8 Key Components of Die and Punch Assembly

 

Die and punch assembly are commonly used for sheet metal work. These die and punch presses are typically vertical in design. These presses have a large flywheel that is powered by an electric motor. The components of die and punch assembly is widely used in manufacturing industry, especially in the sheet metal fabrication.

 

When a ram is attached to the flywheel by a connecting rod and a crank mechanism, it moves up and down the guide ways supplied in the press frame. A foot-operated treadle operates the clutch, which transfers momentum from the flywheel to the ram. The configuration resembles the mechanism of a reciprocating engine. These presses are extremely handy for producing short, forceful strokes. In this post, we’ll discuss the components of die and punch assembly.   

 

1. Punch 

The punch is the member that presses down on the sheet strip and may pierce or draw it. This requires the assistance. It should be made of a robust, wear-resistant metal and then ground to a precise size that provides precisely the right amount of clearance between die and punch assembly. It should be made as compact as possible while maintaining the needed strength and rigidity, and it is held in place by a punch holder. 

2. Punch Retainer of Punch Pad

Its function is to keep the punch in the right relative position. It could be a solid body that wraps around the body of the punch and is attached to the punch holder. A pressure plate is usually placed between the top of the punch and the punch holder to give some cushioning. 

3. Punch Holder 

Its top ends in a shank that is fixed to the press ram and precisely fits into the ram aperture for accurate punch positioning and alignment. 

4. Pressure Plate 

It is introduced between the back of the punch and punch holder in order to distribute the pressure over a wide area and thus reduces the intensity of pressure on the punch holder and ultimately avoids any possibility of its getting crushed under heavy loads. 

5. Die 

A die is a tool used mainly in the industrial sectors for sheet metal production. Dies press are used to cut or shape the material and designed to create the exact object. There are several types of dies through which you can create a wide range of products for your industrial needs. Dies are made from hard metal in predetermined size. 

 

6. Die Retainer

It keeps the die block inappropriate punch position and is mounted in the die shoe or holder, which is bolted or attached to the bolster plate. 

7. Stripper 

These come in a variety of designs. When the die and punch assembly finishes its downward trajectory and begins to return, it has a tendency to carry the material with it. The stripper plate prevents the trash strip from moving upward and frees the punch for the next stroke. 

8. Bearings and guide posts

Once properly positioned and aligned, the die and punch assembly are maintained in place by guide posts and bushings, which restrict movement or deflection of die members as working pressure grow.

 Conclusion 

The component of die and punch assembly are essential for forging operations, especially for producing units at mass scale. Long-run presses are outfitted with an automated feed for the blanking strip. This consists of power-fed rolls operated by the crankshaft or a slide-feed mechanism that moves the strip precisely every time the punches clear.

The strip is provided in coils, and the waste is coiled up again after passing through the press, automating the procedure and eliminating the need for stop pins.