Choosing the proper die set foundation is a critical part of die engineering. Improper selection of die can result in numerous deflection-related issues such as cutting sections breaking, misalignment of working die components, punches chipping and breaking, and the inability to make a qualifying part.
A proper die set is an essential element of die engineering. Of all the die sets available, the two most common metal stamping dies are progressive die and compound die. Both used to stamp metal parts for applications across different industrial verticals. As each product has unique end uses, it is crucial to choose a stamping die that can produce a precise product at optimal cost and time.
What is a Progressive Die?
Progressive die comprises more than one workstation. It is associated with sequential processing at each workstation. Here, the work metal remains attached to the base strip throughout the metal stamping process. The first step is usually blanking, and the final step involves the removal of the desired shape from the work metal sheet. It completes all the operations simultaneously and at one stroke.
The production time for a set of metal stamping is low as there is no lag between the operations. In short, it is a multitasking sequence die and includes various cutting and forming processes.
Advantages of Progressive Die:
- High productivity
- Safe operation
- Compatible with automation
- High-speed operation
Disadvantages of Progressive Dies:
- High setup cost, but these generate accurate products in ample quantities
- Cost-effective only for mass-produced products
- Not suitable for large-sized components
What is a Compound Die?
Compound dies perform various metal stamping tooling operations like cuts, punches and bends in one stroke. Therefore, it is used for the mass production of simple metal parts. The speed of operation depends on the size of the metal part. The more the size, the less the speed will be. This means the metal part would take more time to exit the die.
Compound dies have male and female parts to perform one or more metal stamping operations at the same time. For example, a compound die can blank, pierce, and punch on the metal sheet at the same time to produce the desired metal part of the precise design.
Compound dies also leave no slugs at the end of the metal stamping operation as these are removed during the cutting process. This means there is no need for secondary slug removal, which adds overall value to the product.
Advantages of Compound die:
- Fast and efficient production of simple parts
- High repeatability for single die-cases
- Low setup cost
- No need for a secondary operation like slug removal
- Easy to set up
Disadvantages of Compound die:
- Not suitable for medium to high complex metal geometries
Progressive Die vs. Compound Die: Which One Suits Your Project?
Compound dies and progressive dies both use one or more than one metal stamping operation. The difference between progressive die and compound die lies in the number of strokes to complete a metal stamping operation.
Progressive dies require one or more strokes to create a metal stamp. It depends on the design complexity. On the contrary, compound dies use just a single stroke to complete the metal stamping operation.
For the high volume production of simple metal parts, compound dies would be the better choice between the two. Progressive dies are best for the mass production of the precise, medium-sized metal part.
The overall cost for progressive die depends on the geometry of the metal part and is generally higher than compound dies. A wide range of metals like steel, aluminum, copper, titanium is suitable for progressive as well as compound dies.
As a result, Compound die and Progressive die have their own unique benefits and limitations. Depending on the project and components’ intricacies, you can choose one that complements your objectives.
Selecting Compound Die and Progressive Die Services Provider:
It is advisable to partner with providers utilizing state-of-the-art die methods to meet client expectations and project requirements. Eigen delivers by generating valuable and accurate components through Progressive Die and Compound Die with higher complexity.
Eigen delivers value through:
- High-speed production
- Cost-effective processes
- Reliable manufacturing
- Robust testing mechanisms
- Stellar craftsmanship
