TABLE OF CONTENTS Figure 17.1 typifies small- and medium-size die sets made of both cast iron and steel, although different manufacturers may incorporate slight variations. The die set components are:
Punch holder ( A)
Guide bushings ( B)
Guide posts ( C)
Die holder ( D).
When the die set is assembled, the lower ends of the guide posts are pressed securely into the die holder. The turned-down portions of the guide bushings are pressed into the punch holder. The bushings engage the guide posts with a close sliding fit to provide accurate alignment.
The upper working member of the die set is called the punch holder (Figure 17.2). The name is easy to remember because of its relationship with the punches, which are normally applied above the strip and fastened to the underside of the punch holder. Surfaces A are finished. They are employed by the die maker for squaring and locating punch components of the die. Surfaces B are also finished surfaces. The upper one bears against the underside of the press ram. Punch components are fastened to the lower finished surface.
Punch shank. Some punch holders have the punch shank projecting above the punch holder (Figure 17.3); it aligns the center of the die with the center line of the press.
