Stamp Source

How bad weather can affect you even if you don't have bad weather

2015-02-19T07:23:00.001-05:00

It snowed two nights ago. And by snowed, I mean there were two flakes. For the most part it was a rainy ice mixture, but unfortunately the temperatures were low enough that the roads did get some ice on them. Now for those of you from north of the Mason Dixon line, I hear you mumbling, "Yeah? Big Deal. Put your big girl pants on and deal with it." Well, I did just that. Not only did I put on one, I put on two pair of pants, a shirt, another shirt, a hoodie, a jacket, a scarf, gloves and a hat. Did I mention I'm a southern girl through and through? I almost got out the ear muffs, but I thought that was overkill. Plus, they clashed with my hat.

So in the car I went, thanking the stars above I had a warm parking spot in my garage. I got in, cranked up the heat, turned on the tush warmer, opened the garage door and off I went. I only left the house 15 minutes later than my normal scheduled departure, which in itself was a miracle. I drove off in full confidence of my car's front wheel drive capabilities. The drive wasn't too bad, although I will say that 70 mph on the freeway after a hard freeze is not the smartest thing I've seen. Puttering along at a roaring 30 mph I tried to stay exactly in the predefined ruts so as not to become one of the many casualties I saw off to the left and right. Work just doesn't stop because of a little water!

Arriving at work without incident I throw open my door and step out realizing just in time that our parking lot has become the new Rockefeller Center Ice Skating Rink. I gather my things and shuffle, slide, shuffle, slide all the way to the door. I'm inside safe and sound. I have arrived. The work can begin.

It's now 10 am and the sun is shining, things are beginning to melt, and the last stragglers are starting to come in for the day. We are still running on a skeleton crew, but my spirits are beginning to lift. All is back to normal in the manufacturing world. I hear the music of metal being stamped, forklifts going to and fro and phones ringing in the office. Our shipping clerk couldn't make it in due to the weather so we are making do with the people we have. Making parts, wrapping boxes and preparing to ship things out. No layer of water will get the best of us! We are StampSource! Our customers demand parts and we are here to meet their needs! We begin calling the trucking companies to schedule the pickups for the afternoon's deliveries and low and behold we have hit a brick wall. NO ONE is picking up! NO ONE!

So, I sit down at my desk, head in hands, trying to figure out how to tell my customer that lives in Arctic like conditions all the time that their parts will be late due to two snow flakes and a quarter inch of ice. Luckily my customers are great and very understanding. They didn't even laugh at me, which to their credit, I did expect.

So here we are two days past The Great Southern Blizzard of 2015 and I am still fielding calls from customers (in areas that had nothing but a light breeze) asking where their parts are. My answer? As one of the oldest couriers is known for saying, "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night" will keep us from getting out those parts. Even if we have to bring them to you, barefoot, in the snow, up hill both ways, we'll get them there. You can count on us.

What is a tool and die maker?

2014-12-15T09:00:00.000-05:00

Tool and die makers are machinists in the manufacturing industry who make tools used in the manufacturing process. They are skilled crafts people that mix art, science and engineering. A tool and die maker makes some of the equipment that allows products to be mass produced. Often times a tool maker will need to make custom tools or modify existing ones, while a die maker focuses on the making of specialized tools used in the manufacturing industry to cut or shape material, mostly using a press. The dies are generally customized to the items that they are going to be used to create. By creating these special tools and dies, thousands of products can be built in one day.

Tool and die makers need to have the ability to go through prints and plans to make the needed tools. Makers must also have knowledge of and the ability to use a variety of machines to create the tools and dies. Often these skills overlap and that is why tool and die are often viewed as one field.

For an individual who likes the challenges of designing and making tools, one should expect that most jobs require training in a vocational school or related on-the-job experience. Some jobs might require a Bachelor’s degree. A tool and die maker should also have knowledge of a variety of tools and machines, including their designs and uses as well as experience with design techniques and principles. Other areas include a familiarity with mathematics, engineering and technology, raw materials and production processes. The median annual wages for a tool and die maker is about $47,000.

