A stamped coin exhibited visible discolored areas, seen as a tan haze on the surface. The discoloration was considered merely cosmetic. The nonstained and stained regions were studied using SEM/EDS. Greater amounts of aluminum and magnesium were found in the stained area as compared with the nonstained region. Some carbon and oxygen were detected in both areas, which may be suggestive of organic substances. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed traces of hydrocarbons and ether/alcohol materials in the stained area, suggesting that the stain was associated with a cellulose or carbohydrates (sugars). These findings, along with the appearance, suggest that a sugar-containing substance, such as coffee or a soft drink, dried onto the surface of this coin and caused the observed discoloration.

Countersunk riveted joints in aluminum sheet are widely employed in the aircraft industry. The preparation of the sheet for the riveting process consists either of countersinking where the sheet is sufficiently thick or of dimpling. Metallographic assessment of dimple defects is described in specimens made of clad aluminum sheet of alloy type AlZnMgCu1.5. Addressed are a dimple with partially missing stamped surface (bell-mouth), a cylindrical prominence because the dimpling force was too great and the stamping cylinder force too low, and a dimple with flashes at the top surfaces of the sheet as a result of play between the stamping cylinder and the anvil head (ringed dimple). Frequently, overlapping of several defects occurs, especially with steel or titanium sheet, with the result that it is difficult to identify the defects.

Grease-wiper springs for cams formed from stampings of 0.25-mm thick carbon spring steel (0.65 to 0.80% C) fractured at the 0.025 mm radius on the stamped 135 deg corner at a 90 deg bend after 5,000,000 cycles. Tool marks 2 to 2.3 mm from the center of the stamped bend were disclosed by visual examination. Fatigue striations originating from cracks at the 0.025 mm radius inside corner at the bend were revealed by SEM of the fractured surface. The maximum stress at the bend, in stock of maximum thickness and as a function of the radius of the 135 deg corner, was indicated by stress calculations to be very close to the maximum allowable fluctuating stress for the material. The wiper springs were concluded to be fractured in fatigue and the cyclic loading resulted from cam rotation. The maximum applied stress approached the allowable limit due to high stress-concentration factor in the spring (caused by the very small inside radius). The corner radius was increased to 0.76 mm and the tools were re-polished to avoid tool marks.

Failure of AISI 1015 steel brake discs used in power transmissions in emergency winches was investigated using various testing methods. The failed discs were stampings that had replaced cast discs. Residual stresses in the fillets of new cast and new stamped brake discs were measured by x-ray diffraction. The results indicated that the stamped brake discs had failed by fatigue caused by a tensile residual stress pattern in the fillet. The residual stress pattern was attributed to the change in manufacturing process from casting to stamping. Use of a manufacturing process that yields a compressive residual stress in the fillet, appropriate heat treatment of stamped discs, or redesign of the disc and/or transmission assembly was recommended.

A double-flange trailer wheel, in service on a coke-oven pusher car for about five years, broke. Specifications called for rolled steel track wheels conforming to ASTM A 186 (since reclassified as A 504). Chemical analysis showed the metal in the wheel to be medium-carbon steel within the ranges given in ASTM A 186. Visual examination of the broken wheel revealed that cracks ran parallel with the base of the lower row of numbers stamped with heavy indentation on the web section. Microscopic examination showed the metal in the web, rim, and tread to be in the normalized condition. Evidence found supports the conclusions that fatigue failure of the wheel was the result of heavy stamp marks that acted as stress raisers in the weaker web section. Because this was a double-flange wheel, considerable side thrust was applied to the wheel, causing stress concentration at the web. Recommendations included following the ASTM specification A 504 regarding location of stamped identification numbers (marks identifying the wheels must be stamped on the back face of the rim not less than 3.2 mm from the inner edge of the rim).

Two slitting saw blades were delivered for the purpose of determining the cause of damage. One had cracked while the other one came from a prior sheet delivery, that had less tendency to crack formation according to the manufacturer. The blades were supposed to have been stamped out of a sheet made from a 55 kp/sq mm strength steel. The saw blades were used for separating steel profiles at high rotational speeds. The cracks in question were located at the base of the teeth, i.e. at the point of highest operating stress. Metallographic examination showed that all cracks were non-decarburized and were free of chromium deposits. Therefore they could not have existed before heat treatment and chrome plating. It was concluded that the damage was due neither to poor quality of the sheet nor to defective stamping or heat treatment, but had occurred later either during surface treatment or during operation.

A brass (CDA alloy 230) pipe nipple that was part of a domestic cold water bath system failed two weeks after installation. Macrofractography, SEM examination, metallography, and chemical analyses were performed on specimens cut through the main fracture surface. The physical and background evidence obtained indicated failure due to cracking initiated by stamped markings on the pipe wall and extended by high circumferential residual stresses. It was recommended that annealed pipe be used.