Progressive die

In practice

Progressive dies typically take 8–16 weeks to build. For low volumes, laser cutting and brake forming or a simpler line die usually costs less overall.

Where it comes up

• Metal stampingShort- to medium-run stampings: brackets, clips, shields, and plates cut and formed from sheet or coil in a press.

Related terms

Transfer die

A transfer die is a stamping setup where separate stations each perform one operation and mechanical fingers move the part between them after it is cut from the strip. It handles larger or deeper parts, such as deep drawn shells, that cannot stay attached to a carrier strip.

Blank

A blank is the flat piece of sheet metal cut from coil or sheet before it is formed, drawn, or pierced. Blank size and nesting drive material usage, which is often the largest cost in a stamped part. Blanks are produced by blanking dies, shearing, or laser cutting.

Tonnage

Tonnage is the force a press can apply, rated in tons, and the force a job requires. Stamping tonnage is estimated from cut length, material thickness, and shear strength. In molding and die casting, clamp tonnage must exceed cavity pressure times projected area to keep the tool closed.

Burr

A burr is the raised, sharp edge of material left on a part after shearing, punching, or machining. Stamping drawings often allow burr height up to 10% of material thickness and state which side the burr may fall on. Removing burrs adds a secondary operation and cost.