Progressive Die Set Up

Setting up a progressive stamping tool is one of the most critical steps in a successful stamping process. Damage to tools happen during the initial setting up stage in most of the time.

The first step to set up a progressive tool is to determine the die shut height. Experienced tool makers or set up men know how to set up a tool using the set up block or die Stoppers which is inbuilt in the tool.  Shut height is determined by trial and error method to ensure the two set up blocks are just touching each other. This process is time-consuming and require some experience to be performed properly. For a junior toolmaker, this process might take them longer time to complete, damage might be done to the tool if any mistake is made.

Spring loaded shut height gauge

We recommend to calibrate the shut height by using a spring loaded shut height gauge. The shut height can be ensured correctly set up by using this method.

The spring loaded shut height gauge as shown in Fig. 1. It is simple to fabricate in any tool shop by just designing a housing with a spring loaded slider in it. The slider is able to slide up and down with a cap screw at the side to lock the slider in position.

How does it work?

• The slider is placed between the top shoe and the lower shoe of the tool with extension to its maximum position.
• Allow the press to run a single stroke; take out the gauge to measure the total height of the gauge by a micrometer.
• Adjust the ram height according to the measurement. For instance, the tool shut height is 70mm. The gauge measurement is 72 mm. adjust the ram counter down by another 2 mm.
• Repeat the two steps to double ensure the correct shut height is set.

No prior experience is needed to perform this task also, it reduces the risk of making any mistakes during the set up stage and set up time can be reduced tremendously.

Tags: Die set up, metal stampings, precision metal stamping, progressive die, shut height