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.