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Stamping

Guiding System Components 230

This class describes common guiding system components used in die sets, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.

  • Difficulty Intermediate

  • Format Online

  • Number of Lessons 13

  • Language English

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Course Outline
  • Objectives
  • The Purpose of Guiding Systems
  • Types of Guiding Systems
  • Plain Bearing System Components
  • Types of Plain Bearing Components
  • Bushing Materials
  • Plain Bearing Assembly
  • Ball Bearing System Components
  • Ball Bearing Assembly
  • Heel Block Guiding Systems
  • Stroke Length
  • Rigidity Considerations
  • Summary
Objectives
  • Explain the role of a guiding system.
  • Identify the major categories of guiding systems.
  • Describe the characteristics of plain bearing system components.
  • Identify types of plain bearing system components.
  • Describe the properties of common bushing materials.
  • Describe assembly methods for plain bearing system components.
  • Describe the characteristics of ball bearing system components.
  • Describe assembly methods for ball bearing system components.
  • Identify types of heel block guiding system components.
  • Describe how stroke length impacts the assembly of guiding systems.
  • Explain how a guiding system affects die set alignment.
Glossary
Vocabulary Term
Definition

aluminum alloy

A silvery white metal that is soft, light, and has a high strength-to-weight ratio.

ball bearing system

A guiding system consisting of ball cages that position ball bearings between the guide post and bushing surfaces. Ball bearing systems require less lubrication and offer improved alignment.

ball cage

A component attached to a guide post that houses multiple ball bearings. Ball cages travel along the guide post during operation.

bearing

A hardened, spherical ball that spins between two surfaces and reduces friction.

boss

A general term for any protrusion or component that "sticks out."

bronze

An alloy of copper and tin. Bronze offers a balance of strength, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance.

bushing

A hardened metal tube assembled in a die shoe that fits over a matching guide post.

clearance

A type of fit designed with a small amount of space for easy removal.

die shoe

A metal plate onto which the various die set components are mounted. Die sets typically contain an upper and lower die shoe.

graphite

A soft, black carbon-based material that can be used as a lubricant.

grinding

The use of an abrasive tool to wear away at a surface. Grinding is often used to tighten tolerances and improve surface finish.

guide post

A hardened cylindrical rod used to guide and align the die shoes. Guide posts are fitted into a matching bushing.

guiding system

The assembled components within a die set responsible for the proper alignment and guidance of the die shoes.

heel block guiding system

A guiding system that incorporates bosses and wear plates to increase rigidity.

honing

A precision abrasion process in which a relatively small amount of material is removed from a surface by means of abrasive stones.

interference

A type of fit designed with a small degree of overlap to prevent removal.

lubricant

A fluid used to reduce the friction between components.

oil groove

A patterned, internal channel or slot within a bushing that encourages the flow of a lubricant.

plain bearing system

A guiding system consisting of plain guide posts and bushings with finished surfaces that directly contact one another. Plain bearing systems require lubrication.

porosity

The amount of small spaces or voids within a solid material. Porous materials can absorb fluids.

preloading

An intentional interference fit between a guide post and bushing. Ball bearing systems are often preloaded.

press fit bushing

A type of bushing designed for an interference fit within the die shoe.

press fit guide post

A type of guide post designed for an interference fit within the die shoe.

self-lubricating bushing

A bushing containing numerous graphite plugs that store and slowly release a lubricating oil.

shoulder

A ring or collar around a component that provides a clamping surface.

slip fit bushing

A type of bushing designed for a clearance fit within the die shoe. Slip fit bushings are held in place with clamps.

slip fit guide post

A type of guide post designed for a clearance fit within the die shoe. Slip fit guide posts are held in place with clamps.

steel

A metal consisting of iron and carbon, usually with small amounts of other elements. Steel is the most common manufacturing metal.

stroke length

The distance marked by the farthest ends of reciprocating vertical movement of the press ram.

toe clamp

A type of clamp with a serrated surface that reaches forward and down to grip the workpiece.

wear plate

A component used to reduce wear and add support. Wear plates used within die sets often contain self-lubricating graphite plugs.