Cutting force AND STRIPPING FORCE

Cutting force is the force required to sever material, while stripping force is the force needed to separate a material, such as insulation,
from a base material, like a wire. Stripping force is often a percentage of cutting force, typically 10% to 20%, and should also include a
safety factor.
Cutting Force:
 Cutting force is the force required to shear or cut through a material.
 It's calculated by multiplying the perimeter of the cut area, the material thickness, and the material's shear strength.
 Factors like lubrication, tooling surface finish, and raw material properties can also affect cutting force.
Stripping Force:
 Stripping force is the force needed to detach a material, such as insulation, from a base material.
 It's often calculated as a percentage of the cutting force, typically 10% to 20%, and requires a safety factor.
 Stripping force is crucial for ensuring proper separation without damaging the underlying material.
Key Differences:
 Action: Cutting force severs, while stripping force separates.
 Application: Cutting force is used for cutting through materials, while stripping force is used for separating materials like insulation.
 Relationship: Stripping force is often a percentage of cutting force and requires a safety factor.
 Cutting force = Periphery length x Sheet thickness x Shear strength.
 Stripping force = 10% to 20% of cutting force.

STRIP LAY OUT & NOMENCLATURE

Strip layout in sheet metal forming refers to the arrangement of parts within a strip of material that will be punched or stamped into a
die, while nomenclature refers to the terminology used to describe elements of the strip layout. The goal of strip layout is to optimize
material usage, minimize scrap, and ensure efficient production.
Here's a breakdown of key concepts and terminology:
1. Strip Layout Basics:
 Objective:
To design the arrangement of blanks (parts to be cut out) within a strip of sheet metal to maximize material utilization and minimize
scrap.
 Application:
Used in progressive die design, where multiple stamping operations are performed in sequence.
 Considerations:
Strip width, blank arrangement, scrap bridge, and the number of blanking operations.
2. Key Terms and Nomenclature:
 Blank: A single part that will be cut out from the strip.
 Strip: The sheet metal stock from which parts are blanked.
 Scrap Bridge: The portion of material that remains between adjacent blanks or between the blank and the edge of the strip.
 Front Scrap: The scrap bridge at the edge of the strip that is facing the operator.
 Back Scrap: The scrap bridge at the edge of the strip that is away from the operator.
 Advance: The distance the strip moves forward between successive strokes of the press during blanking or stamping.
 Lead End: The end of the strip that enters the die first.
 Tail End: The end of the strip that exits the die last.
3. Strip Layout Design Principles:
 Scrap Minimization: Optimizing the spacing and arrangement of blanks to reduce scrap waste.
 Material Efficiency: Maximizing the number of blanks that can be produced from a given strip width and length.
 Production Efficiency: Ensuring that the strip can be processed efficiently through the progressive die.
 Flexibility: Allowing for changes in part geometry or production requirements.
4. Examples of Strip Layout Elements:
 A (Front Scrap): The scrap bridge at the front edge of the strip.
 B (Bridge Thickness): The thickness of the scrap bridge between blanks.
 C: The distance between corresponding points on adjacent blanks.
 H (Part Width): The width of the blank.
 L (Length of Strip): The overall length of the strip.
 N (Number of Blanks): The number of parts that can be produced from a given strip.
 W (Width of Strip): The width of the sheet metal strip.
 Y (Scrap Recovery at End): The amount of scrap that can be recovered from the tail end of the strip.