History of the Progressive Die

2014-11-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

The art of metalworking has been around for ages. Coins were one of the first things made of metals using the art of die sinking. Eventually though, coins were created by using two coining dies. A metalworker would place a blank between two dies and then strike it with a heavy hammer. The use of a hammer lasted until machines started to take over. The 15^th century saw the first machine with guides to ensure that the die and punch aligned. The 1890s saw the most significant push for metal-stamping with follow-on tooling and successive gang cutting.

After the Second World War the US economy saw a huge boost. This meant that manufactured had to focus on speed to deliver materials on time. Operators were hand feeding material into presses. The blanks were dropped into containers and the brought to and hand-fed into press-and-die forming and cutting machines. This single feed operation hindered speed and put operators in danger.

In 1953 the Capitol Engineering Company was started by Ed Stouten in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Stouten had an idea on how to “overcome the safety, efficiency and productivity challenges related to the use of single-hit dies.” His idea was to include scrap metal between parts to allow them to be carried through a single multi-station die. This concept had not been used prior and many were skeptical to try it. However once he found a manufacturer to test his method, word quickly spread.

In 1970 Stouten and one of his engineers, Arnold Miedema, were invited to speak about progressive dies at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This one event led him to speak at every SME meeting in Michigan over the next two years. Throughout this time, the duo developed their manual; a 266 page manifesto titled Progressive Dies for Designers, Engineers and Managers.

The work of Stouten cannot be exaggerated and we here at StampSource recognize his contribution to the field and look forward to more advancement to make our work more efficient.

How Secondary Services Offer a Competitive Advantage

2014-10-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Offering secondary services to customers is a great way for a company to achieve a competitive advantage. Here are the top benefits of providing secondary services in-house.

The ability to provide extra services in addition to the primary ones is welcomed by many customers as it simplifies their experience. The customer does not need to work with a handful of providers to get their product manufactured, for example, when a company offers secondary manufacturing services in addition to its main ones. Working with one company saves a client time and energy that would otherwise be spent trying to communicate with several providers.

As well, the provider has an opportunity to build a solid relationship with the client as they will communicate about more than one aspect of the product at hand. At StampSource, we offer welding and assembly services in addition to our primary metal stamping and fabrication services.

In addition, providing related secondary services in-house often makes for a top-quality end product. Why? The provider sees the product through several different phases, therefore making sure the parts connect and that the phases complete in proper sequence. The quality may be compromised if the product is instead passed between service providers to complete it; the risks of missing something in the process increase.

The process may also take longer when different service providers have their hands on the product. It is time-consuming to ship the item between manufacturing plants, whereas a company that offers secondary services in-house can complete stages quicker under one roof. Customers appreciate when they can save time and get a better quality product in the end.

With several benefits noted above, it is clear that a company providing secondary services has a competitive advantage, regardless of the industry. Here at StampSource, we provide high-quality secondary services to fit your needs.

Metal Stamping Industry is set to Grow

2014-08-18T12:00:00.000-04:00

U.S. manufacturing is back on the rise and it is sending ripple effects throughout the industry. The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) reported on August 1 that the manufacturing index rose to 57.1 in July, up from 55.3 in June and to the highest level since April 2011. The ISM also stated in the report that new orders, production, and employment factors rose. The data was collected from eighteen industries, in which seventeen showed positive growth. One effect of this upward trend is the growth of other industries.

The metal stamping industry is one of many sectors that are benefiting from the growth of U. S. manufacturing, between 2008 and 2012 the metal stamping industry as a whole grew 2.8 percent. As the manufacturing sector continues to increase, the retail sales and demand for metal stamping products also are improving. According to the National Retail Federation, November 2013 sales rose six percent from the month before and was 3.9 percent higher than the same month in 2012. This sudden increase in demand for products and new orders allowed many companies to improve their metal stamping processes and come up with more innovative product designs

This upward swing in the metal stamping industry allows companies to experiment with some of the upcoming trends in the industry. Here are some of the possible trends these companies can take advantage of and prepare for in 2014:

Increased Vendor Responsibility:

There is likely to be increased demand for diverse products, customization, and assembly capabilities. Clients are now worried more than ever about value, leverage, and minimizing risk.

