Understanding Tool And Die Engineering And Manufacturing
Tools and dies are essential to the manufacturing industry; without these, cutting, forming, or shaping metals would be unthinkable. A tool-and-die business can help other companies manufacture and innovate products for various industries, from automotive parts, to medical components, to everyday household items. Some machinists and tool and die makers use computer-aided designs to produce parts and products, and they work on many different mechanically controlled and computer-controlled machinery to produce precision tools or components.
What Is A Tool and A Die?
The terms “tool” and “die” are often used interchangeably, but dies are essentially a subset of tools. Thus, all dies are tools, but not all tools are dies.
In metalworking, a tool is a mechanical device used to cut, form, support, and mold metals. Some examples include jigs, fixtures, drills, and cutting blades. On the other hand, dies are tools used to functionally change the shapes of metals and produce stamped parts at high-volume quantities.
What Is Tool and Die Engineering?
Tool and die engineering is a manufacturing industry field involving the creation of various gears needed in different manufacturing processes. Tool making produces fixtures, cutting tools, machine tools, and metal forming rolls.
On the other hand, die focuses on maintaining and creating dies — die sets, steel rule dies, and punches. In die making, precision is crucial because die steel and punches should have the proper clearance to create components accurately. Tool & Die engineers design and create blueprints using computer-aided design (CAD) so that toolmakers can build dies.
A tool and die engineering expert usually work in a designated area, room, or space close to where the tool and die manufacturing process takes place. These skilled craftspeople usually learn their skill through a combination of hands-on instruction and academic coursework, and they work closely as part of the whole manufacturing team.
What Is Tool and Die Manufacturing?
Tool and die manufacturing is a machining process where the tools and dies are put into action. Here, tools are used to cut out and form metal and other materials. They are valued for their precision in producing custom components and equipment.
This process also uses dies similar to a mold. The dies create complex and custom-shaped materials through methods like forging and stamping. Additionally, jigs are used in this process as tools to hold the metal while it is being bored, drilled, or stamped. A metal-stamped die is placed into a punch press to manufacture metal-stamped pieces.
Get The Best Tool & Die Services At Evans!
Here at Evans Tool & Die, we have the best artisans that create dies, molds, machine tools, cutting tools, and other custom manufacturing tools. We also offer master toolmakers in-house and a variety of dies and stamping capabilities, including forming, coining, progressive and transfer stamping, and secondary, and hand transfer dies. We can run your die in our 200,000 sq ft facility with one of our 67 punch presses.
With over 200 years of combined tool and die experience, we can create precision custom tool and die designs with tolerances of less than 0.001 of an inch. In addition, we are ISO 9001-2015 certified, woman-owned business with over 75 years in manufacturing; and our expertise and capabilities allow us to provide quality tool and die manufacturing and repair services.
Evans is your American-made, one-stop tool and die shop! We design, build, stamp, finish, pack and ship to your dock! We offer high-quality products with excellent customer service. Get a quote from us today for your tool and die engineering or manufacturing needs!