| air bending |
A bending operation performed by using a punch to force the sheet into a die cavity without a bottom. |
| bed |
The main foundation and supporting structure upon which the operating parts of the machine are mounted and guided. |
| bending |
The shaping of sheet metal by straining the metal around a straight axis. A bending operation compresses the interior side of the bend and stretches the exterior side. |
| blankholder |
The tool in a drawing die that holds down the outer rim of the metal sheet as it is drawn into the die cavity. |
| blanking |
A shearing operation that creates a hole in sheet metal by separating an interior section. The removed piece of metal is the desired section. |
| bolster plate |
A plate that is designed to hold in place the lower die shoe. The bolster plate is attached to the top surface of the press bed. |
| clearance |
The amount of space between the outer edge of the punch and the inner edge of the die cavity. A proper amount of clearance is necessary for an effective shearing operation. |
| combination die |
Another term for a compound die. For some manufacturers, the term "combination die" implies a die that both cuts and forms the metal. |
| compound die |
A die designed to simultaneously perform more than one operation with each stroke of the press. For example, a compound die may blank and pierce in a single stroke. |
| die |
The main tool typically attached to the lower portion of the die set. The die contains a recess that provides space for the shaping or shearing of sheet metal. |
| die button |
A hardened steel tube that provides the opening for the punch during operation. During a shearing operation, the slug or blank passes through this opening. |
| die holder |
Another term used for the lower die shoe. |
| die retainer |
A hardened steel block containing machined impressions or cavities that shape the metal as the punch descends from above. The die retainer also holds the die button. |
| die set |
The collective assembly of upper and lower die shoes, guide pins and bushings, and punch and die retainers. |
| drawing |
For sheet metal, a forming operation that transforms a flat disc of stock into a hollow cup with an enclosed bottom. Drawing operations can also create boxes and more intricate shapes as well. |
| edge bending |
A bending operation performed by compressing the sheet metal between two flat dies and using a punch to bend an extended portion of the sheet over the lower die corner. |
| ground |
Machined with an abrasive to achieve a very precise dimension with excellent finish. |
| guide post |
A hardened rod positioned in the lower die shoe that fits into a bushing in the upper die shoe to guide the punch during operation. |
| guide post bushing |
A hardened steel tube that slides over the guide post and directs the upper die shoe during operation. |
| hardness |
The ability of a material to resist scratching or penetration. |
| lower die shoe |
The lower plate of a die set that supports the die retainer and die button. |
| matrix |
Another term used for the die button. |
| pilot |
A long, slender punch with a rounded tip used to position the metal sheet by entering a previously formed hole. Pilots are longer so that they enter the sheet before other tools form the metal. |
| plain-carbon steel |
A basic grade of steel, which contains less than 3 percent of elements other than iron and carbon. |
| press brake |
A type of press with an open frame and very wide bed. Press brakes are often used for bending operations, and they are typically manually operated. |
| progressive die |
A die containing a series of stations that perform one press operation after another in series. A progressive die gradually forms a part as it moves through the die, and the last operation separates the part. |
| punch |
The tool typically attached to the upper portion of the die set that shapes or penetrates the sheet metal. |
| punch holder |
Another term for the upper die shoe. |
| punch press |
A machine with a stationary base and an upper ram that moves along a vertical axis to shear, bend, or form sheet metal. |
| punch retainer |
The device used to mount the punch on the upper die shoe. |
| punching |
A shearing operation that creates an open hole in sheet metal by separating an interior section. The removed metal section is discarded scrap. |
| ram |
The main upper portion of the press that slides up and down within the press frame. The upper die shoe is attached to the ram. |
| slug |
The discarded section of scrap produced by a punching operation. |
| station |
A position within a progressive die where a punch and die perform a single metalworking operation. Progressive dies consist of a series of stations. |
| stripper |
A plate designed to remove sheet metal stock from the punch as it pulls away from the die during the operation. |
| stroke |
The distance marked by the farthest ends of reciprocating vertical movement of the press ram. |
| tool steel |
A type of steel designed for excellent wear resistance, toughness, and strength. Tool steels are typically variations of high-carbon steels. |
| toughness |
The ability of a metal to absorb energy without breaking or fracturing. |
| upper die shoe |
The upper plate of a die set that secures the punch retainer. |
| V-bending |
A bending operation performed by compressing the sheet metal between a V-shaped punch and die. |
| wiping die |
The tool used in an edge bending operation that provides the corner over which the extended portion of sheet metal is bent. |