Expansion of Machining Capabilities:

Companies now want to reduce their costs and logistical complexities so their demanding multiple products from the same company, and that means and expansion of machining capabilities.

Quality Management Certifications:

Having the proper certification is incredibly important when potential customers are looking at your company, make sure you stay ahead of the competition and have the proper certification.

Lean Manufacturing: Reducing Waste and Increasing Production:

While this is not a new trend, it is gaining importance. Make sure you have the optimum production flow and are reducing time and product waste wherever possible.

Lack of Skilled Manufacturing Workers:

It’s important to recognize that the current state of manufacturing employment is one that depends on a workforce of trained and skilled professionals, make sure your training programs are satisfactory while education resources start to focus more on STEM prospects.

What other trends do you think the industry should be aware of for the rest of 2014?? We would love to hear your opinion!

How Laser Cutting Works

2014-05-19T10:08:00.000-04:00

Laser cutting is one of our specialties because it offers superb accuracy and design flexibility for any size quantity. In this this blog post, we would like to help you understand what exactly laser cutting is. Laser cutting is a method for applying a design that has been loaded onto a computer using a CAD program. Using the program, the laser cutter can create an exact reproduction of the CAD design.

LASER is an acronym which stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. A laser beam is a column of intense light that originates in the laser resonator. The beam may be bounced off mirrors until it is focused to a single wavelength and diameter. Depending on the specifications of the CAD design and the material’s thickness, the beam’s diameter can be adjusted.

The laser can then use a continuous beam to make cuts or a pulsed beam to create small piercings. The density of the laser beam will result in heating, melting and vaporizing of a material. In the case of stainless steel and aluminum, the laser melts the material. A high pressure burst of nitrogen is used to blow the molten metal away.

Laser cutting offers several advantages over other types of cutting such as mechanical and plasma. Mechanical cutting runs the risk of contamination which is impossible with a laser that never touches the material. Another advantage over mechanical cutting is that laser cutting has more range in terms of the types of material that it can cut through. Laser cutting also offers advantages over plasma cutting, as it is more precise and uses less energy.

Visit our YouTube channel to check out StampSource’s own laser cutter that can cut up to 1” thick carbon steel and up to ½” thick aluminum and stainless steels.

Top 10 Reasons to buy American

2014-03-31T11:15:00.000-04:00

If you turn over a random object on your desk right now, there is a good chance it will say Made in China. Ever wonder why it doesn’t say Made in the USA? Us too. Which is why, we’ve compiled this list to show the many benefits of buying American made products.

1.   Americans are the hardest working people out there.
2.   As such, American craftsmanship is unbeatable.
3.   The standards for overseas manufacturing are not up to par with what Americans expect.
4.   So buying American means buying the best.
5.   Shipping products within our own country shortens the supply chain.
6.   A shorter supply chain means faster delivery and lower costs.
7.   Buying American stimulates the economy by putting more Americans to work.
8.   As our exports go up, our trade deficit will decrease drastically.
9.   American business give back to their communities, helping them thrive.
10.   Due to US standards, like reducing energy use, buying American is better for the environment

We here at StampSource promise you that all our products are made in America, in our 80,000 square foot facility in Charlotte, NC.

What are the benefits of progressive metal stamping?

2014-01-02T08:35:00.000-05:00

In our previous blog, we discussed progressive metal stamping and what opportunities this particular capability can provide; however, you might be asking, “Why should I choose progressive metal stamping in the first place?” In this blog, we want to take a closer look at the benefits of this process.

Aside from the variety and number of materials progressive metal stamping can handle, other advantages arise from its speed. This fast process allows for consistent costs, high-volume production runs, and a lower cost per part. This paves the way for “lean” manufacturing practices in reducing scrap metal waste and enabling rapid/accurate set-ups with minimal run-to-run differences.

The true key to progressive metal stamping is working with a company with the expertise to lead the process—because it takes dedicated workers years to master the process. Progressive metal stamping equipment, employees, and processes demand constant innovation and quality control.