Construction of dies
 Dies, in manufacturing, are specialized tools used to shape, cut, or engrave materials, often with the aid of a press. They are typically
constructed from alloy tool steels and consist of at least two halves: a fixed half and an ejector half, allowing for the removal of the
finished part. Modern dies may also include movable slides, cores, or other sections to create intricate shapes, holes, and threads.
Key Components and Construction:
 Fixed Die Half (Cover Half):
This half often contains sprues (holes for molten metal entry) and may have guide pins for precise alignment.
 Ejector Die Half:
This half usually houses the runners (passageways) and gates (inlets) that route the molten metal to the cavity. It also includes ejector
pins to help remove the finished part from the die.
 Die Shoes:
These are the base plates that all other die components are mounted on. They are typically made of cast iron or steel.
 Guide Pins and Bushings:
These are crucial for maintaining the alignment of the die during press operation.
 Punches:
These are the male features that work with the die steel to impart the desired shape to the material.
 Die Steels and Cavities:
These are the opposite (female) shapes of the punches, also contributing to the shaping of the material.
 Stripper Pad:
This component helps to remove the material from the punches after the press stroke.
 Other Components:
May include stop blocks, pilots, gauges, and springs.
Types of Dies:
 Single Cavity: Produces one component.
 Multiple Cavity: Produces multiple identical parts.
 Unit Die: Produces different parts at one time.
 Combination Die: Produces several different parts for an assembly.
 Progressive Die: Performs multiple operations (cutting, forming, etc.) in a single die set.
 Transfer Die: Performs one operation per die set.

Mountings of punch
Punch mounting refers to the methods used to securely attach punches to a punch press or other machinery for use in manufacturing
processes like punching, blanking, and forming. These methods aim to hold the punch firmly while allowing for easy replacement and
ensuring accurate positioning. Common mounting techniques include flange fixing, dowel pin locating, bolt fixing, and specialized
holding inserts like those from FIBRO.
Here's a more detailed look:
Types of Punch Mounting Methods:
 Flange Fixing:
The punch is attached to a flange, which is then secured to the punch press's ram or bolster.
 Dowel Pin Locating:
Dowel pins are used to precisely align the punch with the die, ensuring accurate positioning.
 Bolt Fixing:
Bolts are used to clamp the punch to a mounting plate or bracket.
 Holding Inserts:
Specialized inserts like those from FIBRO provide quick and easy punch mounting, allowing for close placement of punches on tool
plates.
 Ball Lock and Key Fixing:
These methods allow for quick punch mounting and removal, often used in automotive dies.
 Punch Plate-Based:
This common method involves press-fitting the punch into a punch plate, making die production easier.
Factors Affecting Mounting Method Choice:
 Accuracy Requirements:
Some applications, like precision work, require precise alignment, which may dictate the choice of mounting method.
 Ease of Replacement:
Quick-change punches often utilize methods that allow for easy replacement and removal.
 Punch Movement:
Certain methods are designed to prevent punch movement during operation.
 Application Specifics:
Automotive dies, for example, may utilize ball lock or key fixing for ease of replacement.
Example: UniPunch System
The UniPunch system uses a C-frame casting to hold the punch and die in alignment with a pilot pin, allowing for multiple punches to
be mounted in a press to punch multiple holes in one stroke.
In essence, punch mounting is a critical aspect of punching and die design, ensuring that punches are securely and accurately positioned
for efficient manufacturing operations.

What is a Punch Tool?

A punch is a tool used to indent or create a hole through a hard surface. They usually consist of a hard metal rod with a narrow tip at one end and a
broad flat “butt” at the other.
When used, the narrower end is pointed against a target surface and the broad end is then struck with a hammer or mallet, causing the blunt force of
the blow to be transmitted down the rod body and focused more sharply onto a small area. Typically, woodworkers use a ball-peen hammer to
strike a punch.
A punch tool is a small and narrow piece metal rod featuring a sharp point. A punch tool features a sharp point at the end. The other end of the
punch tool features a larger and blunter tip.
To use a punch tool such as this, a worker presses the sharp end against a workpiece, after which he or she hits the blunt end with a hammer or
mallet. When the hammer or mallet hits the punch tool, the tool’s sharp end will cut into the workpiece.
Although there are several types of punch tools, most of them use this otherwise basic design. They require the use of a separate tool, such as a
hammer or mallet, to “punch” a workpiece.

