Die components are the parts that make up a complete die set. They consist of items such as pins, bushings, top shoes and bottom shoes. The following terms describe various die components and forces that affect them.

DIE BUTTONS hardened tool steel component that establishes a sheer clearance in piercing

DIE LIFE The vertical section of the lower die cutting edge before the relief starts

DIE RING Type of die block construction that dowel pins are used to locate and position the die ring on the die pad or on the die shoe

ACUTE-ANGLE DIES used for 90 degree bends

Sheet metal is used to produce a wide variety of items like automobile panels, rain gutters, restaurant equipment, road signs and heating ducts, fabricating. As a result, installing and maintaining these items can be a hazardous job.

Sheet metal workers are subject to frequent cuts, scrapes, burns and falls from scaffoldings or ladders. Many times, the sheet metal production process itself requires repetitive heavy lifting, bending and squatting, putting workers at risk for back, neck and muscle injuries. Knowing the proper safety procedures can help keep sheet metal production workers safe on the job.

Safety Equipment is everyone’s Friend

Progressive metal stamping combines a few different steps in the metal stamping process. It is a way to streamline the process, save money and save time. Progressive metal stamping involves most automated procedure so labor is also minimized. Progressive metal stamping takes metal stamping to a new level.

Progressive metal stamping usually involves the stamping and finishing and sometimes even the cutting of the metal. It also usually involves more than one stamping with several sets of punches and dies. Progressive metal stamping can create a finished piece very quickly. The piece usually starts with either cutting, if involved in the process, then stamping. Then it moves along to the finishing, where burrs are removed, it is polished and coated, if needed. Then it is finished off, so when the piece comes through the machine it is complete and ready to be packaged and shipped.