage of progressive die cutting is that it enables mass production at a low unit cost. The combination of speed, accuracy, and repeatability makes this method attractive to companies seeking scalable metal part production. This can significantly reduce lead times and keep costs under control.

At TOS, we advise you on whether conventional or progressive die cutting is best suited for your application. We also provide CNC finishing and surface treatments such as galvanenizing , anodizing , chrome plating , chemical or mechanical polishing, and powder coating . This allows us to deliver complete solutions: from small precision parts to larger sheet metal components, always with a focus on quality, cost-efficiency, and reliable delivery.

Gestanst metalen onderdeel geproduceerd via progressief stansen bij TOS

How we work

First acquaintance

During this conversation we will briefly explain what we can do for you and answer your questions.

Price research

Based on your product and requirements, we request prices and delivery times from various suppliers.

Quotation and agreement

We will then prepare a clear quote. Prices are quoted based on your terms and conditions.

Prototype and approval

Once you have approved our proposal, we will start making a prototype.

Quality control and delivery

After approval of the prototype, the assignment will begin.

Materials and alloys for stamping

Stamping is applied to a wide range of sheet metals. Commonly used materials include steel (strong and versatile), stainless steel (corrosion-resistant and wear-resistant), and aluminum (lightweight and highly formable). Copper and brass are also frequently used, particularly for electrical or decorative applications.

At TOS, we advise on the most suitable material selection for each project, tailored to functionality, strength, manufacturability, and surface quality. This ensures components that are optimally aligned with your specific application.

Material Properties Strength Corrosion resistance Applications
Steel
Strong, affordable, versatile
High
Moderate – depending on alloy
Brackets, frames, constructions
RVS
Hygienic, wear-resistant
High
Excellent
Food, maritime, chemistry
Aluminium
Lightweight, highly malleable
Average
Good
Housings, sheet metal
Copper
Good conductivity, soft
Average
Reasonable
Electronics, pipes
Messing
Decorative, wear-resistant, conductive
Average to high
Good
Trim parts, connectors

Advantages and disadvantages of (progressive) punching

How we work on a stamping project

At TOS, we guide our clients from concept to finished product when it comes to stamping and progressive stamping of metal parts. These production techniques are ideal for manufacturing large series with high accuracy, tight tolerances, and consistent quality. Thanks to our expertise and collaboration with reliable production partners, we ensure an efficient approach, low production costs, and reliable delivery times. Below, you’ll find a step-by-step overview of our working method, so you’ll know exactly how we organize the stamping process.

Gestanste metalen onderdelen na productie bij TOS

The process begins with a comprehensive intake interview where we discuss your needs and objectives. We’ll consider the product’s application, desired volumes, available budget, and lead time. For die cutting, it’s crucial to have these details clear upfront so we can select the optimal process: conventional die cutting or progressive die cutting.

Our engineers analyze the design and provide Design for Manufacturing (DFM) advice. We investigate the most efficient way to produce parts using stamping. Consider the material selection (steel, stainless steel, aluminum, or copper alloys), sheet thickness, tolerances, and the ability to combine multiple operations. This distinguishes conventional stamping from progressive stamping: progressive stamping often requires fewer post-processing steps, saving time and money.

After the initial consultation, you’ll receive a transparent quote. This quote clearly details the one-time mold costs and unit prices. We link this to a clear schedule, including the expected delivery time. This way, you know exactly what to expect when outsourcing your die cutting or progressive die cutting to TOS.
A reliable die is the key to successful die cutting. Our specialists develop and produce fully customized dies. Conventional die cutting often involves simple cutting and bending dies, while progressive die cutting requires a complex die that integrates multiple operations. This allows parts to be completed in a single production cycle, significantly increasing efficiency.

Before we begin serial production, we perform a First Article Inspection (FAI). This means that the first stamped parts are produced and thoroughly assessed for dimensions, finish, and material properties. In both conventional and progressive die cutting, we check that the final product fully meets specifications, ensuring error-free and reproducible subsequent production runs.

