Cut-off dies are used to separate or cut rolled material into specific lengths or shapes. They typically consist of the following components:
Blade Cut Dies: These use a cutting blade guided into die sections for shearing. Key design principles include:
Guided blade flexing into die sections
Stripper relief to prevent binding
Die section relief to allow slug dropping
Blade shuttling to reduce wear in high-leg cuts
Crop Off Dies: These are used for cutting off excess material or creating clean edges. Common blade constructions include:
Solid tool steel blades
Smaller cutting inserts in hardened holders
Post-type die sets with leader pins and guide bushings
When designing blocks and dies for cut-offs and shears, several critical factors must be taken into account to ensure optimal performance and efficiency, this is where Bowers and Jones can help you. The material type and thickness play a crucial role in determining the appropriate design, as different metals and thicknesses require specific cutting approaches.
The desired cut quality stands as an essential criterion because it determines how the final product will look and function. The selection of materials and design complexity for manufacturing depends heavily on production volume because extensive manufacturing demands durable efficient solutions.
Tooling wear along with correct maintenance decisions determine long-term reliability and minimise equipment downtime. The cutting process depends heavily on the precise clearance between upper and lower blades which should measure between 5 to 10 percent of metal thickness.
By carefully evaluating these factors, we can create blocks and dies that deliver optimal performance and meet specific production requirements
Our team of experienced technical staff is always on hand to provide expert assistance, consultation, and advice to our valued customers.
Whether you have questions about our roll tooling products, need help troubleshooting an issue with your mill equipment, or require guidance on the best practices for maintenance and operation, our knowledgeable and ISO 9001 certified team is here to help.
