Stamping
Mastering the stamping force between the mould and the workpiece
Stamping is the historical expertise of the workshops, it allows cold forming of bronze, copper, brass, aluminium, silver and gold. The stamper’s mission is to produce shapes in relief or in hollow on the material using a previously engraved or machined mould. The challenge of this practice lies in controlling the stamping force between the mould and the piece.
This combination of technology and power allows us to obtain a perfectly shaped piece.
Stamping is a rigorous process for cold forging of materials that requires precision and consistency.
It is carried out in several stages: preparing the sheet, stamping, trimming and finishing.
Stamping & deburring
Precision to the micrometre
Before stamping, the mould, also known as a stamping tool, must be adapted There are two types of stamping: single-sided stamping and reverse stamping. The moulds apply a shape to the piece during this stamping phase and the operation is repeated 1 to 6 times.
It is thanks to the repetition of the forging machine that the material is deformed to progressively fill in the impressions in order to obtain a distinctive sign.
The stamper also has to do the finishing touches: the piece passes through a cutting tool to give it its final shape. It is also possible that the craftsman machines the edges of the piece.
At the end of the process, the part is considered stamped, so it remains with the embellishment operations according to the customer’s request.
Finishing
Experience, the key to perfection
Before being transferred to the following workshops, the part is carefully examined under a magnifying glass to check that it conforms perfectly.
The process has remained the same for hundreds of years, but it is the mastery of the techniques of the machines used that has changed.
Although this process can be compared to other forging techniques, cold striking has the advantage of improving the material properties of the final piece.
Finally, this demanding craft requires patience and experience, as only regular practice allows the stamper to perfect their technique.