Meaning
Tooling systems that perform multiple fabrication operations at separate stations within a single press stroke to transform raw material into a finished part. The material moves through the die as a continuous strip, receiving a different cut or bend at each position. All stages of progressive stamping dies must be perfectly timed to ensure the final component meets the design specifications.
Station Sequence
Each station in the tool carries out a specific task such as piercing, lancing or forming. As the strip advances, the complexity of the part increases until the final operation separates the component from the carrier web. Proper design of progressive stamping dies minimizes material waste by nesting parts closely together.
Strip Progression
The distance the material moves between strokes is critical for the alignment of the features. Precise feeding mechanisms are required to work in tandem with progressive stamping dies to avoid tool damage. Pilot pins are used to lock the strip into the correct position before the press descends.
Tool Longevity
Hardened steel or carbide components are used to withstand the high forces of the stamping process. Because progressive stamping dies are expensive to build, they are typically used for high volume production runs where the cost can be amortized over millions of parts. Regular lubrication and inspection prevent premature wear of the cutting edges.
