Metal stamping tooling and die services are a practical way to manufacture high-quality, reliable, durable, and structurally sound metal components.
Whether your team consistently relies upon metal stamping tooling and die services for product fulfillment or this is your first experience with this manufacturing method, Winco Stamping’s complete guide can provide clarity ahead of manufacturing to help you achieve superior design and product application.
Types of Dies
Metal stamping dies aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Different dies each have their own specific applications and production limitations.
Progressive dies feature multiple stations that perform piercing, forming, and cut-offs as strips advance through the press. Progressive die services are ideal for high-volume production where parts feature tight tolerances and intricate designs.
Single-hit or line dies are commonly seen for low-to-medium volumes where parts contain simple geometries. Only one press stroke is used per operation. Combination dies feature a mix of single-hit and progressive features. Multiple cutting or cutting-and-forming operations occur in a single station in order to reduce handling while promoting improved positional accuracy.
Tooling Functions and Elements
There are essential components of the tooling process that all customers should know to better understand how their products are created. Punch and die blocks define the profile and form, and the fit controls burr, clearance, and dimensional accuracy.
Stripper plates and pressure pad systems manage part and strip separation, control metal flow in forming, and protect punches in return. Pilots register the strip to each station to maintain pitch, while guide pins, bushings, and die sets control alignment under press load.
Considerations to Make When Selecting a Metal Stamping Tooling and Die Service Provider
In some capacity, all metal stamping companies will offer some level of metal stamping tooling and die services. Whether that’s in-house or through an outsourced vendor, however, can make all the difference in selecting your service provider. Consider these points ahead of choosing a manufacturing company.
Review technical capabilities of your tool and die service provider. This can include in-house operations, any specialties such as high-volume tooling, presses available and other equipment lists, and types of materials the manufacturer works with.
Gauge company history as well as industries served. This will allow you to formulate a strong knowledge base about how experienced your manufacturing company is and if they have any experience with your industry or any industries that are similar to yours.
Beyond technical capabilities, review for quality management and quality control protocols. Companies that hold an ISO 9001 certification are contenders to stay on your list as they demonstrate not just documented quality management protocols, but also protocols that are approved by a globally recognized organization.
Traditional Tooling Service Procedures
Manufacturers will start off with their engineering teams reviewing initial designs and running initial simulations to gauge how tooling and die services will shake out.
Additionally, reverse engineering for material optimization ensures the right amounts and leads to less waste prior to cutting any metal.
When all initial engineering is complete, the next step is die design and build. For companies like Winco Stamping, this means utilizing wire EDM to produce the dies needed for the project. After both of these procedures have been completed, the production process can begin, and once completed, thorough quality review and testing begin immediately after manufacturing.
Contact Winco for Metal Stamping Tooling and Die Services
Winco Stamping is a full-service stamping manufacturing company proudly located in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. For decades, we’ve been at the forefront of metal stamping, specializing in low-to-medium volumes, but our capabilities extend beyond that.
Our metal stamping tooling and die services allow us to handle tooling projects in-house while delivering the same high-quality results our customers have come to expect. Additionally, we also have progressive tooling services, which means we can handle high-volume projects with quick turnaround times.
When it’s time to up your tooling and die services, contact our team and discover the difference Winco Stamping can make for you.
