TABLE OF CONTENTS After all die details have been designed, a die set of the proper size and style is selected from a manufacturer's catalog and drawn in position. Between 5 and 10 percent of total design time is spent selecting and drawing the views of the die set. This allowance may be increased considerably if the designer does not thoroughly understand the principles underlying die set selection and representation.
Die sets are manufactured in a bewildering variety of sizes and shapes. This chapter will acquaint you with the various styles as well as indicate proper methods of selection and placement.
Advantages realized when die components are retained in a properly selected die set are:
Members are kept in proper alignment during the cutting process, even though some looseness may exist in the press ram. Thus, uniform clearances are maintained around cutting edges for producing blanks free of burrs.
Die life is increased.
Dies can be installed in the press in a minimum amount of time because they are self-contained units.
Storage is facilitated. There is no possibility of loss of loose parts.
Properly designed dies can be sharpened without removal of cutting members. Standard die sets range from 3 by 3 inches (76-by-76 mm) to 45-by-60 inches (1,143- by-1,524 mm). Die holder and punch holder thicknesses range from 1 to 3 1/2 inches (25.4 to 89 mm).