Types of Punch Tools

Mechanical engineering workshops extensively use various types of punches. A few of the basic types include center punch, prick punch, pin
punch, and drift punch.
Workshops use punches for locating centers for drawing circles, punch holes in sheet metals, start holes for drilling, remove damaged rivets, bolts,
or pins, and transfer the location of holes in patterns. Some punches used are hollow.
Types of punches are as follows:
 Centre punch
 Prick punch
 Solid punch
 Transfer punch
 Drive punch
 Pin punch
 Roll pin punch
 Hollow punch
 Dot punch
 Letter stamps
 Tablet punch
 1. Centre Punch
A center punch is used to mark the center of a point. It is usually used to mark the center of a hole when drilling holes. A drill has the tendency to
“wander” if it does not start in a recess. A center punch forms a large enough dimple to “guide” the tip of the drill.
The tip of a center punch has an angle between 60 and 90 degrees. When drilling larger holes, where the drill bit is wider than the indentation
produced by a center punch, the drilling of a pilot hole is usually needed. An automatic center punch operates without the need for a hammer.
An automatic center punch is a hand tool used to produce a dimple in a workpiece (for example, a piece of metal). It performs the same function
as an ordinary center punch but without the need for a hammer.
When pressed against the workpiece, it stores energy in the spring, eventually releasing it as an impulse that drives the punch, producing the
dimple. The impulse provided to the point of the punch is quite repeatable, allowing for uniform impressions to be made.
Applications:
The automatic center punch mechanism has been used for a wide variety of other applications. These include

 Marking and starting a hole for drilling without the bit “walking” out of alignment
 Letter stamp sets
 Glass-breaking tools used in rescue work and a common tool for a car thief.
 Impact tool for hardness testing
 Pin presses for electronic assembly
 In many applications, such as hardness testing, the mechanism does not have an adjustment for impulse strength, and may require periodic
calibration checks.
2. Prick Punch
A prick punch is similar to a center punch but used for marking out. It has a sharper angled tip to produce a narrower and deeper indentation. The
indentation can then be enlarged with a center punch for drilling.
The tip of a prick punch is 40 degrees (the angle depends on what type of prick punch one is using). It is also known as a dot punch. This is also
made of high carbon steel; prick punch is also made hard and tempered.
3. Solid Punch
Solid punches are one-piece rod-shaped tools made of metal designed to be struck by a hammer. They are typically used to drive objects such as
pins or to form impressions on a workpiece. Solid punches can vary in diameter, length, and tip depending on the job to be performed. Below is a
brief description and characteristics of the most common solid punches.
Solid punch is used for boring holes in blacksmith and sheet metal operations. These are used in different measurements according to the jobs.
These are produced of high carbon steel, hardened, and tempered.
While using these in hot jobs it is essential to cool them in cold water. These are used in rough works because holes made with a solid punch are
not exactly according to measurements and are not clean.
4. Transfer Punch
A transfer punch is a punch (usually in an index set) of a specific outer diameter that is non-tapered and extends the entire length of the punch
(except for the tip). It is used to tightly fit the tolerances of an existing hole and, when struck, precisely transfer the center of that hole to another
surface.

