Modular Punching Dies and Computer-Aided Die Assembly Design

This paper presents modular dies, a kind of flexible tools for shearing and bending operations of sheet metals. Similar to modular fixtures, modular dies consist of standard die elements. The flexibility of modular dies comes from various assembly configurations with the components, which is suitable for rapid responses to different production requirements. The principle, components, and assembly structure of modular dies are introduced. Operation analysis of applying modular dies in industry is conducted, including discussions on operation distributions and die clearances. Finally, a computer-aided modular die assembly design (CAMDAD) system is presented.