Die Basics
Die Basics
Figure 1Cutting
Draw dies use a pressure-loaded plate or ring, called a draw pad or blank holder, to control the metal flow into the cavity. The draw is
designed to prevent the metal from wrinkling as it flows into the cavity. Increasing or decreasing the pressure exerted under the pad controls
how much metal feeds into the die.
Oil pans, automobile doors and fenders, cookware, and doorknobs are just a few of the parts manufactured using drawing.
5. Coining. This forming die type creates the part shape by squeezing the metal under extreme pressure. The die penetrates the piece part.
Often coining is used to reduce the metal thickness as well as to shape the part. Coins (metal currency) are created using the coining
process.
6. Extruding. This is a process in which the metal is bent, or flanged, into a continuous radial profile around the perimeter of a prepierced
hole. An extrusion also is referred to as a hole expansion or a continuous radial stretch flange. Like the stretch flange, the metal is
susceptible to splitting.
7. Ironing. Ironing dies are similar to coining dies in that they use compression to deform the metal. However, unlike conventional coining,
ironing squeezes metal along a vertical wall.
This highly compressive process unifies a walls thickness as well as increases the length of a drawn vessel. Items such as beverage and
soup cans are made using an ironing process.
Figure 2Typically, a stamped part's cut edge has a cut band and a fracture zone.
Each stage of the part remains in the original strip or coil and is tied together using a portion of the strip or coil called a strip carrier. Many
different stages of a parteven left-handed and right-handed halves of a partare stamped with a single stroke of the press (see Figure 4).
Transfer Dies. Transfer dies are line dies that are timed together and spaced an even distance apart in one press. The distance between
each die or station that the part must travel is referred to as the pitch. Unlike in single-station dies or progressive dies, the piece part is
transferred via traveling rails mounted within the boundaries of the press (see image at top of page).