While standard dies usually handle just one or a few operations per stroke, requiring materials to be moved between machines for each step, progressive dies are ideal for high-volume, complex parts because they offer faster, automated processes. A progressive stamping die manufacturer should be equipped to handle the specifics of your project, and know how to keep volume up and costs down.

Winco Stamping lists out 10 questions that customers should ask potential progressive stamping die manufacturers ahead of production.

Core Capabilities of Progressive Stamping Die Manufacturers

A company’s website probably won’t provide enough information to differentiate it from other manufacturers. Here are a few questions to get you started that go beyond the basics.

What is your standard press tonnage range?
How widespread is your stroke length?
What are your maximum and minimum tolerances for material thickness?

Progressive stamping die manufacturers should be direct, clear, and accurate when describing their capabilities, especially when confirming what they can and can’t support.

Tool Design and DFM Support

The design phase always varies from company to company. Some will fully support design while others will rely on an already established design from the customer. There isn’t a right or wrong way for manufacturers to go about this, but there are questions to ask to gain clarity.

How does your company handle the design phase for projects?
Is there an in-house design team or engineering support for design analysis?
What tools and programs are used for design procedures?

Tooling Standards

Every progressive stamping die manufacturer should have standards that are clear. But, customers should confirm them to ensure appropriate expectations are set on both sides.

How do you follow the standards you’ve established in your facility?
When a problem arises, how is it handled in alignment with your standards?
What types of construction are supported?

In-House Tooling and Regular Maintenance

One of the biggest challenges for customers identifying potential progressive stamping die manufacturers is whether they offer in-house tooling. The cost difference between in-house versus an outside vendor can be the deciding factor for customers. These questions can be helpful in sorting through those challenges.

Are progressive dies built and maintained in-house? Is there a combination of this between you and another party?
Are there any preventative measures and maintenance placed on progressive dies during manufacturing?

Quality Systems and Process Control

Progressive stamping die manufacturers will all say that quality matters. But how can you separate the contenders from the pretenders? Here are a few ways to clarify.

What formal or recognized quality systems does your company run?
- For example, Winco Stamping is ISO 9001 certified and we adhere to the parameters of the certification in order to not only maintain it, but deliver results our customers can rely on.
How do you control the manufacturing process?
Are testing capabilities part of the manufacturing process or a separate quality measure?

There are limitless questions to ask about quality. By using these as a starting point and evaluating the answers, customers can gauge which manufacturer is the best fit for them.

Material Selections With Progressive Stamping Die Manufacturers

You might have found the manufacturer for you, but do they work with your given material? Material and design have to align in order for your part to function properly. Gain clarity with a few of these questions and ensure a manufacturer can handle your project.

How often does your company work with the material I’ve selected?
What issues have you experienced working with this material in the past and how did you work through them to find a solution?
Are there any recommendations you can make about the material that won’t impact part functionality?

Product Testing and Launch Parameters

You want to be assured your product functions as it should before it leaves a progressive stamping die manufacturer’s facility. Some key questions to ask about testing include:

How does your testing process work?
Are in-line tests performed?
Do I receive updates about the testing process and results?

Capacity

Your project isn’t the only project progressive stamping die manufacturers are working on. Or is it? Gaining information about a manufacturer’s capacity can be reassuring and informative.

How many projects does your team work on at once?
How does your company handle demand spikes while my project is currently in progress?
If equipment fails, what are the backup resolutions, and does that entail my order being sent to a third-party vendor?

Costs

When narrowing down progressive stamping die manufacturers, it’s absolutely critical for customers to put together direct questions about costs — and more than just how much the final bill is going to be.

What are the expected costs per part?
How is the cost impacted by material selection?
How are tooling costs structured?
Are there any assumptions made during the quoting phase for considerations such as scrap waste?

While these are just a few examples of questions to ask, having direct questions will give you clarity on what’s expected so you can properly budget for your project.

Communication and Visibility Throughout Manufacturing

There isn’t one subject that’s more important than another, as they are all related. That’s especially true when it comes to communication throughout the manufacturing process. And by asking some of these questions, you can gauge a realistic expectation about communication between you and your manufacturer.

Do you provide real-time updates regarding my order?
If a problem arises, how do you inform us, and how is that situation handled?
Who is our point of contact in case we have other questions during production?

10 Topics to Cover with Potential Progressive Stamping Die Manufacturers