17.4: ESTABLISHING THE DIE SET CENTER

17.4 ESTABLISHING THE DIE SET CENTER

Ten design steps are necessary for selecting and applying the views of a die set for a specific die design. Consider the following sequence carefully because it provides a proper working method (Figure 17.15):

1. Determine the diameter of the punch shank. Punch shank data is usually found in a company standards book or manufacturer's catalog, although occasionally it may be necessary to get it directly from the press room. On an appropriate sheet of paper, draw a circle of the required punch shank diameter.

2. On the upper left plan view of the die, draw vertical and horizontal center lines. Their intersection represents the ideal center of the die; the one we should prefer to use if possible. For most dies, the ideal center would be the center of the die block, measured from side to side and from front to back.

3. Transferring measurements, draw corresponding centerlines on the upper right inverted view of the punches.

4. Slip the sheet on which the punch shank circle was drawn under the die drawing and move it to the upper right plan view representing the inverted punches. Apply the center of the circle directly under the intersecting lines representing the ideal center.

5. Inspect punch holder drawing to establish whether or not all holes to be machined through the punch holder will pass outside of the punch shank or inside of it. In the illustration, the punch holder has been turned upside down for viewing the punch shank from...