，主题：Sheet metal stamping mold basic terminology
Sheet metal stamping mold is generally divided into two components: mold base and mold inserts. Generally speaking, the mold base is composed of steel or aluminum materials and possesses the features of reasonable rigidity and precision stability. Together with mold inserts embedded in the mold, the two components complete a stamping tool set, making it possible to form various sizes of metal workpieces. These two components also determine the performance of the stamping mold as well as the quality of the final product. Therefore, to be familiar with some of the terminology related to sheet metal stamping molds is essential.
Punch: Punch refers to a cutting tool to cut desired shapes on metal sheet upon contact. There are different types of punches according to the shape such as V-punch, circular punch, hexagonal punch, bridge punch, contour punch and many more.
Die: Die is a metal tool used to form metal workpiece of complex shapes by cutting, bending, and drawing processes. Generally, die also has cutting tools, bending tools and guiding tools. There are different types of dies according to the shape, such as V-die, circular die, hexagonal die, contour die, embossing die and so on.
Die blocks: Die blocks are components used to hold die or punch to the mold. They can be attached to the mold base or move along with die depending on the type of die block.
Knife edge: Knife edge refers to the sharp end at the edge of the die or punch that has the function of cutting and shearing. The edge of the punch is parallel to the surface of workpiece, and the edge of die is perpendicular to the workpiece surface.
Punch holder: Punch holder is a supporting part installed at the back of the punch to fix punch and transfer pressure from press machine to punch.
Guide post: Guide post is a movable part with a cylindrical shape, usually installed between punch and die blocks to improve the accuracy of the die and position the die accurately when the mold closes.
Guide bush: Guide bush is a part similar to guide post with a larger diameter. It provides support to the punch and die movement and also reinforce the molding accuracy.
Cutting ring: As the name suggests, cutting ring is used as a cutting tool in radial cutting process in the die, connecting the stationary part and mobile part to form a whole cutting edge.
Wedge block: wedge block is a type of die block installed with a wedge-shaped boss in order to fix the die and adaptive cutting pressure, which makes it possible to adjust the upper and lower molds.
Pillar: Pillar, being the same as pillar of bridge, connects the upper and lower sides of the mold three dimensionally. It serves to support the presser plate and redirect the force from the presser plate uniformly to the blank.
Punched hole: Punched hole is a hole of specific shape created on metal sheet by die. The hole is usually used for installing screws and other components.
Drawing groove: Drawing groove refers to the shape created by the mold for drawing workpiece into the desired form. The groove is usually formed by using a die and punch.
Embossed shape: Embossed shape implies the protruding shape or words produced on metal sheet by die or punch. The embossed shape is usually used to identify metal workpieces.
Stripper: Stripper is a part of the die assembling tool, which is used to separate the produced products from the die during opening of the mold, as well as clean up scrap produced in the process.
Cam: Cam is used to remove the molded parts from the die in the form of a certain movement. It also serves to adjust the gap of upper and lower molds and to maneuver mold opening and closing with the revolution of the shaft.
Sprue: Sprue refers to the waste material generated in the scattering of the melted material when the mold opens. It is usually formed by the shape changed in the mold opening and the scrap generated when the product is ejected.
Ejector pin: Ejector pin is a heated rod with a domed head, which is used to remove the molded product from the die when the mold opens. The number of ejector pins depends on the product, with different shapes needed for different mold parts.
In summary, sheet metal stamping molds have different components, and together they form a unit to complete the stamping work. Being familiar with their terminology and function enables people to better understand and utilize molds in their field of work.
