The Fourslide Part Manufacturing Process
Flexible part production that helps OEMs combat market uncertainty.
The fourslide part-making process uniquely integrates precision stamping and forming operations into a single workstation, unlocking significant benefits for OEMs sourcing custom flat springs, spring clips, contacts, stampings, wire forms and other custom metal parts up to .075” thick and 2.00” wide.
Named for the four tool slides that perform stamping and forming operations, the process begins with raw material in flat strip form (or wire up to .180” dia.) off a coil. The material is then stamped or blanked as it feeds through the progressive die section of the machine.
The strip then moves into the forming section, where the slides approach the part from the four cardinal compass points to form the material around a central tool or mandrel. The setup of the machine cams determines the sequence, timing and number of tool strikes.
After forming, the finished part is ejected into a parts catcher.
Unique Advantages of Fourslide Manufacturing
Since fourslide machines have cams and slides built into them, it eliminates the need for the costly, complex tooling of progressive power press operations. Precise multiple bends, twists, tapped and threaded holes, and even controlled burr direction and location can be accomplished before the part is ejected.
This results in real savings and flexibility for product designers when they partner with an experienced manufacturer like Fourslide Spring and Stamping.
- Startup tooling costs can be as low as $3,000, justified by production runs of as little as 5,000 pieces.
- Parts can be tooled up and in production in as little as 5 weeks.
- Production rates up to 15,000 pieces per hour can be achieved, depending on part size and complexity.
- Tooling modifications are typically modest in cost and can be turned around quickly.
- Since the process starts with material that is the width of the finished part, it typically generates less scrap, minimizing material costs.
Fourslide Demo Animation
More than 23,000 people have viewed this animated demo since we published it on YouTube in 2010. It’s a bare-bones look at creating a fairly sophisticated part, from coil stock through a 5-station progressive die and the four tool slides.
Request a Quote or Consultation
We specialize in high-volume fabrications from strip metal (.003” to .075” thick and .020” to 2.00” wide) or wire (up to .180” dia.), in a large variety of ferrous and nonferrous materials. Click here for a summary of our capabilities.
Fill out the form below to send us your requirements or questions and someone from our team will respond as quickly as possible. You can also call (860) 583-1688 or email us with your specifications.