StampSource excels in the progressive metal stamping field, and leaders from a wide variety of industries rely on us for a number of reasons:

We offer in-house, state-of-the-art presses and press feed equipment, and we build and service all of our dyes
Automation is important to us, and we take advantage of the latest software and fully integrated manufacturing.
We document every detail, no matter how small, throughout the entire manufacturing process
Our ISO 9001:2000 certification guarantees you a high level of unmatched quality.
All die maintenance is included. No hidden costs.
You can also rely on StampSource for a wide range of secondary operations and finishing.

Progressive metal stamping is all you demand in a manufacturing process: speed, accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and high quality. For more information on our processes, head over to our website.

What is progressive metal stamping?

2013-12-10T09:01:00.000-05:00

There are many options to produce a metal part. While StampSource offers a variety of metal fabrication and stamping services to fit a customer’s particular application, progressive metal stamping provides the lowest unit cost.

A progressive metal stamping die does various work to a slit coil of material as it progresses through the die producing a finished part with each cycle of the press. StampSource builds and services progressive metal stamping dies on site.

Progressive metal stamping is utilized by a diverse group of industries such as automotive, construction, framing, industrial equipment, lighting, and military. If you need a low unit cost, consistent product, and medium to high volume then progressive metal stamping would be the perfect fit.

For more about why progressive metal stamping is the right choice, stay tuned for our next blog, and check out the video below to see the process in action:

Power Partners acquires StampSource

2013-10-16T11:55:00.000-04:00

If you haven’t visited our Facebook page lately or seen our recent press release, you might have missed one of the biggest changes coming to StampSource in the past 70 years: Power Partners, Inc., acquired our company.

Since 1940, we’ve evolved from a tool and die shop to a full-service metal stamper and fabricator, and we’re looking forward to this next step for our business, which will expand our resources and enable us to better serve our customers.

As mentioned in our press release, we believe this collaboration with Power Partners will enable us to capitalize on our synergies and provide an even higher level of quality service. StampSource will closely function with Gap Partners, a company also under PPI’s umbrella, to increase our capabilities—including capacity, manufacturing expertise and resources.

With this collaboration, we will be able to handle larger parts, materials, and projects and expand our geographic range of business. In addition, we will incorporate new lean manufacturing techniques, making us a more responsive supplier.

With consideration for past, present, and future customers, StampSource’s company name will remain, as will our staff. We appreciate your support for the past 70 years and are looking forward to taking our stamping and fabrication services to the next level—providing you with more stamping and fabrication options than ever before.

For more information on this acquisition, please contact Larry Taggart, president of StampSource, at 704-372-5291 or ltaggart@stampsource.com.

StampSource is Making the World Brighter with Lighting Components

2013-09-12T09:35:00.000-04:00

Industrial lighting is everywhere—big and small. If you’re reading this blog on your computer screen, take a moment to look at your office. We bet there are light fixtures everywhere: on the ceilings, on the walls, maybe even built into your desk. And now, you can think of us when you flip the switch every morning.

We manufacture frame components in these lighting fixtures at StampSource. We’ve seen a lot of movement in this industry with light bulbs moving to LED (which use less power and generate less heat while still providing plenty of light) and fixtures becoming more modern, so it’s keeping us busy.

With almost 43 percent of manufacturers investing in energy-efficiency in 2014, it’s clear some “green” initiatives are in store for the industry, and we’re happy to help. But keep in mind that our services aren’t limited to office space—our components are functioning in car washes, large-scale buildings, grocery stores, and plenty of other spaces.

As the debate between LED, incandescent and traditional light bulbs rages on, we’re not picking sides—but we think you should choose us to be your preferred source for all lighting components. To learn more about our products and services, move on over to our website—but not before you subscribe to our blog to get updates delivered to your inbox.

StampSource’s Part in the “Gold Rush”

2013-08-20T13:37:00.000-04:00

With gold rings, gold “grills,” and the Gold Rushtelevision show on the radar of most people in the U.S., we’re offering up our take. At StampSource, we provide the framework for the screens used to sift for gold, so in a way, we’re helping out “gold diggers” across the U.S.

