Managing Thermal Expansion Drift in High Speed Stamping Tooling
Active coolant stabilization and pre-heated die sub-plates prevent thermal pitch drift from destroying progressive stamping tool clearances.
M2 Steel Progression
Meaning
Step by step advancement of the metal strip through a die made of tungsten molybdenum high speed steel defines the layout of a precision stamping tool. Efficient m2 steel progression relies on the toughness and wear resistance of the alloy to maintain the integrity of the cutting edges over millions of cycles. The layout of the stations must balance the work done at each step to prevent excessive heat buildup.
Precision Feed
Accuracy of the servo feeder determines if the material lands correctly within the pilots at each stage. While the m2 steel progression might be designed for a specific pitch, any slippage in the feeder can lead to misaligned cuts. Proper timing between the press stroke and the strip movement is essential to prevent damage to the tool or the material.
Durability Performance
Longevity of the cutting and forming inserts depends on the heat treatment and the surface coating applied to the base material. Because m2 steel progression often involves high speeds, the punches are frequently coated with titanium nitride to reduce friction. This coating extends the life of the progression and allows for a higher number of parts between sharpenings.
High speed steel remains the standard for these applications because it maintains its hardness at temperatures that would soften other tool steels. A properly maintained tool can produce millions of parts before the cutting edges require a complete overhaul.
Maximum Throughput
Output of the die is limited by the distance the material must travel and the time required for the pilots to engage. If the m2 steel progression is too long, the strip may experience buckling or feed errors at high speeds. Designers often limit the number of empty stations to keep the tool compact and maintain high production rates.