Technical

Data
What Die Clearances Should Be Used?
Die Clearance, as we define it, is the total
difference between the Punch and Die
dimensions. Many studies have been made
throughout the Metalworking Industry
regarding the proper amount of clearance
to be allowed between Punch and Die.
Results vary considerably due to the many
variables involved such as type and
hardness of material, type and speed of
press, design of Punching Tools, finish on
Punches and Dies, etc. Through continued
research and experience, we have arrived
at the following recommendations for the
various styles of tooling.

The UniPunch Tooling System

This is generally used on a wide variety
of metal thicknesses, in short and medium
runs, using built-in springs to strip the
Punches from the material. These conditions
suggest maximum practical Die clearance of
20% be used when punching mild steel
(50,000 psi). Generally, this clearance provides maximum Punch and Die life, requires

less stripping pressure, and minimum press

tonnage which is an important feature since
the Units usually are used in multiple
setups.
Other materials require different die
1) WHAT IS DIE CLEARANCE?
clearances depending on the shear
It is the dimensional difference
strength and characteristics of the
between the punch & die.
material.
2) INDUSTRY STD.
always total clearance
Copper, brass, soft aluminum and
3) UNITIZED TOOLING STANDARD
other low shear strength materials
is usually 20% of material thicktend to drag on the Punch and Die
ness for 50,000 p.s.i. mild steel
causing galling of punches, and
PUNCH
slugs tend to fuse together. 15% of
material thickness is recommended
MATERIAL
for these materials.
When punching materials with high
DIE
shear strength such as stainless
steel, we recommend 25% of material
die clearance. This helps to reduce
1/2
THE TOTAL
punching tonnage and aid Punch and
CLEARANCE
Die life.
EXAMPLE:
.060 THICK MILD STEEL
For quick selection of stock sizes with
1.000 DIA. PUNCH
DIE CLEARANCE = .060" X 20% = .012"
15% to 20% clearance, seeTechDIE SIZE = 1.012
nical Data Die Clearance pages.

PUNCH & DIE CLEARANCE

How Often Should Punches and Dies be Sharpened?

and will have a frosted appearance. This
indicates that the metal in the immediate
vicinity is fatigued. At this time the Punch
and Die should be sharpened.
Tools not sharpened at the proper time will
also allow tool edges to deteriorate rapidly
and create extreme pressure on the cutting
edges and will increase punching pressure
requirements. This in turn will decrease
quality and quantity of holes produced
along with creating poor stripping conditions
in the Unit.
Therefore, frequent sharpening and minimum
material removal is by far the least
expensive and produces consistent high
quality holes.

PH: (800)828-7061 (716)825-7960 FAX: (716) 825-0581 www.unipunch.com

The Hole Thing / 113

TECH. DATA

Punch and Die life can be extended considerably by prudent sharpening at the ideal
time. The number of holes produced
between sharpening will vary according to
the material thickness and hardness from
conceivably 400 on very heavy material to
about 25,000 on thin material. Punches
require more frequent sharpening than Die
Buttons by almost two to one.
On a new or sharpened Punch or Die, the
shearing edges are square and sharp.
These edges are rather fragile considering
that they must withstand the impact and
tonnage required fracturing the material
being punched. After considerable punching,
observation of this edge will show a slight
rounding (approximately .010"/.015" radius),