We believe gold is a catch phrase—it’s a key part of what these miners are searching for, but it’s not as simple as one would think. At some point in your education, you might have “dug for treasure” by poking holes in a plastic plate to serve as a gold pan, ran it through the mud, and hoped something valuable would remain. The large-scale sifting process used for mining using the same ideas of elementary-school practices.

In sifting operations, large screens are placed inside machinery and used to filter out debris and unwanted material, just like this video below shows:

StampSource, in various applications, creates an insert that holds different types of screens. In fact, we’re currently in the process of creating something new, which will greatly reduce failures in the field and keep large filtering equipment running. When these machines fail, companies can lose $100,000 an hour, so are working toward maximum efficiency and reliability.

But we aren’t limited to gold-sifting applications—our products also help in coal and many other applications. Check out our website to see how StampSource can help you!

StampSource Dives Into High-End Retail Displays

2013-07-29T11:58:00.000-04:00

In the 1940s, when our company was founded, people were still using rotary telephones. Times certainly have changed—for StampSource, we expanded our stamping and tool and die services to add fabrication technology, and for the rest of the phone-speaking world, smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate. Now, there are endless amounts of options and new technologies coming out, which means it is sometimes difficult to keep up with the latest trends, but don’t worry—our services are helping.

StampSource is creating high-end retail displays to show off the products to potential customers. When you step into a carrier’s store or check out tech sections in retail giants, you’ll see the high-end displays that hold these phones. It takes precise fabricating to produce the finished stainless steel display fixtures—they have to be visually perfect for our very particular customers.

We’re excited to share our stainless-steel fabrication services with the rest of the world. StampSource offers CNC stamping, laser cutting, forming, welding, assembly, and finishing services to meet whatever fabrications needs you require. Want more information on our metal fabrication services? Head over to our website.

How to Summerize Your Deck

2013-07-03T16:49:00.000-04:00

Back in January, when it was cold and snowy, we discussedhow to “winterize” a deck for the winter. When temperatures drop, it’s important to take precautions to ensure you’ll have a perfect place to host a few barbecues. Now, as we venture into the hottest part of the year, we want to make sure you’re prepared for the best summer grilling experience—sorry, we won’t do your grocery shopping, but we will talk about deck maintenance.

For wooden decks, monitoring is essential. Because the product can break and distort from the heat, you need to be aware of its condition. Although the upkeep process can vary depending on the type of wood used for the project, HouseLogic offersfour annual steps to caring for your outdoor haven:

1. In late spring, wash the deck to remove dirt and mold—make sure debris is completely removed because trapped moisture can rot.

2. When your deck is clean, it’s time to seal it. Grab a can of sealant or staining, follow the instructions, and you’re all set.

3. After you’ve had a few sunny weeks on the deck in the summer, keep an eye out for water damage, framing issues, and other potential hazards.

4. As fall approaches, take preventative measures. All the issues discussed in step three will worsen if not cared for before the cold weather hits. We do not recommend covering your deck as rain and snow falls as a lack of ventilation could trap mold and accelerate decay.

For composite decks, restoring worn-down finishes is easy. The winters are a little harsh on this deck material, so we advise you to head over to your local hardware store every two years to pick up a gallon of composite deck finish. Once you’ve swept your surface clean, follow the instructions on the can to refinishing your surface, and you should be ready to start grilling again in a few hours.
Check our website for more information on our products and services before heading outside to enjoy the sunshine and a glass of lemonade.

StampSource Celebrates National Safety Month

2013-06-10T10:38:00.001-04:00

StampSource is versatile. Our welding and assembly processes are used in heavy-duty (and cosmetic) parts. We create metal-stamped components for large-scale warehouse racks. Various steel and aluminum parts are processed to serve transportation, construction, security and industrial customers. While our processes can be tweaked to suit any client’s need, there’s one major part of our business that remains constant: safety.

This is a top priority for us. In past posts, we discussed how even the smallest of parts can make a big difference in the safety and security of our projects—just like how your company’s contributions to safety awareness can make a big impact. When we learned this year’s theme of National Safety Month is “Safety Starts with Me,” we knew we wanted to start a conversation and share its importance on our blog.