It can be used, for example, to duplicate the hole patterns in a part, or precisely set locations for threaded holes (created by drilling and tapping) to
bolt an object to a surface.
5. Drive Punch
A drive punch is a tool for punching holes in leather and fabric. It is struck with a mallet on top of a cutting board to cut precisely-sized holes into
your work. These drive punches are high-quality steel, and they automatically empty themselves of punched material through the side barrel so
there’s never any clogging.
 For driving out damaged rivets, bolts, and pins that are bound up in holes, you should use the drive punch. The drive punch has a flat face instead
of a point. The width of its face defines this type of punch, for example, 1/8-in or 1/4-in. The sides of a drive punch will taper all the way down to
the face, but sometimes you may need to use a punch with a straight shank. This is called the pin or drift punch.
In practice, you first use a drive punch to drive the pin or bolt that is to be removed until the hole blocks the progress of the punch.
6. Pin Punch
These types of punches are somewhat different from other punches. It is comparatively larger in length. Instead of being pointed in shape, these are
parallel. It is used for tight-fitting pins.
Pin punches can fully turn the rivets and pins out of a hole until they exit the hole, which cannot be done by the other punches. You then use a pin
punch to drive the bolt or pin the rest of the way until it is ejected from the hole. Be careful not to use a prick or a center punch to remove bolts or
pins from holes, as the point of the punch will spread the object making it even more difficult to remove.
7. Roll Pin Punch
Spring punches also called roll pin punches, are used to drive roll pins. Standard pin punches should never be used on a rolling pin. Because of the
hollow, thin wall construction of a rolling pin, a standard pin punch will often collapse, mar, or distort the end of the pin or be driven into, and
jammed inside, the hollow core of the roll pin.

When choosing a roll pin punch, select one that is no larger than the compressed diameter of the pin. If a punch is used that is larger than the pin,
the surrounding metal in which the pin is seated can be damaged. Also, a roll pin punch should not be used which is smaller than the compressed
diameter of the pin. If this occurs, it may be possible to drive the punch through the hollow center of the roll pin.
Roll pin punches are designed with a small projection in the center of the pin tip to support the circumference of the roll pin. The tips of roll pin
punches are not flat and should never be used on regular solid pins. If a roll pin punch is used on a solid pin, it will mar or mark the pin.
If the end of a roll pin punch is damaged or deformed, it should be discarded. It is virtually impossible to regrind the tip of the roll pin punch and
properly shape the center projection.
When using a roll pin punch, make sure the axis of the shank of the roll pin punch is in line with the axis of the roll pin. Do not can’t the roll pin
punch off to one side. When you strike the roll pin punch, hit it directly on the top of its head. If you strike the head of the roll pin punch at an
angle you may bend the shank.
8. Hollow Punch
It is a special type of a hardened steel punch with hollowness. It is used for cutting holes in metal, cardboard, fabric. These are available in
different sets for holes of different sizes. As they are hollow, the metal which is cut with them falls out through the grooves built on its side. Thus,
we can make a number of holes in little time and the holes are quite clear.
Hollow punches make clean holes in gaskets, leather, plastic, rubber, vinyl, and other soft materials, are used for leather craft, clothing, handbags,
jacket, webbing, canvas, and for any custom leather works.
9. Dot Punch
The dot punch is similar to a center punch but typically thinner, lighter, and having a sharper tip, used for marking the center of a hole that is to be
drilled, or (more generally) for making an indentation in the surface of an object. However, it is more accurate as the dot produced is smaller.
Both the center and dot punches are used in the same way. A ball pein hammer is used to tap the head of the punch and this delivers enough force
to the point of the punch to put a small indentation into the surface of the material.

11. Letter Punch

Also known as letter stamps or number stamps, letter punches are used to emboss the impression of a letter or number into a workpiece. They are
most common in the reverse image, this allows the end result to be immediately readable, however, they may be made as a positive image.
This is essential in the case of die or mold making and ensures that the finished product will be readable, as a die is a negative image.
12. Tablet Punch
Tablet punches and dies are also known as tablet tools or punch and die tooling, or compression tools. It is essential to have superior quality tablet
tools for excellent performance, high productivity, and long tooling life.
A tablet tool determines the uniformity of size, shape, imprint, and weight of the tablets. The die and punches are fit on the tablet press machine
single punch tablet press machine or rotary press machine. To make a tablet from powder, the granulated material is metered into a cavity formed
by two punches (lower punch and upper punch) and a die.
Then the punches are pressed together with a force to compress the material together in the middle die from opposite directions. With the external
pressure of the up punch and the down punch, the materials in the middle die will be compressed tightly.

