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Modular Tooling is used on Multiple Applications

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Akron, NY, and Buffalo, NY, and St. Louis, MO,--January 26, 2004-- The appeal of modular dies is their ability to reuse standardized, individual punching members, including die sets, retainers, punches, die bushings, unitized frames, and strippers.

When used in multiple production applications, tooling costs can be distributed over a number of projects.

Modular Hard Dies:

With modular tooling, the basic die set – if there is one – becomes a single, reusable component of a complete system. The die set is purchased only once and used for all jobs. In keeping with the reusability theme, modular dies have reusable punch and die bushing retainers, each used to hold a series of interchangeable, reusable punches and die bushings. Unlike custom dies, these modular components are used on multiple applications to produce a variety of different stampings.

The concept of modular hard dies is to reuse standardized, individual punching members – the die set, retainers, punches, die bushings and strippers are all reusable components.

Modular hard tooling is a punching system of interchangeable punch and die holders, punches, dies, and gages. A die set, if needed, is purchased only once and used for a variety of jobs. Modular dies have reusable punch and die bushing holders, each accommodating a size range of interchangeable, reusable punches and die bushings.

Modular unitized tooling is a system of self-contained metalworking units with common die heights and shut heights. Each unit has its own strippers and stripping springs, and can be used side by side with similar tools. These units are secured to a mounting system for installation in a press or press brake.

Typical functions, in addition to punching holes, include notching, forming radii on corners, edge-notching, edge-forming, and lancing. In addition to working with flat metal, plastic, and even PC board material, unitized tooling is used to punch or notch structural shapes, such as channel or angle iron and odd-shaped aluminum extrusions.

Many companies design their products to have the same punched features, i.e. the same holes, shapes, notches etc. If the punches and dies made for these features can be reused to produce a variety of different jobs, the resultant cost savings can be significant.

Modular hard die system components are shared and reused to make many different subjects, even long after the job they were originally purchased for has been completed.

With modular dies, your tooling dollars are grouped into (3) basic categories: Capital Investment (Die Set, Holders, Gages, etc.), Tool Package (standard, reusable punches and die bushings, etc.) and Job-Specific (typically templates and any special tools).

Two types of modular tooling are modular hard dies, manufactured by S.B. Whistler & Sons (Akron, NY), and modular unitized dies from UniPunch Products (Buffalo, NY). Both companies teamed up for a joint effort at Fabtech 2003 and demonstrated each type of modular tooling on a Beckwood (St. Louis) hydraulic press.

Depending on the Whistler system you select, you may wish to purchase enough tools to permit setup of the next job while the first is in production. We call this the "second highest quantity" - or the number of tools required to simultaneously run your two most complex parts.

Hydraulic presses can often be purchased with features specifically tailored for use with modular tooling. Many of these result in simple, flexible presses having lower initial cost without sacrificing versatility or capability. Features found on Beckwood Press units specifically tailored for use with modular tooling include integrated, adjustable fixed stops for absolute ram repeatability; breakthrough decompression shock dampening; fully adjustable stroke; and adjustable force control.

If your press area and selected modular system are large enough, it may even be possible to run more than one job per press cycle.

S. B. Whistler & Sons, Inc. was founded in 1917 as a custom die shop and manufacturer of special jigs and fixtures. Back in 1933, Whistler developed, introduced and patented the world’s first reusable die system for punching and notching sheet metal – a technology that focused international attention on the company and revolutionized the metal stamping industry. http://www.sbwhistler.com/ Phone: 716-542-4141

UniPunch is the world's largest manufacturer of self-contained unitized tooling and a leading manufacturer of machine tooling. With manufacturing facilities located in Buffalo, NY & Clear Lake,WI. UniPunch boasts one of the world's most experienced technical support staff to meet your needs. http://www.unipunch.com/ Phone: 716-825-7960

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Source: S.B. Whistler & Sons, UniPunch Products, Beckwood and SME

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