7.1 INTRODUCTION

Four factors influence the design of a die block for any particular die. They are:

1. Part size

2. Part thickness

3. Intricacy of part contour

4. Type of die

Small dies, such as those for producing business- machine parts, usually have a solid die block. Only for intricate part contours would the die block be sectioned to facilitate machining. Large die blocks are made in sections for easy machining, hardening, and grinding. The illustrations that follow show more methods of applying die blocks to small, medium, and large cutting dies.

Figure 7.1 show a photograph of a die block for a large piercing die. Large die blocks such as this one are composed of sections for easier machining, hardening, and grinding. Observe that each section is provided with working holes, that is, holes which engage punches to perform cutting operations on the material and with screw and dowel holes that fasten each section to the die holder.

Figure 7.1: Die block for a large piercing die.

This section of the book further explains Step 2 in Chapter 5 Fourteen Steps to Design a Die.

7.2 APPLYING THE DIE BLOCK

Figure 7.2 shows a method of applying a die block to a die. Machined into the die block (lower left illustration) are blanking opening C and piercing holes D. Holes E, located at each corner, are tapped completely through, and two dowel holes F are reamed completely through the block.

Figure 7.2: Method of applying a die block to...