Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Tool & Die 101What You Need To Know

Need to increase production?Spending too much on fabrication?Want to decrease lead times?

Tool & Die may be the answer!

Tool & Die continues to be the backbone of industry throughout the world.

www.detroittool.comLebanon, Missouri

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Agenda• Introduction - Definition of Tool & Die

• Dies

• Classifications of stamping dies

• Standard die operations

• Parts

• Parts made with stamping dies

• Expected part tolerances

• Implementing Tool & Die into your organization

• Closing

Plus a Free Downloadable RFQ Checklist!

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

‘Stamping dies’ is a generalized term for dies that

stamp, coin, emboss, draw or form material in a

mechanical or hydraulic press.

Definition of Tool & Die

A Toolmaker as Described by The Department of Labor;

Tool and die makers are among the most highly skilled

workers in manufacturing…produc(ing) tools, dies, and

special guiding and holding devices that enable machines

to manufacture a variety of products we use daily—from

clothing and furniture to heavy equipment and parts for

aircraft.

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Classifications of Stamping Dies

Single Hit

Most dies can be classified within the following descriptions:

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Classifications of Stamping Dies

Transfer

Flow

1

2

3

4

5

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Classifications of Stamping Dies

Progressive

Flow

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Classification

Single Hit

Transfer

Progressive

Operation

Draw

Trim / Blank

Form

Cam

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Standard Die Operations

• Draw – Takes a flat blank and forms it into a shape, using control over the

boundary of the sheet to restrict the flow of material as a "punch" stretches

the central portion of the blank.

• Trim and/or Blank – trims flash from a casting, forging, or stamping

• Form – resembles a draw die but it lacks a pressurized blank holder. Uses a

form punch and die to bend the part into a precise shape.

• Cam – Uses an angled driver to perform trimming, blanking or forming

from a horizontal orientation using a vertically driven press

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Parts Made With Stamping DiesSheet metal is used to make many parts for many industries including:

• Appliance and HVAC

• Lighting

• Automotive

• Agriculture

• Caskets

• License Plates

• Hardware

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Expected Part Tolerances

Depending on the operation, tolerances can be anywhere from a few

thousandths of an inch for blanking or trimming and up to 1/16” or more for

unimportant formed features

When trimming or piercing holes the part can be held to a much tighter

tolerance since there is no forming involved

What is spring back?

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

What is spring back? Let’s do an experiment….

Grab a piece of paper. Notebook, scratch

pad, post it note…etc.

1. Hang it about half way over the edge of

your table or desk as shown in the picture.

2. Now, fold it over the edge and crease it

as best you can. This resembles a 90

degree form operation.

3. Let go of the folded part…..see how it

doesn’t stay completely bent?

This is spring back. Sheet metal, yes,

even paper, has memory. It wants to stay

in its original state.

As long as we know what is required, and

what type of material is to be used, there

are ways to minimize and overcome these

types of obstacles and create die tooling

that will work

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Implementing Tool & Die into

Your Organization

• Determine if it is time to pursue stamping dies

• Ensure the parts being considered meet stamping die criteria

• Consider any guidelines your company has concerning stamping dies

• Decide upon a stamping house (internal or external) and acquire press

specifications and potential schedule for production

• Prepare an RFQ for die tooling and send to selected Tool & Die

builders• Purchase tooling and start production

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

How Important is your Die Builder?

• Choosing a Tooling Builder = a BIG decision • A Tooling Builder

• Should offer suggestions• Should mitigate potential problems• Should have good references and history

• Quality and Safety Requirements• The life of the die depends on how well it is built• What are your production estimates?• What are your safety concerns?

DTE is Proud to be Made in the USA and is ready to help you through the process!

Tool & Die 101 – What You Need To Know

Closing• Investing in die tooling can be substantial, but

• Production numbers will be increased significantly• Repeatability of parts is assured (all parts will be the same)• Material costs can be reduced by buying in sheets or coils• Labor costs are normally lower (less time spent fabricating parts)

www.detroittool.com

Download the RFQ Checklist

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