Oct 19, 2020

Dies are a tool used for cutting and shaping different materials in manufacturing industries by using a press. Just like mold, a die transforms different materials into customized shapes in industrial settings.

They are used for shaping substances from paper clips to much more complicated designs. When these dies are used for cutting and shaping sheets, it is called sheet metal operations or press working operations.

This article comprises a list of five common types of dies used in sheet metal operations that can add value to your understanding of efficient mold building solutions.

Before we move to the list, here is a quick note for clients who are looking for mold building services at reasonable pricing in Chicago, IL. Engineers and manufacturers at Cav Tool Co. offer a comprehensive list of services in this field without costing too much. Don’t believe it? Click here and get a free cost estimate for molding products and services.

List of 5 common types of dies used in sheet metal operations

Here is a list of five different types of dies that are commonly used in sheet metal operations.

Simple Die

Simple die is a type of sheet metal operation die that performs only in one stroke at one stage. As the name suggests, this type of die is for most simple shaping and cutting tasks.

Compound Die

Unlike a simple die, a compound die is designed to perform more than one cutting operation in one stroke, and that is what makes it a compound die. However, all the cuts made in compound die operations are made on one stage.

These features of this type of die in metal sheet operations make it an advantageous die as it can increase the production rate. However, compound die also has some limitations.

First, this type of die is not suitable for a task that involves more than three operations since manufacturing and designing of punch and die to build a combination of the two is a difficult process.

Moreover, this type of die requires high force, and none of the methods for force reduction can be used in this type of operation.

Progressive Die

Progressive die is the procedure where more than one cutting operation is performed in one stroke. However, the progressive die functions at more than one stage at a time.

This means that the sheet progresses through different stages to complete the punching operation that lasts with the blanking operation. The advantage of this type of die is that the manufacturer can get productivity rates similar to the compound die but with reduced force.

Transfer Die

A transfer die is similar to a progressive die operation. The only difference between the two types of dies is that, in transfer die, blanking is the first operation.

This means that the blank produced in the first stage progresses until the punching operations are completed. This type of die is considered more economical and versatile compared to a progressive die.

Combination Die

Combination dies are the ones where cutting and forming operations are performed in one stroke at one stage. Some of the examples of combination die include the combination of deep drawing with blanking or punching.

A combination of blanking and bending is also a fine example of a combination die. This type of die is one of the most beneficial versions of sheet metal operation dies as it takes the production rate to new heights.

Our list of five common types of dies used in sheet metal operation completes here. Are you thinking of installing any of these die types in your manufacturing company in Chicago, IL? Cav Tool Co. is here to help you with the high-quality products and facilities required to complete the task. Click here to get a free quote right now.