Stamping Press Dictionary: Essential Terms Every Manufacturer Should Know

Stamping Press Dictionary: Essential Terms Every Manufacturer Should Know

Whether you’re new to metal stamping or a seasoned professional looking to refresh your knowledge, understanding the terminology is crucial to navigating the world of stamping presses. With so many technical terms used daily in metal forming, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

That’s why we’ve put together this Stamping Press Dictionary—a comprehensive list of key terms and definitions that every press operator, tool designer, or production manager should know.

 

A–Z of Stamping Press Terminology

 

A

Automation – The use of robotic or mechanical systems (e.g., feeders, transfer arms) to move materials through the press line, improving speed and reducing human intervention.

Air Clutch – A clutch mechanism activated by compressed air to engage or disengage the press drive system.

 

B

Blank – A pre-cut piece of metal that will be formed or stamped in the press.

Bed – The lower portion of the press that supports the die and absorbs stamping force.

 

C

C-Frame Press – A type of press with an open-front “C” shape, offering easy access but less rigidity than a straight-side press.

Coil Feed Line – A device that unwinds, straightens, and feeds coil stock into the press.

 

D

Die – A custom tool used to shape or cut metal in a stamping press. It consists of two parts: the upper die (punch) and lower die (die cavity).

Die Height (Shut Height) – The distance between the ram and the bed when the ram is fully lowered.

 

E

Ejector Pin – A device within the die that pushes the finished part or scrap out of the die cavity after forming.

Eccentric Drive – A type of mechanical drive that converts rotary motion into vertical stroke movement.

 

F

Feeder – A mechanical system that delivers raw material (usually coil or sheet) into the press.

Forming – A general term for the process of reshaping metal without removing material.

 

G

Gag Punching – A method that allows multiple punches in a single stroke using adjustable timing or die configurations.

 

H

Hydraulic Press – A press powered by hydraulic fluid pressure, known for its controllable force and slow, smooth operation.

High-Speed Press – A stamping press designed to perform at extremely high strokes per minute (SPM), ideal for mass production.

 

I

Idle Stroke – A non-cutting stroke during which the ram returns to its original position.

In-Die Tapping – A system integrated into the die to perform tapping operations during the stamping process.

 

J

Jib Crane – A type of overhead lifting device often used to install or remove heavy dies from the press bed.

 

K

Knockout – A mechanism that removes parts or scrap from the die cavity after stamping.

 

L

Light Curtain – A safety device that uses infrared beams to prevent access to the die area while the press is operating.

 

M

Mechanical Press – A stamping press powered by a flywheel and crankshaft system, offering fast and efficient operation.

Material Thickness – The gauge or thickness of the sheet metal being stamped, which affects tonnage and die design.

 

N

Nibbling – A process of cutting small, overlapping notches to shape a part, often using a punch.

 

O

Overload Protection – A system that prevents the press from exceeding its maximum tonnage to avoid damage.

 

P

Progressive Die – A die that performs multiple operations in stages as the material feeds through, producing a finished part at the end.

Punch – The male component of a die that pushes into the metal to cut or form it.

 

Q

Quick Die Change (QDC) – Systems or tools that speed up the process of removing and installing dies, improving uptime.

 

R

Ram (Slide) – The moving component of a press that holds the upper die and applies force during stamping.

Reverse Forming – A technique where metal is formed in the opposite direction of its original bend or contour.

 

S

Servo Press – A stamping press driven by a servo motor, offering programmable stroke profiles and precise control.

Shut Height – See Die Height above.

Straight-Side Press – A rigid frame press with two vertical sides, offering high accuracy and strength for heavy-duty applications.

 

T

Tonnage – The maximum force a press can apply. It must match or exceed the requirements of the forming operation.

Transfer Press – A press that automatically moves parts between die stations during the stroke cycle.

 

U

Undercut – A recessed or hidden feature that may complicate part removal or forming.

 

V

V-Die – A die used in bending operations, typically shaped like the letter “V.”

 

W

Webbing – The narrow metal area between stamped parts or features in a die, often removed later as scrap.

 

X–Z

X-Y Axis Control – In servo or CNC presses, this refers to programmable positioning in the horizontal plane.

Z-Height – Another term for vertical stroke or ram position in 3D die simulations or digital press setup.

Go back