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Punches and Dies

Punches are simple tools that are forced by a punch press through a workpiece, commonly sheet metal, to create quick, precise holes by shearing. Punches are typically made of carbides or tool steel. Most presses are operated mechanically, but simple hand punches also are used. A punch frequently passes through the material and into a die. A die holds the workpiece, and determines the shape produced on it by the punch. Dies are usually customized to the particular item being produced.

Punches and Dies: Articles

Stamping AHSS Got You Down? Reconsider Your Tool Design

To reduce wear and tool breakage when forming or blanking AHSS material, here are some tips on revisiting the type of tool steel used, the design of the tool itself, and whether or not adding a coating or surface finish will improve performance and provide longer tool life.

To reduce wear and tool breakage when forming or blanking AHSS material,...

Stay Sharp for Maximum Tool Life

To prevent lower quality parts and frequent tool replacement, keep your punch press tooling sharp and well maintained to achieve the greatest number of hits possible for the best possible return on your investment.

To prevent lower quality parts and frequent tool replacement, keep your punch...

Prevent Slug Pulling with the Right Die Clearance

Proper die clearance allows for upper and lower fracture lines to connect. The typical stamping industry rule of thumb is to use 10 percent material thickness as clearance between the punch and die button, but this guideline does not take into account variable material types. What is the optimal die clearance?

Proper die clearance allows for upper and lower fracture lines to connect....

Need More Punching Capacity? Turn Your Press Brake Into a Punch Press

With Video

Does limited punching capacity and outsourcing lead times cause production delays in your shop? Here is a simple, affordable and effective system that can expand the capabilities of your press brakes, help streamline operations and eliminate the need for outsourcing or purchasing new equipment.

Does limited punching capacity and outsourcing lead times cause production delays in...
Punches and Dies: Products

Powerfully Simple, Simply Powerful: GibbsCAM 2024

With Video
Tobias Unosson, GibbsCAM 2024, GibbsCAM, Sandvik Coromant, CoroPlus Tool Library, cutting tool software, ISO 13399, cloud-based tool library, digital connectivity, CAM, CAD, Sandvik Coromant’s PrimeTurning, inserts, milling, Thorsten Strauß, Marc Freebrey, machining centers

GibbsCAM announces the release of GibbsCAM 2024, which continues to boost end-user productivity for programming advanced machining centers, underpinning the GibbsCAM promise of Powerfully Simple, Simply Powerful.

GibbsCAM announces the release of GibbsCAM 2024, which continues to boost end-user...

Device Protects Ball Bearing Retainer Cages

With Video
Superior Die Set’s Cage Saver

Throw out your rubber bands and twist-wire! Superior Die Set’s Cage Saver retracts ball bearing retainer cages during die-handling and maintenance and protects the assembly from water and detergent during pressure washing.

Throw out your rubber bands and twist-wire! Superior Die Set’s Cage Saver...
Calendar & Events
Southeast Design – 2-Part Show
September 11 - 12, 2013
Greenville, SC
Mid-Atlantic Design – 2-Part Show
September 25 - 26, 2013
Phoenixville, PA
CMTS of Canada
September 30 - October 3, 2013
Mississauga, Canada
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October 8 - 10, 2013
Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center Halls B&C
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October 8 - 16, 2013
Florence, KY
WESTEC 2013
October 15 - 17, 2013
Los Angeles, CA
SOUTH-TEC
October 29 - 31, 2013
Greenville, SC
New England Design-2-Part Show
October 30 - 31, 2013
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DMG / Mori Seiki Manufacturing Days
November 12 - 15, 2013
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FABTECH
November 18 - 21, 2013
McCormick Place – Chicago, IL
Midwest Design-2-Part Show
November 20 - 21, 2013
Northern Kentucky Convention Center – Covington, KY
PCD Tool Manufacturing
November 20, 2013
United Grinding North America – Fredricksburg, VA