The manufacturing industry is a complex machine. Regardless of which sector or region a company is in, there are always many people and pieces involved with projects, which means there is great room for error and overlooking safety practices. It’s essential to have frequent reminders of policies and procedures—even if your company’s employees and customers are familiar with safety practices.

We go the extra mile to assure clients of our safety standards. And while all companies don’t go the extra step, we don’t want our customers to have any doubt about our commitment to safety.

Check out the National Safety Council’s video on how to celebrate National Safety Month:

All-In-One: Kits From StampSource

2013-04-08T19:42:00.000-04:00

You’ve probably seen them in Home Depot or your local TrueValue: plastic baggies filled with a variety of screws, brackets, fasteners, and other hardware, all intended for one project. Rather than digging through trays and roaming through aisles, everything you need is there in one package. You might not know that kits like these are also used outside of retail settings. Contractors and other builders have realized the cost and time savings in having high volume production runs involving multiple pieces and parts packaged into kits to speed construction along.

Our kitting services are ideal for projects like decks, security installations, and telecommunication infrastructure like cell towers. The fact that a customer can place a complex order with us, and have us complete the production, package the parts into kits, and deliver a totally completed project, is the definition of value-added service. While we continually strive to improve our stamping process and efficiency beyond even our high quality standards, we are also always looking for ways to meet the complete needs of our customers – not just one area. When we realized that kitting was useful beyond just the retail shelf, we immediately added that service to our range of capabilities. As the metal fabrication and stamping experts, our focus always remains on you, the customer.

StampSource and Progressive Die Stamping

2013-03-29T19:41:00.000-04:00

Sometimes metal stamping can be a one-pass operation: the blank enters the press, the ram drops, and the piece is ready. In many other cases, however, more complex geometries are required that can’t be achieved by one single operation. For these applications, progressive die stamping is the ideal – really, the only – method of production. A progressive die encompasses several different operations, or stations, on one strip of metal. Each station adds an additional feature to the stamped part, which progresses through the press, until the piece is completed.

Here at StampSource, we’ve found that the most cost-effective way to build progressive dies is to manufacture them in-house. That savings gets passed on directly to our customers, and reduces more than just financial costs. By being able to communicate directly with the customer, rather than contracting an outside facility, the design and tooling process occurs much more quickly, meaning production starts – and finishes – earlier. For high volume production runs, these cost savings are exponential and provide a great benefit over other manufacturers.

Stamping expertise goes beyond just running a press. Our full service, in-house tooling capabilities exhibit the depth of our knowledge in stamping and manufacturing, and are just one more way that we make sure you receive the highest quality product.

Robotic Welding at StampSource

2013-03-18T13:55:00.000-04:00

We’ve talked a lot lately about projects, and now we’d like to focus a bit on process. Not our core metal stamping operations, however, but one of our other major services: robotic welding. In keeping with the StampSource mission of highest-quality fabricated metal products, done efficiently and skillfully, robotic welding benefits the customer on many fronts. The greatest strength may be speed. Through programming and servo motion, robotic welding is ideal for one operation, repeated over and over – at very high speed, with no loss of accuracy. Faster turnarounds and fewer rejected pieces means added benefit to the customer.

Robotic welding is also perfectly suited for heavy parts that may be unwieldy, dangerous, or impossible to be handled by our valued employees. Rather than replacing the all-important human element of our business, robotic welding is best used as a way to accomplish something that may have been difficult or un-doable before. The workers aren’t going anywhere – rather they’re able to do more, and do it better.

Accuracy is a third key quality of robotic welding. Manufacturing is no stranger to the inevitability of human error. As mentioned above, not only does robotic welding offer speed, but it offers accuracy. This is important in situations where a corner may need to be welded at a perfect 90 degree angle. A tenth of a degree difference won’t be noticeable up close to the naked eye. If those corners are formed from, for instance, 20-foot long pieces, the angle will eventually be way off, and extremely noticeable. We make sure to have only the best equipment on hand, in order to provide the best products and value to you.

