Understanding Press Tool and Die Process
- Progressive Tooling |
- Jan 24, 2019
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. This process is used to produce a pre-designed component in large quantities. The components that a press tool and die can produce depend on the construction and configuration of that tool and die. Basically, a press tool is an assembly of a tool and a die, a few other parts, and accessories. In lay man’s terms, a press tool and die design process work somewhat like our teeth. The set of upper teeth could be compared to the tool and the set of lower teeth to the die. Together they can cut or make an impression to form a component.
Essentially there are two main benefits of this process. First, it results in a high rate of productivity because you can mass produce the component. Second, it has a high accuracy rate, because whether you produce one component or thousands, they will all be of the same size and shape. Perhaps the modern civilized world would crumble without the press tool and die process.
Metal stamping press tools components
The different types of press tool components are:
- Structural Components – Holds working components together. Example- Upper shoe, shank.
- Working Components– Actively contributes to the stamping process. Example- Punches
- Guiding or Locating Components– Responsible for accurate alignment of the worksheet and overall design. Example-dowel pins
- Stripping Components– Removes blanks and unwanted scraps from the final product. Example- Push-off pins
- Fastening Components– Holds all the parts together. Example- die block.
- Feeding Components– Pushes the metal sheet inside the die. Responsible for the rate of production. The more feeding components, the more production speed.
Press Tool Design
The first step to designing the press tools is to understand their configuration. A simple press tool consists of:
- Ram (Slide): A moving part of the press that moves the hydraulic or mechanical force from the hydraulic system or flywheel to the press tool for stamping sheet metal.
- Shank: The shank is a component used to insert the top die into the press machine’s slide.
- Punch Holder: The upper portion of the die set that houses the guidepost pushing is called the Punch Holder (Upper Shoe). The upper shoe mounts the entire upper portion of the die set, which typically includes the punch and punch plate.
- Die Holder (Lower Shoe): This is the die set’s lower section, which houses the guidepost. The upper shoe mounts the entire lower portion of the die set, which typically includes the die and stripper.
- Backup Plate: The backup plate is positioned to prevent the punch holder from experiencing undue pressure. Punch backplate and pressure plate are other names for it.
- Punch Plate: The punch plate’s job is to keep the punch in the right relative position. The punch plate and punch body fit closely together. Another name for it is Punch Retainer.
- Punch: The punch is the primary part of the die assembly and can be moved directly or indirectly using a slide or press ram. Together, the punch and die create a stamped part.
- Die: Die is a female component of the press tool or die block used to produce the specified job work in a press. Together, the die and punch create the product’s desired shape.
- Stripper: To remove the metal strip from a punch or die, use a stripper.
- Guideposts: The die set is guided by the guidepost and guide post bushing, two parts of the press tool, which keep the alignment throughout the operation. When lubricated and positioned correctly, they enhance tool performance and help create high-quality products. Another name for this is a pillar die set.
Apart from this, the prerequisite to designing an accurate press tool is the application and metal part geometry. It must also meet the production time demand without compromising on the final quality.
Also Read- Overview of Sheet Metal Press Tool Design in the Manufacturing Industry
The design of press tools starts with computing the required dimensions like force, shut height, die thickness, margins, etc This helps in creating the most accurate strip layout and placing different dies at the appropriate places. The design process also involves selection of hardware, die plan, and identifying the center of pressure and scrap disposal.
Proper tool designs ensure good quality output. Therefore, it is necessary to outsource the metal stamping tools to experts like Eigen Engineering. Such experts ensure the design allows maximum utilization of material at an optimum time and cost.
EXPLORE OUR PROGRESSIVE TOOLING SERVICES
What are the types of press tool operations?
Different press tool constructions lead to different operations. They are: bending, blanking, forming, piercing, drawing, cutting off, parting off, embossing, coining, notching, shaving, lancing, dinking, perforating, trimming, curling and so on. The components produced through the press tool and die process are used in various industries such as defense, food processing industry, packing industry, textile industry, automobile industry, and aircraft manufacturing industry.
Types of Press Tools
1. Simple tool
This can perform piercing and blanking operations.
2. Combination tool:
It is where the cutting and forming of the component are carried out in a single stroke.
3. Progressive tool :
Progressive tool is a combination of bending, coining, punching and perhaps other modifying processes. A metal strip is fed into the machine and as it progresses different operations are performed at different stations. This is achieved by designing a strip layout. If the number components are designed to utilize 70% of the strip then we can conclude that the component is well designed. Since this includes several operations such as, notching, piercing, semi-notching, blanking or shaping all at the same time, it saves time and resources.
4. Compound tool:
It is a combination of blanking and piercing in a single stroke. It works differently from progressive and stage press tools. Say if your client requires washers. Instead of blanking the sheet and then piercing it separately, you could accomplish both tasks at the same time. This could be achieved by designing the punch and the die in way that it could achieve both piercing operations and blanking operations simultaneously.
Also Read- Stamping Press Tools Carry High-Speed Production. Know-How?
5. Bending tool:
It is a tool with two options: V-bend tool and U-bend tool. This is used to bend a component into a shape that is specified.
6. Drawing tool:
It is a process of axial elongation through application of axial force.
Manufacturing of press tools and die is a complicated task and so is the process. Accurate measurements and alignment are an essential part of the process. It is this process that produces tools resulting in the manufacture of components that are helping us live a civilized life and helping us to improvise day after day.
DISCUSS YOUR PROGRESSIVE TOOLING NEEDS? CONTACT US!
Eigen: Your one-stop press tool and die solution
Eigen is renowned for providing the most efficient press tool and die process to clients from across the globe. The in-house tool room is always buzzing with creative minds and experienced engineers, always onto something new. Our design process is based on the latest trends, and we carefully consider what adds value to our clients. Regardless of what your requirements are in the press tool and die process, make sure that you get in touch with us and our team will take it future.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main parts of a tool?
The main parts are the punch, die, punch holder, die holder, and slide for the press ram.
Q2: What are the elements of a press tool?
A press tool has a lot of elements, such as punches, dies, stripper plates, guiding pillars, and holders.
Q3. What are the types of tooling?
There are three main kinds of tools: simple, compound, and progressive press tools. There are also specific dies for processes like blanking, piercing, and shaping.
Ujjwal handles crucial roles like AGM Marketing, researcher, and is an author for KDDL – Eigen. He currently works with Eigen for implementing proven techniques and strategies for marketing plans on online and offline platforms. An expert in efficiently executing SEO, SEM, email marketing, social media marketing, PR marketing, Print campaigns, etc. Ujjwal has coordinated an efficient marketing team on various creative campaigns and programmatic buying to support various digital cross-promotion efforts. Implement efficient search optimization strategies with the help of collateral material and metrics.
In his former years, Ujjwal has years of experience in a managerial role for several reputed companies. His years of experience combined with the flair of writing help him come up with result oriented strategies for Eigen.
About Author
Related Posts
