COMPONENTS OF DIE

ILYAS HUSSAIN- P2MFG15006

DIE

• A die is a specialized tool used in manufacturing industries to cut or shape material mostly using a press.

• Products made with dies range from simple paper clips to complex pieces used in advanced technology.

BASIC DIE COMPONENTS1. Die Plates, Shoes, and Die Sets• Die plates, shoes, and die sets are steel or aluminum plates

that correspond to the size of the die and serve as the foundation for mounting the working die components.

• The upper and lower die shoes assembled together with guide pins create the die set.

• The die shoe thickness is based on how much force can be expected during cutting and forming.

2. Guide Pins and Bushings• Guide pins (guide posts or pillars) and guide bushings align

the upper and lower die shoes precisely.• There are only two basic types of guide pins and bushings—

friction pins and ball bearing style pins.• Friction pins are precision ground pins that are slightly

smaller than the guide bushing's inside diameter.

3. Heel Blocks and Heel Plates• Heel blocks are special steel blocks that are precision machined,

screwed, doweled, and often welded to both the upper and lower die shoes.

• They contain components called wear plates and function to adsorb any side thrust that may be generated during the cutting and forming processes.

• Heel blocks can be used to heel the die in any or all directions. Box heels often are used to heel the die in all directions.

4. Screws, Dowels, and Keys• Screws fasten and secure the working components to both the upper

and lower die shoes. The socket head cap screw is the most popular fastener used in stamping dies.

• Dowels are hardened, precision ground pins that precisely locate the die section or component in its proper location on the die shoe.

• Keys are small, rectangular blocks of precision ground steel that are inserted into milled pockets in the die shoes and sections called keyways.

5. Pads

• A pad is simply a pressure loaded plate, either flat or contoured,

that holds, controls, or strips the metal during the cutting and

forming processes.

• Several types of pads are used in stamping dies. Depending on

their function, pads can be made from soft low carbon steel or

hardened tool steel.

6. Spools, Shoulder Bolts, and Keepers• Spools, shoulder bolts, and keepers are used to fasten pads to the

die shoes while allowing them to move up and down.

7. Retainers• Retainers hold or secure cutting or forming die components to both

the upper and lower die shoes. • One of the most popular retainers is a ball lock retainer, a high

precision, accurately manufactured die component that secures and aligns both cutting and forming punches.

• The advantage of ball lock retainers is that they allow the die maintenance technician to remove and reinstall punches quickly.

8. Springs• Springs supply the force needed to hold, strip, or form metal.

Many different springs are used.• Spring selection is based on many factors, including the required

force and travel, the spring's life expectancy, and, of course, cost.

MAIN COMPONENTS OF DIE AND THERE FUNCTIONS

• Bolster Plate: A plate that is designed to hold in place the lower die shoe. The bolster plate is attached to the top surface of the press bed.

• Die Button: A hardened steel tube that provides the opening for the punch during operation. During a shearing operation, the slug or blank passes through this opening.

• Guide Post: A hardened rod positioned in the lower die shoe that fits into a bushing in the upper die shoe to guide the punch during operation.

• Guide Post Bushing: A hardened steel tube that slides over the guide post and directs the upper die shoe during operation.

• Lower Die Shoe: The lower plate of a die set that supports the die retainer and die button.

• Upper Die Shoe: The upper plate of a die set that secures the punch retainer.

• Punch: The tool typically attached to the upper portion of the die set that shapes or penetrates the sheet metal.

• Ram: The main upper portion of the press that slides up and down within the press frame. The upper die shoe is attached to the ram.

• Stripper : A plate designed to remove sheet metal stock from the punch as it pulls away from the die during the operation.

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