This involves the process of metal stamping. Essentially, it’s similar to the formation of other roofing tiles we commonly see; there’s nothing particularly unique about it.
The key difference lies in the material used. A few years ago, stainless steel was the mainstream material for stamped metal roofing shingles. However, with industrial advancements, the performance of aluminum alloy as a roofing tile material has surpassed stainless steel. As a result, aluminum alloy roofing tiles have become highly favored in the construction industry.
Likewise, producing aluminum alloy roofing tiles requires stamping procedures. This process uses presses and molds to apply external force to sheets, strips, tubes, or other forms of materials, inducing plastic deformation or separation to achieve the desired shape and dimensions of the workpiece (stamped parts). Stamping, along with forging, is a type of plastic processing (also called pressure processing) and together they form what is known as pressing. The primary blanks for stamping are hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets and strips. Globally, 60–70% of steel products are sheets, and most of them are finished products made through stamping.
The molds used in stamping are called stamping dies or simply dies. These dies are specialized tools for mass-producing materials (metal or non-metal) into the required stamped parts. Dies play a crucial role in the stamping process. Without appropriately designed dies, it’s challenging to achieve mass production, and without advanced dies, advanced stamping processes are impossible. Stamping technology, molds, stamping equipment, and stamping materials collectively form the three key elements of stamping production. Only their combined functionality can produce stamped parts.
Stamping is a highly efficient production method. Using compound dies, especially multi-station progressive dies, multiple stamping processes can be completed on a single press (whether single-station or multi-station). This enables fully automated production from coil unwinding and leveling to punching, forming, and finishing. It features high production efficiency, favorable working conditions, and low production costs, with production rates typically reaching hundreds of pieces per minute.
The stamped metal roofing shingles are formed by stamping; the main raw material is aluminum alloy plate, individual curved tiles (barrel tiles) can be stamped one at a time, while flat tiles (board tiles) can be stamped in groups of three, four, or even five per board, providing greater flexibility. Custom designs for larger grouped tiles can also be created based on client requirements. Mold stamping introduces convenience for diverse and irregularly shaped roofing designs, accommodating various roofing tile needs.
The thickness of these stamped aluminum alloy plates ranges between 1.2 and 2.0 mm. Thicknesses outside this range can lead to issues—too thick, and the material is prone to cracking; too thin, and deformation is likely. This range ensures safety and Stamped metal roofing shingles requirements. Stamped aluminum alloy tiles are extremely lightweight, and the entire production process is pollution-free.
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