TOOL STEELS USED FOR PUNCHES & DIES

Tool steels like A2, D2, and M2 are commonly used for punches and dies due to their high hardness, strength, and wear resistance. Other options
include stainless steel, high carbon steel, tungsten carbide, and high chrome steel. Specific Tool Steel Grades and Their Applications:
 A2 (Air-Hardening): A general-purpose steel, often used for blanking, forming, and trimming dies, as well as punches.
 D2 (High Carbon, High Chrome): Known for excellent wear resistance and is suitable for long production runs.
 M2 (High-Speed Steel): A general-purpose high-speed steel, good for abrasion resistance, impact resistance, and toughness.
 S7 (Shock-Resistant): Used when high toughness and shock resistance are needed.
 O1 (Oil-Hardening): Easy to machine and offers good abrasion resistance.
 Stainless Steel: Used for its high wear resistance and corrosion resistance.
 Tungsten Carbide: A very hard material, offering superior wear resistance and hardness.
 High Chrome Steel: Provides excellent wear resistance and hardness.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Tool Steel:
 Type of Application: The specific operation (blanking, forming, etc.) and material being worked will influence the choice of steel.
 Wear Resistance: Some applications require high wear resistance, while others require higher shock resistance.
 Machinability: The ease with which the steel can be machined is a factor to consider.
 Cost: The cost of different tool steels can vary significantly.
 Heat Treatment: The ability to be hardened and tempered and the potential for distortion during heat treatment need to be considered.
 METHODS OF MANUFACTURE OF PUNCHES & DIES
Punches and dies are manufactured using various techniques, including machining, heat treatment, and assembly, to achieve desired shapes, sizes, and
tolerances. These tools are commonly made from high-quality materials like hardened steel, tool steel, or carbide for durability and longevity.
Here's a more detailed look at the manufacturing methods:
1. Material Selection:
 High-Quality Materials:
Punches and dies are typically made from materials like hardened steel, tool steel, or carbide for their strength and resistance to wear and tear.
 Specific Applications:
The choice of material can also depend on the specific application. For example, stainless steel is often used for abrasive materials due to its high
wear resistance.
2. Machining:
 CNC Machining:
Precise punches and dies are often manufactured using CNC machines to achieve the required tolerances and shapes.
 Various Processes:
Machining can involve milling, turning, grinding, and other techniques to shape the raw material into the desired form.
3. Heat Treatment:
 Hardening and Tempering:
Heat treatment processes like hardening and tempering are used to enhance the strength and durability of the punches and dies.
 Metallurgical Procedures:
These processes involve heating the material to a specific temperature and then quenching it in a medium like oil to achieve the desired metallurgical
properties.
4. Assembly and Finishing:
 Punch Mounting:
Different methods can be used to mount the punch in the die set, including flange fixing, dowel pin locating, and bolt fixing.
 Finishing Touches:
Final touches like polishing or coating may be applied to enhance the appearance and performance of the tools.
5. Specialized Techniques:
 Electroforming:
This process can be used to create intricate shapes and fine details on punches and dies.
 Powder Metallurgy:
In some cases, punches and dies are manufactured using powder metallurgy techniques, which involve compacting metal powders and sintering
them to achieve the final shape.
6. Quality Control:
 Rigorous Testing:
Punches and dies are often subjected to rigorous testing to ensure they meet the required specifications and performance standards.
 Dimension Control:
Precise measurements and quality control checks are used to ensure the accuracy and precision of the manufactured tools.

What is stripping plate?

