Pilot
Pilot holes locate the strip at each station.
Manufacturing services · Chapter E · Method 29
A strip advances through a series of stations in one die. Each stroke performs a step, and a finished part drops off the end.

How it works
A labelled schematic of the process (not to scale), and the four steps every job goes through.

Pilot holes locate the strip at each station.
Holes and slots are punched.
Bends and draws are formed in sequence.
The finished part is cut from the carrier strip.
Reference figures
Typical industry values to help you plan. We agree the figures for your part on the drawing.
| Materials | Strip steel, stainless, copper alloys, aluminium and spring steels. |
|---|---|
| Finishes | As stamped; reel-to-reel plating options. |
| Design guidance |
|
| Best suited to | Electrical terminals, clips, brackets and small high-volume metal parts. |
| Watch-outs | Highest tooling cost of the stamping routes; changes are expensive. |
More in chapter E
Next step
Send a sketch, photo, sample or CAD file with your quantity and target date. We will recommend the most sensible route and explain the trade-offs before quoting.
Reference figures are typical published industry values for planning, not a guarantee; final tolerances, materials and finishes are agreed in writing for each project.