The millions of deep draw metal components produced each month at Prospect Machine Products all start from blueprints from our customers. Our engineers and toolmakers lay out and estimate the job, design all the tools, set in and develop the job in the press, and oversee production and tool maintenance for the duration of the order.

Our transfer presses create a round blank from the strip, then transfer that blank through a series of punch and die stations, gradually drawing down the diameter and increasing the length. Such a process creates parts commonly described as shells, cans, caps, housings, ferrules, and finally, the term which has given our process its nickname-eyelets.

To view an animation of the deep draw process click here...

Though the essential frame and mechanics of the transfer press have not changed that much over the years, tooling advancements have allowed tool makers to form parts with much more complex geometry and much closer tolerances Wire EDM has increased the complexity of shapes; carbide has enhanced the life of the tools and increased production; specially developed attachments allow for such horizontal features as threading, multiple side piercings, and beading. Today, because of these advancements in shape, deep draw parts are functionally more complex than ever before, particularly in electro-mechanical applications, a specialty here at Prospect.

Our production runs start at a minimum of 100,000 pieces. Most components we manufacture are complete off the machine. We also provide special cleaning, heat treating, plating, and special packaging upon request, particularly for overseas shipment.

Our engineering charge is a comprehensive one-time charge which covers all facets of design lay-out, tool fabrication, and development of production processes. Engineering lead times average 12-14 weeks.

• Maximum blank thickness....050"
• Maximum blank diameter.....3.250"
• Maximum drawn shell depth..2.125"
• Typical production rate....60-100 pieces per minute