A plate (solid or movable) used to strip the workpiece or part from the punch. It may also guide the stock by holding the workpiece down during a
press operation. Also called a pressure plate.
Types of stripper plate:
Stripper plates are classified into three main types: rigid, semi-rigid, and elastic. Rigid strippers are fixed and provide strong stripping force, while
semi-rigid and elastic strippers offer more flexibility in stripping action.
1. Rigid Strippers:
 These are the most common type and are fixed in place.
 They are easy and economical to manufacture.
 They can exert strong stripping force, making them suitable for demanding applications.
 Box strippers: are a type of fixed stripper where the stripper is clamped and located directly on the block.
 Travelling strippers: are used when clamping the strip is also necessary, or when the punches need to remain engaged in the stripper during the entire
cycle.
2. Semi-Rigid Strippers:
 These strippers offer a compromise between rigidity and flexibility.
 They can be adjusted or moved to some extent during operation.
 This allows for greater control over the stripping process.
3. Elastic Strippers:
 These strippers utilize the elasticity of springs or elastomers to push the stripper plate.
 This type of stripping is particularly useful for delicate or thin materials.
 The stripping force can be adjusted as needed.
 STOPPERS
In press tools, stoppers, also known as die stops, are mechanisms that stop the movement of the stock material (sheet metal) at a specific point during
the stamping or forming process. This ensures accurate positioning and registration of the material before the punch makes contact with the die.
Types of Stoppers:
 Fixed Stoppers:
These are typically solid, immovable components that are part of the die set.
 Solid Stops: Provide a fixed stop position for the material.
 Headed Pin Stops: A pin with a head that protrudes and stops the material.
 Plain Pin Stops: A simple pin that stops the material's movement.
 Moving Stoppers:
These stoppers can be adjusted or moved during the stamping process.
 Finger Stops: Finger-like mechanisms that engage with the material and stop its movement.
 Pivoted Stops: These stoppers can pivot to adjust the stop position.
 Manual, Semi-automatic, and Automatic Stops: These are more advanced stoppers that may be activated by the operator or automatically by the
press.
Function of Stoppers:
 Stop Position:
Stoppers define where the stock strip is stopped, according to Industry Learning.
 Registry Position:
They also ensure that the stock strip is accurately positioned at the registry position, which is where the punch and die will interact to form the
desired shape.
 Precise Control:
Stoppers help control the movement and positioning of the stock material, ensuring accuracy and consistency in the stamping process.
 Safety:
They help prevent over-feeding of the material, which can damage the tool or the product.
Examples of Stopper Applications:
 Blanking and Piercing:
Stoppers are used in blanking and piercing operations to ensure the material is accurately positioned before the punch cuts the desired shape.
 Progressive Dies:
In progressive dies, where multiple operations are performed on the stock strip at different stations, stoppers are crucial for maintaining accurate
positioning between stations.
 Side Cutters:
In some cases, stoppers can be used in conjunction with side cutters to stop the strip against a shoulder formed by the side cutter.
 Electrical Knockout Tools:
Stoppers can also be used in tools like electrical knockout tools to stop the material at the correct position before it is punched through.
In essence, stoppers are essential components in press tools that ensure accurate material positioning, prevent over-feeding, and contribute to the
overall precision and consistency of the stamping process.
Gauges
In most pres tools the stock material is fed in the form of long strips. For the efficient functioning of the tool the strip should be guided longitudinally
during its travel through the tool. This is achieved by employing gauges. When unit stocks are used, pin gauges nest them in the required position.
Gauges used in secondary operation tools locate the pre-blanked or pre-formed component in relation to the operation to be carried out.
Back guage and front gauge. Whenever the stock material is fed in the form of a strip it is fed in between the back gauge and the front gauge. The
back gauge is the one which is on the far side of the press operator or located on rear side of press tool. The front gauge is on the near side of the
operator or located in front portion of press tool. While feeding, the operator should always keep the strip pressed against the back gauge.
Back gauge is the actual gauging member and the function of the front gauge is only to provide approximate gauging. The required dimensional co-
ordinates are maintained from the back gauge to the die opening.
Bulge clearance
Thick and soft materials tend to bulge sidewise as soon as the blanking operation is performed. This makes it difficult to feed as well as to gauge the