StampSource’s Grill Accessories

2013-03-04T13:56:00.000-05:00

Whether you’re in a region still seeing snow on the ground, or in a more temperate climate, it’s never too early to at least start looking forward to summertime barbecues. Sometimes, it’s the only notion that can get you through the most frigid days. From the most amateur burger flipper to experts in dry rubs and the art of indirect heat, everyone is familiar with the nasty part of the barbecue: the greasy, carbon-y gunk that builds up on the grate and needs to be cleaned off before or after cooking.

A steel brush usually takes care of most of the buildup, but a secondary method is ideal for getting rid of the most difficult-to-remove debris. The best grill brushes also have a metal scraper incorporated, to take care of the hard work. On many types of brushes, these scraper attachments are a product of StampSource quality. Besides just making your food taste bad, leaving grease and food particles on the grates can lead to premature corrosion and, if it falls off the cooking surface, could potentially block or clog gas lines. This situation could make it difficult to regulate heat, or might even become dangerous.

Maybe you’ll even want to go outside right now and give the grill a good cleaning, in anticipation of barbecue season. That way, when the time comes, you’ll be that much closer to the fun part: eating.

Pre-Engineered For Excellence

2013-02-18T13:02:00.000-05:00

When you hear the term pre-fabricated, it usually doesn’t call to mind the greatest images. Pre-engineered steel buildings are not the prefab structures that you may have had in mind – these are state-of-the-art, durable, efficient structures that offer design flexibility along with a host of other benefits. In industries ranging from agriculture to education to manufacturing, and more, owners are recognizing the great benefits of pre-engineered steel structures, across the board. Rather than planning and building an expansion or new building for years in advance, pre-engineered buildings offer much faster completion times, and flexibility through the design process and beyond.

Pre-engineered structures are tailored to your design, not vice versa, where function used to need to be adapted to form. Different roof types, wall panel options, and nearly unlimited layout configurations mean that your vision is what the final building will end up being. All the while, the same benefits of efficiency, cost savings, and speed are intact. As a metal stamping specialist, StampSource is a major supplier to a leading pre-engineered building constructor, and even we have been amazed at the structures that our parts have ended up in. It’s certainly an option well worth considering for your next expansion or construction project.

StampSource Reaches For the Sky

2013-02-04T13:17:00.000-05:00

In today’s blog, we’re going to take a look at a couple of areas where our products are used that are going to require you to look up. Way up. Yes, you may have to crane your neck back a bit. What’s the equipment in question? Flagpoles and light poles, two of the biggest players in the business.

Flagpoles, for all their height, really only have a couple of components: a base, a cap, and then everything in between. That’s the pole, and the winch and pulley system used to raise and lower the flag. StampSource’s area of expertise is the cap for the flagpole, which is a bit more complicated than it may at first glance appear. The most important part is getting the correct fit, and you really can’t skimp in that area, so it’s important to get it right. Even on not-so-windy days, there’s a lot of wobbling that goes on up that high. You certainly don’t want anything coming loose and falling from sixty or seventy feet, so we take great pride in the quality and integrity of our flagpole caps.

As for light poles – like those seen dotting parking lots across the world – that “look up” part may have been misdirected. Our contribution to light poles is actually at the base, a portion that serves quite a few purposes. It houses a lot of the wiring and controls that operate the light pole, and it, of course, provides a sturdy foundation for the pole – again, important when you’re talking about something fifty feet tall. Also important when that something is located in a parking lot where the driving skill of the clientele is not guaranteed. Strong, durable light pole bases and components are another point of pride for us here at StampSource. Be sure to follow our blog for more applications where our stampings are used!

Heating Up the Nation

2013-01-21T13:17:00.000-05:00

With temperatures dropping and storms continuing to slam many areas of the U.S., all too many of us have had the opportunity to remember what a luxury heat and hot water truly are. There’s being cold, and then there’s wearing layer upon layer while wrapped up in blankets just to avoid chattering teeth. A quality, well-maintained water heater is important year-round, but it’s that much more apparent during the winter and storm season. Like any piece of machinery, a hot water heater is only as good as the components that it’s built out of, and StampSource is pleased to provide metal stampings to a leading hot water heater supplier.