After the trial run, all findings are evaluated and any optimizations are implemented. Once the product meets all requirements, we finalize the specifications in the so-called “design freeze.” This is a crucial step in die-cutting, as from this point on, series production can proceed efficiently and without further design changes.

Now actual production can begin. Conventional die cutting produces parts in separate steps, ideal for medium-sized production runs or simple shapes. With progressive die cutting, the material passes through multiple stations within a single die, resulting in a complete part being produced with each pass. This method is perfect for large production runs with high reproducibility, low unit costs, and minimal error rates.

In addition to the primary stamping process, we can also perform additional CNC machining operations, such as drilling, milling, or tapping. This allows us to add additional features to the parts. We also provide surface treatments such as galvanizing, anodizing, or powder coating. This is important for protecting stamped and progressively stamped parts from corrosion and wear, or for giving them a specific appearance.
We perform strict quality controls during and after production. Our inspections ensure that all components meet the agreed tolerances and requirements precisely. If desired, we can provide measurement reports, material certificates, and additional documentation. This ensures that both conventional and progressive die cutting at TOS always meets international standards.
Finally, we offer additional service by assembling components into semi-finished products or complete modules. We also provide customized packaging, export-ready shipping, and support with customs clearance or inventory management. This way, we handle the entire die-cutting and progressive die-cutting process, ensuring efficient, reliable, and worry-free delivery.

Cases

Buitenafvalbak met stalen behuizing en verzinkte binnenbak

Custom Municipal Outdoor Bin for Urban Street Furniture: Durable, Vandal-Resistant & Stylish

For a client who supplies street furniture to municipalities, we developed a specially designed waste bin, fully adapted to intensive....

Digitale schuifmaat die RVS CNC-verspaande onderdelen nemeet voor kwaliteitscontrole.

Precision Machining for the Cryogenic Industry

For a client in the cryogenics industry, we produce high-quality machined parts that must meet strict safety and temperature requirements.....

FAQ's

What is the difference between die cutting and progressive die cutting?
With die cutting, one operation is performed per press stroke, for example, cutting out a shape or punching a hole. This technique is suitable for simple parts or when only one specific operation is required. Progressive die cutting takes things a step further: the strip of sheet material passes through multiple stations within a single die, with each stroke performing a sub-operation, such as bending, cutting out, or perforating. The result is a complete part with each press stroke. This makes progressive die cutting ideal for large series where speed, low unit costs, and high reproducibility are paramount.
At TOS, we have extensive experience stamping and progressive stamping various metals. We work with steel for strong and cost-effective components, stainless steel for applications requiring corrosion resistance, aluminum for lightweight components with good formability, and copper alloys for parts requiring conductivity or a decorative appearance. Thanks to our knowledge of material behavior, we can always recommend the right alloy to meet the technical and economic requirements of your product.

Stamping is ideal for medium to large production runs requiring identical parts with tight tolerances. Think, for example, of brackets, plates, or housings. Progressive stamping is particularly cost-effective for high-volume production because it combines multiple operations in a single die, significantly increasing production speed. For companies requiring millions of identical parts, such as in the automotive or electronics industries, progressive stamping is often the most cost-effective solution.

After stamping or progressive stamping, we can perform various post-processing operations to fully customize the parts to your requirements. This includes CNC machining such as milling, tapping, or drilling for added functionality. We also provide surface treatments such as galvanizing for corrosion protection, anodizing for aluminum, or powder coating for a durable and aesthetic finish. This way, we deliver not only stamped base parts but also complete and ready-to-use finished products.

At TOS, we guide our customers through the entire die-cutting and progressive die-cutting process: from initial mold design and engineering to production, post-processing, surface treatment, and logistics. You have a single point of contact and benefit from our strict quality controls and years of experience. This guarantees reliable delivery times, consistent quality, and a cost-efficient production process. TOS is your partner for high-quality die-cut parts, from small precision components to large series with complex geometries.