Die forming

Forming dies are typically made by tool and die makers and put into production after mounting into apress. The die is a metal block that is used for forming materials like sheet metal and plastic. For thevacuum forming of plastic sheet only a single form is used, typically to form transparent plastic containers (called blister packs) for merchandise. Vacuum forming is considered a simple moldingthermoforming process but uses the same principles as die forming. For the forming of sheet metal, such asautomobile body parts, two parts may be used: one, called the punch, performs the stretching, bending, and/or blanking operation, while another part, called the die block, securely clamps the workpiece and provides similar stretching, bending, and/or blanking operation. The workpiece may pass through several stages using different tools or operations to obtain the final form. In the case of an automotive component there will usually be a shearing operation after the main forming is done and then additional crimping or rolling operations to ensure that all sharp edges are hidden and to add rigidity to the panel.