Custom tooling and die design: methods and worked application

A vertical flow of eight numbered steps. Step 2, the shop envelope, sends a no back to step 1 through a redesign with the customer. Steps 3 to 6 are checks; a no that no standard tool, die choice or face protection can fix leads to step 7, a special-tool specification. All yes, or step 7, leads to step 8, first parts tested and recorded.

1

Define the part: FlashDraft legs, bend angles, hems, material and thickness

2

Inside the shop envelope? If not, redesign with the customer first

3

Can standard tools form it?

4

Clearance: tool catalog graphics or a bend limit graph

5

Load: force per length against tool, holder and machine

6

Finish: prefinished faces protected by a large shoulder radius, film or inserts

7

Only if no standard tool or protection passes, a special-tool specification: material, thickness, radius, geometry, press brake style, tang, force

8

First parts: record the inscription, angles and finish