Punching & Forming Dies: What Are They & How Are They Used?

When you think of manufacturing, what comes to mind? Assembly lines with people robotically performing the same set of tasks repeatedly? That’s certainly one type of manufacturing, but it’s not the only one.

Another common type is fabricating products using specialized machinery. It includes punching and forming dies. We have discussed both of them below for your better understanding.

Forming Dies:

A die is a specialized tool used to cut, shape, or form materials like metal and plastic. It typically consists of the upper die (or punch) and the lower die (or anvil). The upper die has a sharp cutting edge that comes into contact with the material. In contrast, the lower die provides support during the punching process.

Die forms are metal blocks used to shape materials like sheet metal and plastic. A single form suffices in forming a single-layer plastic sheet. Vacuum formation is a simple thermoforming technique that uses identical principles to die forming.

Punching Dies:

Punching is a fabricating process used to create holes or indentations in materials. It’s typically done using a die.

The procedure is similar to cutting, except instead of using a sharp cutting edge, punch dies employ a strong punch that strikes the material. This punch makes a hole in the object, after which it may be molded or formed as desired.

Types of Punches:

There are various types of punches, each with its functionality. Below are a few to accustom yourself with:

• Pilot punches – used to create a pilot hole for the subsequent larger-diameter punch
• Blanking punches – cut out circular or non-circular shapes in materials
• Drawing punches – create cups, tapers, and other complex shapes
• Extrusion punches – used to create long, slender parts such as screws, nails, and needles
• Head type punches – used to create rivet heads.

What Are Punching and Forming Dies Made of?

Forming and punching dies are made of rigid materials, such as carbides or tool steels. It is necessary because the punches must withstand the high pressures involved in stamping without breaking or deforming. In addition, the die must be able to cut through the metal or plastic cleanly and precisely, without leaving any burrs or rough edges.

How Are Punching and Forming Dies Used?

Forming and punching dies are used in various industries, including automotive manufacturing, electronics production, and appliance fabrication. They are also used in stamping operations, such as deep drawing, embossing, flanging, and piercing. In each application, the die shapes the metal or plastic workpiece into the desired final form.

Bottom Line:

Punching and forming dies are an essential part of the fabrication process in various industries. Their design and construction are critical to the success of the project.

When selecting a die supplier, it is essential to choose a company with the experience and expertise to design and build high-quality dies that meet your specific needs. At Cav Tool, we have years of experience in designing and manufacturing punching and forming dies.

We also design custom punches to meet the unique requirements of our customers. Contact us today to learn more about our services or request a quote for your next project in Milwaukee, WI.

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