Transfer die

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.
• Deep drawn stampingOne-piece cups, cans, shells, and housings drawn from flat blanks, with depth that can exceed the diameter.

Related terms

Progressive die

A progressive die is a stamping die with a series of stations that pierce, form, and cut a part in sequence as a metal strip feeds through the press. One finished part drops with each stroke. It is the lowest piece-price option for high-volume small and medium stampings.

Draw ratio

Draw ratio is the ratio of blank diameter to punch diameter in a deep drawing operation. It sets how far one draw can reduce a blank before the metal tears. A first draw in steel is typically limited to about 1.8–2.2, so deeper parts need redraw stations.

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.