Deep Draw

High-Precision Deep Draw Forming — Up to 4″ Depth

At Crenshaw Die & Manufacturing, our deep draw capabilities allow us to transform flat metal blanks into seamless, cup-shaped, or enclosure geometries with depth and integrity. Our cushioned punch presses can draw parts up to 4 inches deep and perform in-die punching and trimming as needed.

Some of our progressive tooling has drawn depths of 1.5 inches in single operations — ideal for more moderate deep draw parts.

Why Deep Draw? Key Advantages

Deep draw forming offers unique benefits compared to bending or stamping alone:

  • Seamless, one-piece construction without welding or seams
  • Greater structural strength – no joints or welds to weaken
  • Material efficiency – lower scrap, better material usage
  • Clean interior surfaces – minimal tooling marks, smoother finishes

These advantages make deep draw ideal for demanding applications in medical, aerospace, industrial, and transportation sectors.

Capabilities & Equipment

FeatureDescription
Maximum Draw DepthUp to 4″ in our cushioned punch presses 
Progressive ToolingSome tools support 1.5″ draw in single stage
Punch & Trim In-DieCapability to punch and trim excess material in the same operation
MaterialsAluminum, steel, other sheet alloys (depending on formability and design)
Part ComplexityCylindrical, rectangular, asymmetric shapes with flanges, features, etc.
Integration with Other ProcessesAfter drawing, parts can directly move to machining, stamping, or finishing

Because Crenshaw also handles metal stamping, sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, and forming, deep draw parts can be seamlessly integrated into multi-process workflows. That means fewer handoffs, lower costs, and better consistency from design to finished assembly.

We support deep draw for industries such as:

  • Medical / Healthcare – housings, enclosures, instrument bodies
  • Aerospace / Defense – light structural components, sealed enclosures
  • Industrial Equipment – fluid vessels, cups, covers
  • Transportation / Automotive – enclosures, containers, structural shells

These parts often require tight tolerances, smooth flanges, and strict dimensional control.

To ensure successful deep draw forming, we consider:

  • Wall thickness & uniformity – avoid abrupt changes
  • Corner radii & fillets – reduce stress concentrations
  • Blank design & material flow – control wrinkling or tearing
  • Draw depth ratio – multiple stages may be needed if depth exceeds safe limits
  • Supportive tooling (blank holders, draw beads, etc.)

(Deep draw is considered “deep” when the drawn depth exceeds the diameter. The process often involves redrawing through multiple dies for very deep parts.)

We ensure precision in deep draw parts via:

  • Rapid in-process checks of dimensions and wall thickness
  • Use of gauges, micrometers, and other metrology tools
  • Traceability under ISO 9001:2015 systems
  • Capability to meet customer-specific inspection or reporting demands

Deep Draw FAQs

What is deep draw stamping?

Deep draw stamping is a metal forming process where a flat sheet blank is pulled (drawn) into a die using a punch to form a three-dimensional shape. The “deep” aspect means the depth exceeds typical shallow bending or stamping.

Our cushioned punch presses can achieve up to 4 inches of draw.

Yes – we offer in-die punching and trimming to reduce secondary steps and improve efficiency.

We commonly draw aluminum, steel, and various sheet alloy materials. Material choice is based on formability, thickness, and design.

If the required depth is large relative to part diameter (or the part geometry is complex), multiple draw stages help manage material flow, avoid tearing, and maintain dimensional control.