Progressive Tooling

Tool and die manufacturing process is a process of placing flat sheet metal in either blank or coil form into a stamping press where it is formed into different shapes.

In any metal stamping tool operation, trial and error is a time-consuming, difficult and costly way to find the source of a problem. Also, analysis and adjustments when done at the beginning of the process usually save time and money to a greater degree than if it is done at the end of the process.

Progressive tool and die design is primarily used because it is time-saving and cost-effective. The complexity of the part and volume of the parts production are the key factors in determining if the part needs to be produced progressively.

To understand the press tool and die process it is important to know what a press tool and die are. A press tool is embedded in a press machine, and it is designed to shape or cut metal using force. The die helps define the shape and size of the cut piece.

Any kind of manufacturing is driven by market demand, precision tool and die making is no different. To appreciate tool and die manufacturing better, it is important to retrace the evolution of the manufacturing industry.

The tool room is one of the most important areas of precision metal stamping companies, to support their daily production requirements. Tool rooms are not at the forefront of most companies, but mostly work behind the scenes. The main production area in the shop might seem to be bright and equipped with the latest technology, but the tool room houses the primitive roots of metalworking.