Stamping Die Types and Thermoplastic Polymers

This article discusses the different types of stamping dies used in manufacturing, including progressive, compound, and combination dies. It also provides an overview of thermoplastic polymers, including polypropylene, PVC, and high and low density polyethylene, and everyday items made from each. The advantages of each die type and polymer are also discussed.

University
Manufacturing Engineering and Technology
By
Your Name
Date
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Solutions
1. Multiple stamping operations are performed to convert a sheet of metal to a useful part.
Explain the difference between the following stamping die types. Elaborate on relative and
comparative advantages of each type with respect to the others.
a. Progressive die: For this type of die series of operations are performed. An operation is
performed at each station during stroke of a press. The transition between strokes results to
the piece of metal being transferred to the next station and for every stroke of press a finished
work piece is produced. This type of die is commonly preferred in production operations
where large volumes are produced at high speed. It is more economical and efficient
compared to other dies. Additionally, this die streamlines the process of manufacturing,
provides manufactured materials with uniform quality, and the die station is capable of
providing other services such as coining, fine blanking, and punching (Kalpakjian, Vijai and
Schmid, 2014).
Figure 1: Progressive Die
b. Compound die: This is the type of die that allows the possibility of performing multiple
operations in a single station and is commonly utilized when more than feature is required to
be stamped in a metal stamping part and the operations involved are capable of being run
independently. This type of die has a high level of accuracy and are more economical when
utilized in production. Additionally, they create the possibility of more than one stamping for
every stroke of press and proves perfect flatness of a part. Unlike the other dies it allows
repeatability which ensures consistency if production (Kalpakjian, Vijai and Schmid, 2014).
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Figure 2: Compound Die
c. Combination die: Just like the compound die, it allows the possibility of performing
multiple operations in one station. However, in this case an operation such as cutting runs
simultaneously with other operations such as bending or drawing hence the name
combination die. Advantage of this die lies in its ability to allow for multiple operations in a
single station (Kalpakjian, Vijai and Schmid, 2014).
Figure 3: Combination die
2. If I was intending to manufacture washers by stamping, which mold type I would prefer?
If a washer was to be manufactured through the process of stamping, compound die would be
preferred as it is more economical, accurate and ensures perfect flatness of a part required in
production as would be needed in the case of washers.
3. Name 5 thermoplastic polymers and two everyday items made from each.
Answer
Thermoplastics are materials which can be heated and be molded into different shapes as several
times (Groover, 2007). Thermoplastic polymers and items made from them are summarized in the
table below:
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Thermoplastic Polymer Manufactured Everyday Item
Polypropylene  Plastic Seats
 Ropes
 Kitchen Appliances
 Medical and Laboratory Equipment’s
 Plastic containers
Polyvinyl Chloride ( PVC)  Air and Water horses
 Soles for various types of shoes
 Blister packaging Materials
High Density Polythene  plastic bottles
 milk and beverage crates
Low Density Polythene  Toys
 Packaging Materials such as bottles,
bags, and packaging film
4. Name 2 thermoset polymers and one everyday item for each.
Unlike thermoplastics, thermosets are materials that can only be heated and molded once into a
specific shape (Groover, 2007). Everyday materials made from different thermoset polymers are
summarized in the table below:
Thermoset Polymer Everyday Material
Epoxy resin  Electrical Insulators
 Printed Circuit Boards
Polyester resin  Boat Bodies
 Car Bodies
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References
Groover, M.P., 2007. Fundamentals of modern manufacturing: materials processes, and systems. John
Wiley & Sons.
Kalpakjian, S., Vijai, K.S. and Schmid, S.R., 2014. Manufacturing engineering and technology. 7th ed.
Pearson.
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