A die is a specialized tool used in manufacturing industries to cut or shape material using a press. Like molds, dies are generally customized to the item they are used to create. Products made with dies range from simple paper clips to complex pieces used in advanced technology.
The main components for Die Toolsets are:
Die block - This is the main part that all the other parts are attached to.
Punch plate - This part holds and supports the different punches in place.
Blank punch - This part along with the Blank Die produces the blanked part.
Pierce punch - This part along with the Pierce Die removes parts from the blanked finished part.
Stripper plate - This is used to hold the material down on the Blank/ Pierce Die and strip the material off the punches.
Pilot - This is used to keep the material being worked on in position.
Guide / Back gage / Finger stop - These parts are all used to make sure that the material being worked on always goes in the same position, within the die, as the last one.
Setting (Stop) Block - This part is used to control the depth that the punch goes into the die.