Hi guys. Well I have a 500 ton Clifton press sitting here and have some time on my hands. I was curious as to how to go about a die design to forged some aluminum parts (1-2 sqin of surface area). Just trying to find a use for it, other wise I am going to sell it. So if you can give me a few pointers It would be appreciated. Tha parts I am thinking of doing are covers for our equipement that are currently being machined out of billet stock.

Here is what I have available for fabrication of the die.

Bostomatic 312 with 5000 rpm main spindle, and 10,000-40,000 rpm finishing spindle. SPC-II control (75 line look ahead in HS mode).

Solidworks, and solidcam for the design , programming.

30 amp ram EDM machine w DRO and fine finish generator.

Harig durface grind w DRO

Ecello vert mill with DRO

Where are you located?

.... 500 ton.... aluminum parts (1-2 sqin of surface area)

I don't have any suggestions for dies; it was the numbers that caught my eye.

500 ton = 500 x 2000lbs = 1,000,000lb divided by 2sqin = 500,000/sqin

I think it is safe to conclude you are above the yield strength of aluminum. :D

EW7437
I am located in Philadelphia,Pa.

Geoff
Well I did some formed sheet metal parts, and it works great. Holding .001 or better tolerances. Looking into doing a few more parts here once I get the shop setup in the new bulding.