Stamping Die Strain Measurements

A procedure for the measurement of stamping die strains encountered during stamping operations is documented in this study. The design of stamping die press components has, in the past, been primarily based on experience and rough design and casting rules. Recent studies are attempting to calculate the stressess in punch, binder ring, and die structures using complex finite element models, but the ability to correlate the predictions has been difficult due to the dynamic nature of the loads, the massive size of the components, and the lack of access to the high stress regions usually located at the center of the large steel or iron castings. Recently developed signal monitoring equipment has now made the observation of strains inside the die structures feasible. In the present study a radio controlled set of small data acquisition units have been attached to a stamping die component and the strains at critical locations were collected for comparison to computer predictions.