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 COMPONENTS
1. 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.
THANK YOU