strip further. A bulge clearance is provided usually in the back gauge only.
Size of back gauge and front gauge
Extended back gage
for easier gauging the back gauge is extended beyond the die on the feeding side. Its length is equal to the strip width for roll feeding and two and a
half times the strip width for manual feeding.
Strip support
During manual feeding, to reduce fatigue to the operator a strip support should be provided while feeding flexible strips. The strip support should be
made wider and brought closer to die block to provide better support and guidence. Roll feed does not require strip support.
Pushers
Pushers are provided to keep the strip firm against the back gauge during its travel through the tool.Spring loaded pushers are used for this purpose.
Nesting Gauges
Nest gauges are used whenever
- secondary operation tools are used
- unit stock is fed into the tool.
The function of the nest gauge is to align the unit stock or the component for the secondary operation in correct relation to the punch and die.The nest
gauges should meet the following three conditions to achieve the best result.
Accuracy
The fit between the piece part and the gauge should be perfect and consistent throughout the life of the tool.It is not necessary for the nest to locate the
entire contour of the piece part.
 Only sufficient number of locating points are needed.
But they should be strategically located in relation to the piece part contour. The number of locating pins depends upon the life and the shape of the
piece part. The minimum requirements are
- Three points for circular and triangular shapes.
- four points for other shapes.
Easy and quick unloading
Nest gauges should facilitate fast and easy loading and unloading of components. to achieve this good visibility and accessibility are required.
Adequate lead angle should be provided around the nesting profile for easy loading, unloading is difficult than loading. So through consideration
should be given to this point. For low production tools simple pick off slots are machined in the nest. the operator can manually pick the piecepart out
of the nest. Piece parts can be ejected out by means of lever operated ejectors. Thin pieceparts can be expelled from the nest by means of ompressed
air jets.
Fool proofing
Possibility of the piece part being loaded in incorrect manner by the operator should be pevented by the nest. This can be easily achieved by fool proof
pins.
Types of nest gauges
Pin type nest gauges
This is the simplest form of nest gauge .It consists of plain or headed cylindrical pins. They are arranged in such a way as to provide enough number of
locating points for the piece part. The pins are hardened and ground and are press fitted in the die block. The upper end of the pins must be beveled for
easy loading and unloading. The opposing tool member should have relief holes to receive these pins. In inverted tools the nest pins are fitted into the
travelling stripper. The relief holes are drilled in the die block. If these holes are to be provided near the die opening the die will be weakened. In such
cases the pins are spring loaded. They are pushed below the face of the stripper upon contact with the die block. Retracting nest pins are less accurate
and should be used only if inevitable.
Plate type nest gauges
This type of nest gauge is a plate into which an opening is machined to receive the piece part. This opening need not fit the entire contour of the piece
part. The plate nest can be of split construction for easiness in machining and hardening. They should be perfectly screwed and dowelled into position.
All gauging elements should be made out of tool steels and hardened to 48 to 53 HRC.

PILOTS
In press tools, pilots are used as positioning tools, especially in progressive dies, to accurately align the material (strip) before each punch
operation. They ensure the strip is correctly positioned for the next step in the sequence, preventing errors and maintaining precision.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
 Purpose:
Pilots help position the stock strip in relation to the die opening, especially in progressive dies where multiple operations are performed on the same
material strip.
 How they work:
When the press cycle begins, the pilot engages with a pre-pierced hole in the strip, dragging it into the correct registry position before the punch
strikes.
 Types:
There are different types of pilots, including those with bullet nose, conical stub nose, and angular nose profiles, each offering varying levels of
smoothness and strength during the piloting action.
 Importance of accuracy:
The size of the pilot relative to the hole is crucial for accuracy. For example, a pilot that is too large might prevent proper engagement or damage the
hole, while a pilot that is too small may not provide sufficient guidance.
 Application:
Pilots are commonly used in progressive dies where the strip needs to be moved precisely from one station to the next for subsequent operations,
such as piercing, forming, and blanking.