What are some key elements in water heater maintenance? Draining the tank at least once a year is key in extending the life of your heater by clearing out sediment, dirt, and the general detritus that collects in the water. This is a fairly easy though multistep process, and your local hardware store or a quick Google search can give you full instructions. Other tasks include checking the temperature and pressure valve, making sure the temperature isn’t set too high, and insulating the heater for more efficient operation.

We hope that you haven’t run into any issues with your heater this winter, and that these tips will help keep that the case.

Winterize Your Deck

2013-01-07T11:55:00.000-05:00

It’s not too late! Follow some simple steps and you can make sure your deck makes it through these remaining cold months, ready for you to return once temperatures rise again. Or maybe even before then – who hasn’t ventured out just a few weeks too early in shorts and t-shirt, only to beat a hasty retreat when you realize that no, 50 degrees is not summer barbecue weather.

Inspect. First, know what you’re dealing with. If it’s a composite deck, like those that StampSource provides equipment for, you won’t need a lot of these steps. If it’s wood, a little more work is necessary.

Clean. A good scrub down – no power wash necessary – will go a long way toward keeping your deck fit throughout the winter. Less dirt means less decay. This is a good idea for both wood and composite decking.

Refinish/Reseal. Wooden deck owners – you don’t need to redo the whole deck. But if you see any worn-through or faded spots, get out the brush and bucket and ensure that you’ve got good coverage. Of course, refinishing the entire thing is never a bad idea. You may thank yourself come May. Composite deck owners – congratulations, you don’t need to worry about this.

Enjoy these months by the fireplace (or in front of the TV) – you’ll be back out there soon enough.

Get Green With Adsorption Chillers

2012-12-11T11:54:00.002-05:00

The green possibilities of adsorption chillers are extensive and worth serious consideration for municipalities, emergency facilities, manufacturing plants, and homeowners alike. Basically, an adsorption chiller makes cold air from heat. Hold on, you might say, that’s what all cooling devices do – they make hot air cold. The difference here is that heat powers the adsorption chiller. No electricity is needed to drive a compressor. Instead, heat from just about any ambient source provides the catalyst that sends refrigerated air into the space that needs to be cooled.

By now, you probably already see the energy-saving potential of this. No electricity use sounds great. But where does the heat come from? It can be anywhere: a flame source, for instance, or even solar power. One of the most innovative ways of powering adsorption chillers is using the heat generated from other processes – appliances, heaters, machinery, and so on. This is a smart use of otherwise wasted energy.

One other benefit? Because they don’t use electricity and can be solar powered, these coolers keep going when the power goes out. No more throwing away hundreds of dollars worth of food after a blackout, and no more sweltering apartments in mid-summer premium-energy periods. This human benefit is the best of all, and a reason that StampSource is pleased to provide metal stamped products that hold these chillers together.

Why Choose Progressive Stamping?

2012-08-20T09:30:00.000-04:00

At StampSource, we offer full service stamping at highly competitive pricing. As an ISO certified company with expertise dating back to the 1940’s, we know all there is to know about the stamping process, and we offer progressive stamping that is state-of-the-art in every way. The advantages of progressive stamping are many, and here are some of the reasons:

Top 5 Reasons to Choose Progressive Stamping

Very high speed: progressive stamping allows speeds up to 800 cycles/minute.
Progressive dies can be expensive, but yield the lowest unit cost, as opposed to single hit dies or CNC tooling.
Perfect for production runs/high volume, because of the speed inherent in the progressive process.
The ability to form multiple features and geometries all via stamping, instead of using forming, drilling, or other additional processes.
Tooling/die ownership: since the progressive die is custom made, the customer then owns it for future use, as opposed to shop ownership.

Clearly, when volume warrants, the advantages of progressive stamping outweigh other procedures, and at StampSource, progressive stamping is our greatest strength. We also know when progressive stamping isn’t the best option, i.e. for shorter runs. Feel free to contact usand we will guide you in the right direction. You’ll soon find that our progressive stamping services are the best, fastest, most cost efficient available.