Overview of Die Operations and Types

Summary:

In the context of the text, “Die” refers to a specialized tool used in manufacturing to shape, form, or cut materials such as metals and plastics into desired shapes or sizes.

This Overview of Die Operations and Types provides an introduction to die operations and their types. The different types of die operations such as bending, blanking, broaching, bulging, coining, compound operations, curling, cut off, drawing, extruding, forming, horning, hydroforming, pancake die, piercing, progressive die, shaving, side cam die, sub-press operation, swaging, and trimming are explained. Each operation is defined, and examples of the parts that can be created using that operation are given.

Excerpt:

Overview of Die Operations and Types

Die operations are often named after the specific type of die that performs the operation. For example, a bending operation is performed by a bending die. Operations are not limited to one specific die as some dies may incorporate multiple operation types:

Bending: The bending operation is the act of bending blanks at a predetermined angle. An example would be an “L” bracket which is a straight piece of metal bent at a 90° angle. The main difference between a forming operation and a bending operation is the bending operation creates a straight line bend (such as a corner in a box) as where a form operation may create a curved bend (such as the bottom of a drink can).

Blanking: A blanking die produces a flat piece of material by cutting the desired shape in one operation. The finished part is referred to as a blank. Generally, a blanking die may only cut the outside contour of a part, often used for parts with no internal features.

Three benefits to die blanking are:
Accuracy. A properly sharpened die, with the correct amount of clearance between the punch and die, will produce a part that holds close dimensional tolerances in relationship to the edges of the part.