stamping

[MBG]

I kinda know how it works. Is it costy to do? I know about mold dies. I work in a mold **** and have other people that could help me... But does it work the same way...? anybody know?

[DieGuy]

Actually it is not like molds. there are several types of dies for forming and cutting anf they act quite differently.
1) is a simple trim die that blanks out a sheatmetal shape.
2) is a simple form die that bends the metal with very little drawing of the metal
3) is a draw die, that actually gets all the metal moving over a mandrel or shaped form.
4) is the most complicated. a progresive die where the triming starts at one end and has multiple stations where the web of metal is moved forward for multple trim, forming or drawing operations.

this is an example of a simple progressive die web.


is an example of a lower half of a progressive die that appears to make a small part that contains trim, form and post form trim sections.

[MBG]

thanks a lot.. yea I make those support pillars and that a block at my job now.. I was just curious on how different they are.... hmmm

[DieGuy]

here is a good example of a progressive draw die web. These are kind of an art, because the quality of the steel can vary one must make provision for adjusting the draw pressure. Note the wrinkes on the draw, generally not a good sign. This one looks like it creates quite a bit of waste as well.

[MBG]

Ok.. I dont want anything big and spectacular. I just want to be able to stamp out a "bracket" out of mild steel that is about 4" x 2" with a few radii on the corners and a few holes in the middle. Any idea on how I could do this?

[MBG]

http://www.aa-mfg.com/pdshop/shop/item.asp?itemid=807

things like this...

[DieGuy]

A single die with the shape you need. the clearance between the upper and lower is dictated by the material thickness as is the tonnage needed to balnk the material. You want to make a provision for spliting the scrap as well so it is easier to handle.

For low run die, water hard tool steel and flame hardening with a torch would be adequate.

[MBG]

Originally Posted by DieGuy A single die with the shape you need. the clearance between the upper and lower is dictated by the material thickness as is the tonnage needed to balnk the material. You want to make a provision for spliting the scrap as well so it is easier to handle. For low run die, water hard tool steel and flame hardening with a torch would be adequate.

the thickness is about 1/4"....

[MBG]

How can I learn more about making dies?

[mxtras]

Go talk to a local stamping house. They may be able to offer some examples.

Scott

[MBG]

The closet place I know about is sun microstamp and I know they aren't going to be cheap but anyway I want to learn how to make the dies myself...

[mxtras]

Good luck - let us know what you end up with.

Scott