Metal stamping tool and die design considerations

When designing metal stamping dies a tool and die maker or tool and die designer must have the following information prior to start. There are several types of tools that could be built for the same part. They have special purposes to best suit both parts and metal stamping production.

The cost of the tool and die to be produced may be greatly affected by the following considerations:


Estimated number of metal stamped parts the tool and die should produce monthly, yearly, or in total

Eg. if the customer needs 2000 parts in total and possibly never again, then it is not wise to build a tool designed for high volume metal stamping and productivity. Make something simple and inexpensive, yet produce the correct metal stamped parts.

If the amount of 2000 is for a day or for a week and possibly for many years to come, then you must build a tool that lasts, very efficient and easy to use or has the capability for automation. The customer may have a request for manual, semi-automated or fully automated part production.


The quality of the metal stamping part

Some production parts may require absolute burr-free edges without a second operation to remove the burrs. Some metal stamping production parts require straight edges all the way. Other stamped parts have such tight specifications that special tools need to be built for that request.


Punch press

The metal stamping die must physically fit the punch press it is intended for, so you need the punch press specifications that may limit how you build the tool.


The metal stamping part itself

Some metal stamped parts are best suited for a certain type of tool and die design for the best result. Don’t try to build something else, if you are not sure of the outcome. To decide what type is the best for that part, take a look at the sample designs, made for the same part. Vortool Manufacturing will discuss each version’s strong points that can help you to make a decision about which to choose.



Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada


Flatten, trim, punch and bend stainless steel pipe tool and die design

Stainless steel pipe tool and die. Flatten, trim, punch and bend pipe tool and die design by Vortool.

Flatten, trim, punch and bend stainless steel pipe tool and die design

This custom-built to order multi-station round pipe or tube tool and die combines four separate operations. The process of tube flattening involves using the force of the press to push the pipe or tubing against a die, making the tube to conform to the shape of the die. Parts of the tooling is made of hardened steel or tool steel to maintain and prolong the tool's life.

Flattens the end of the tube or pipe. The process of tube flattening involves using the force of the press to flatten the pipe.

Bends the end of the already flattened tube or pipe

Trims the end corners in a radius of the already flattened and bent tube or pipe

Punches a hole at the flattened end of the tube or pipe for to be able to fasten it to other components

This tube die is placed in a press to make the finished parts. There are steps to follow and there are interchangeable elements to make all variations of making the final product.

This multi-station tool also comes with a jig to check the correct length of the product to achieve and check the consistency. It helps with quality control.

This tool and die was designed and manufactured by Vortool Manufacturing.



Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada


Custom tube / pipe notching tool and die manufacturing

Custom pipe notcher tooling

Custom Tube / Pipe Notching Tool & Die Manufacturing

  • Vortool Manufacturing makes made or order tooling for your pipe notcher housing.
  • Custom pipe notcher tool and and die from hardened steel in any size and shape to fit your notcher housing and cutting shape.


Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada


AirHEAD 5 - 4 ton benchtop pneumatic box frame punch press with 6" stroke

AirHead 4 ton bench top pneumatic box frame punch press 6" stroke

4 ton bench top pneumatic box frame punch press with 6" stroke

Made to order and ships in 3-4 weeks.

Shipped assembled - plug in and play.


Starting at $6985*
*Plus crate $250 / actual shipping cost / customs (if applicable) or taxes. We ship anywhere in Canada and the United States. Funds are in Canadian dollars.


4 Ton Pneumatic Press Specifications

  • Required compressed air (input), 100 psi
  • Capacity: 7,618 force in lbs (3.8 tons) at 100 psi
  • Stroke: 6"
  • Workspace: 14 x 12 x 8"
  • Actuator: Two push buttons
  • Storage dimensions: 23 x 24 x 53"
  • Weight: 250 lbs
  • Additional information for hole locations: bolster plate, bottom mounting bars and striker head.



Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada