17.05.

2018 Die Basics 101: Part XIII - The Fabricator

(https://ads.thefabricator.com/delivery/ck.php?

oaparams=2__bannerid=749__zoneid=1__cb=3088c92a1d__oadest=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hypertherm.com%2Fen-
US%2Fhypertherm%2Fxpr%2Fxpr300%2F%3Futm_source%3Dthefabricator%26utm_medium%3Dweb%26utm_campaign%3DXPR300%26utm_term%3D728x90%26utm_c

Home (/) / Article (/?filter=article) / Stamping (/?filter=article&category=stamping) / Die Basics 101: Part XIII

+shimmy.%0D%0APinch+Trimming%0D%0APinch+trimming+is+a+special+method+in+which+the+vertical+walls+of+a+drawn+or+stretched+vessel+are+cut+by+pinching)

Die Basics 101: Part XIII

APRIL 10, 2007
BY: ART HEDRICK (/AUTHOR/ART-HEDRICK)

Various specialty metal cutting methods are used in stamping operations. Among them are pinch, breakout, and
shimmy.

Pinch Trimming
Pinch trimming is a special method in which the vertical walls of a drawn or stretched vessel are cut by pinching the
metal between two hardened tool steel die sections. In most cases, the clearance between the die sections is as little as
possible (Figure 1).

Unlike a conventional metal cutting process, no shearing or fracturing takes place in pinch trimming. Items such as
deep-drawn cans often are pinch trimmed.

Although pinch trimming is a very popular method, because the metal basically is pinched off, a very sharp burr usually
Figure 1
remains on the part (Figure 2). This burr must often be removed by tumbling the parts in a tub containing abrasives.
Pinch trimming die design
Pinch trimming also places a great load on the sides of the die sections, which results in high wear. Most pinch trimming
operations require a great deal of maintenance.

Figure 2
Result of pinch trimming

ADVERTISEMENT

(https://ads.thefabricator.com/delivery/ck.php?oaparams=2__bannerid=123__zoneid=217__cb=b80086d390__oadest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cpec.com)

Breakout Trimming
Breakout trimming is a specialty metal trimming process in which the metal is forced to fracture or break free from the vessel's flange. If you are accustomed to
conventional cutting operations, this process most certainly may look harebrained to you. Unlike a conventional metal cutting process, the lower die section has a 45-
degree angle ground on its edge. This angle has two basic functions: first, to allow the cup to fully nest in the lower die, and second,. to force the flange to bend upward
slightly.

The cutting clearance also is much greater in breakout trimming than the clearance commonly used in conventional cutting operations. This additional clearance causes
leverage action, but does not allow for the metal to be bent into a vertical wall. However rest assured, this process works well, especially for metals that severely work
harden (Figure 3).

Breakout trimming takes advantage of the metal's work hardening and reduced thickness in a given localized zone. This
method works best for round or axial symmetrical drawn parts.

For breakout trimming to work effectively, the drawn cup must be properly prepared for the process. The inside radius on
the cup's flange must be reduced to a dead sharp corner before using this method. This is achieved by drawing the cup
deeper in the drawing operation or compressing it back over a dead sharp corner on the die section (Figure 4). Doing
so reduces thickness in the radius and allows work hardening to take place.

After the cup has been prepared properly, it can be introduced into the
breakout trimming process, in which the cup flange will be forced
upward, causing the metal to breakat the dead sharp corner (Figure 5). Figure 3
Because the cup flange is round, as it is pushed upward it is forced into Break out trimming
radial compression. This compression works to your advantage by
forcing the cup to be fractured out of the flange.

Breakout trimming does not produce a burr as large as that produced

by pinch trimming. Also, because the loads on the tool steel sections
are minimal, the die requires less frequent maintenance. However keep
in mind that this method can be used only in situations in which the
Figure 4
metal must be cut at the intersection of the flange and the cup's vertical
Creating a small radius
wall.

https://www.thefabricator.com/article/stamping/die-basics-101-part-xiii 1/5
17.05.2018 Die Basics 101: Part XIII - The Fabricator

Shimmy Trimming
Shimmy trimming is a unique metal trimming process in which a series of specially designed cams are used to force the part to move
side to side. Unlike conventional cam trimming, the part does not remain stationary, but rather moves horizontally in the die. It moves
in such as fashion that it can be trimmed true to the surface of the vessel. Trimming 90 degrees or true to surfaceresults in a much
cleaner cut and considerably lower burrs than pinch trimming.

A great advantage of shimmy dies is that they can cut the entire perimeter of a part in a single press stroke. Unlike conventional pinch
trimming, a shimmy trimming operation is not restricted to straight line cuts. Features such as notches, curved cuts, as well as a
various other cuts can be made. Many common items such as cigarette lighters and gun shells are made using the shimmy trimming
process.

Shimmy trimming operations also can be designed to cut metal as thick as 0.250 in. Figure 5
and, unlike conventional pinch trimming, can keep the original metal thickness in the
trimmed area. Not like conventional cutting operations, shimmy dies require a
pressure system such as a press cushion or a nitrogen gas manifold (Figure 6).

Which metal cutting operation a die design engineer chooses is based on many
factors, including allowable burr height, parts volumes, metal type and thickness, and
trim line geometry. No single trimming operation is best for all scenarios. The next
article in this series will continue the discussion of metal cutting.
Figure 6
Editor's Note: Parts trimmed with a shimmy trim die
Images courtesy of Vulcan Tool Corporation
Part I (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-i) provides an
introduction to stamping.

Part II (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-ii) covers various forming operations.

Part III (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-iii) discusses several production methods used to make stamped parts.

Part IV (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-iv) and Part V (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-v) cover common stamping

die components.

Part VI (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-vi) explains specialty die components.

Part VII (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-vii) provides an overview of metals used in stamping, and Part VIII
(http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-viii) continues this discussion.

Part IX (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-ix) covers the mechanical properties as well as behavioral characteristics of metals.

Part X (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-x) begins an in-depth look at the metal cutting process.

Part XI (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xi) defines slug pulling and common causes.

Part XII (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xii) describes methods for resolving slug-pulling problems.

Part XIII (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xiii) discusses various specialty metal cutting methods used in stamping operations.

Part XIV (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xiv) explains fineblanking and GRIPflow®.

Part XV (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xv) describes several bending methods—wipe, coin relief, pivot, and V bending.

Part XVI (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xvi) continues the discussion of bending in stamping operations, focusing on rotary and reverse U
bending. It also addresses the advantages and disadvantages of rotary bending.

Part XVII (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xvii) discusses the fundamentals of drawing and stretching.

You May Also Like

(/article/stamping/sheet-metal-stamping-101-part-iv) (/article/stamping/sheet-metal-stamping-101-part-v)
Sheet Metal Stamping 101, Part IV Sheet Metal Stamping 101, Part V

(/article/stamping/sheet-metal-stamping-101-part-iv) (/article/stamping/sheet-metal-stamping-101-part-v)

(/article/stamping/die-basics-101-part-iii) (/article/stamping/die-basics-101-part-ii)
Die Basics 101: Part III Die Basics 101: Part II

(/article/stamping/die-basics-101-part-iii) (/article/stamping/die-basics-101-part-ii)

Art Hedrick
Contributing Writer
Dieology LLC
8730 10 Mile Rd. SE.
Rockford, MI 49341

https://www.thefabricator.com/article/stamping/die-basics-101-part-xiii 2/5
17.05.2018 Die Basics 101: Part XIII - The Fabricator
Phone: 616-894-6855

http://www.dieology.com (http://www.dieology.com)
Contact via email (mailto:dieology@pathwaynet.com)

More Content by Art Hedrick (/author/art-hedrick)

Author of the "Die Science" column in STAMPING Journal®, Art also has written technical articles on stamping die design and build for a number of trade publications. A
recipient of many training awards, he is active in metal stamping training and consulting worldwide.

Related Companies
Dieology LLC (https://www.thefabricator.com/directory/showroom/dieology-llc)

1 Comment The Fabricator 

1 Login

Sort by Best
 Recommend ⤤ Share

Join the discussion…

LOG IN WITH
OR SIGN UP WITH DISQUS ?

Name

Michael Franklin • a year ago

#4. Model trimmer machine with model trimmer die.
△ ▽ • Reply • Share ›

ALSO ON THE FABRICATOR

Victaulic’s RG1200 roll grooving tool requires no power source The fabricators welcome the makers
1 comment • 3 months ago 1 comment • 4 months ago
dougspair — ...Users will develop large forearms..... John Halverson — As a customer, I can say The Shop is a great addition to
Avatar Avatarmy productivity. My life was swamped with the ghosts of half finished
projects, …

Lincoln Electric’s VIKING 3250D FGS welding helmet features Filling in the vocational hole in the educational track
integrated flip-up grind shield 1 comment • 5 months ago
1 comment • a month ago Bill Frahm — You raise good points, Dan. Shop classes help generate
Phil E. — Is this going to be available with a PAPR system? Avatarinterest in building tangible things, as well as building fundamental skills in …
Avatar

✉ Subscribe d Add Disqus to your siteAdd DisqusAdd 🔒 Privacy

SITE SPONSOR

(https://ads.thefabricator.com/delivery/ck.php?

oaparams=2__bannerid=525__zoneid=473__cb=072a7daedb__oadest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cpec.com)

(https://ads.thefabricator.com/delivery/ck.php?

oaparams=2__bannerid=55__zoneid=218__cb=1d1fe4cbe8__oadest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenerd.com%2F)

Upcoming Industry Events

ALAW® – Advanced Laser Applications
Workshop (/event/alaw-advanced-laser-
applications-workshop-1)

https://www.thefabricator.com/article/stamping/die-basics-101-part-xiii 3/5
17.05.2018 Die Basics 101: Part XIII - The Fabricator
JUNE 4-6, 2018 | PLYMOUTH, MI
FABTECH Canada (/event/fabtech-canada)
JUNE 12-14, 2018 | TORONTO, ON
Atlantic Design & Manufacturing
(/event/atlantic-design-manufacturing)
JUNE 12-14, 2018 | NEW YORK, NY
International ThermProcess Summit (ITPS)
and the International Finishing & Coatings
Summit (IFCS) (/event/international-
thermprocess-summit-itps-and-the-
international-finishing-coatings-summit-ifcs-)
JULY 30 - AUGUST 1, 2018 | ATLANTA, GA
International Robot Safety Conference
(/event/international-robot-safety-conference)
OCTOBER 9-11, 2018 | DETROIT, MI
Northeast Lean Conference 2018
(/event/northeast-lean-conference-2018)
OCTOBER 10-11, 2018 | PROVIDENCE, RI
EuroBLECH 2018 (/event/euroblech-2018)
OCTOBER 23-26, 2018 | HANOVER, DEU
FABTECH (/event/fabtech-1)
NOVEMBER 6-8, 2018 | ATLANTA, GA
Powder Coating 2019 Technical Conference
(/event/powder-coating-2019-technical-
conference)
APRIL 1 - 4, 2019 | ORLANDO, FL

See All Industry Events » (/?filter=event)

(https://ads.thefabricator.com/delivery/ck.php?

oaparams=2__bannerid=1099__zoneid=220__cb=bd13dd0d0c__oadest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.diedesignsoftware.com%2Fproducts%2Flogopress3-3d-die-design)

Most Popular Content This Week

A wireless foot pedal and a spud wrench
(/blog/a-wireless-foot-pedal-and-a-spud-
wrench)
Meridian Magnesium fire spotlights supply
disruption vulnerability (/blog/meridian-
magnesium-fire-spotlights-supply-disruption-
vulnerability)
Tips for successful robotic aluminum welding
(/article/automationrobotics/tips-for-
successful-robotic-aluminum-welding)
Huntington Ingalls Industries partners with 3D
Systems to accelerate adoption of 3-D
printing (/news/additive/huntington-ingalls-
industries-partners-with-3d-systems-to-
accelerate-adoption-of-3-d-printing)
Tips for preparing your material before
welding (/article/cuttingweldprep/tips-for-
preparing-your-material-before-welding)
NBT announces 2018 manufacturing camp
grant recipients
(/news/shopmanagement/nbt-announces-
2018-manufacturing-camp-grant-recipients)
Nucor to build galvanizing line at Arkansas
sheet mill (/news/metalsmaterials/nucor-to-
build-galvanizing-line-at-arkansas-sheet-mill)
Big River Steel CEO attends White House
summit on artificial intelligence
(/news/metalsmaterials/big-river-steel-ceo-
attends-white-house-summit-on-artificial-
intelligence)
Piab’s Flexible Suction Cup Mount comprises
interchangeable parts for customization
(/product/materialshandling/piab-s-flexible-
suction-cup-mount-comprises-
interchangeable-parts-for-customization)
Fronius’ TransSteel 2200 inverter power
source welds aluminum, copper silicon alloys
(/product/arcwelding/fronius-transsteel-2200-
inverter-power-source-welds-aluminum-
copper-silicon-alloys)

Visit our Affiliated Websites

https://www.thefabricator.com/article/stamping/die-basics-101-part-xiii 4/5
17.05.2018 Die Basics 101: Part XIII - The Fabricator

(https://www.canadianmetalworking.com) (https://www.fmanet.org)

Features (https://www.canadianmetalworking.com/features/) Membership (https://www.fmanet.org/membership)

Blogs (https://www.canadianmetalworking.com/blogs/) Training (https://www.fmanet.org/training)
News (https://www.canadianmetalworking.com/news/) News (https://www.fmanet.org/blog)
New Products (https://www.canadianmetalworking.com/products/) Events (https://www.fmanet.org/events)

(https://www.fabtechexpo.com) (https://www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org)

FABTECH News (https://www.fabtechexpo.com/blog) Scholarships (https://www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org/scholarships)

Attend (https://www.fabtechexpo.com/attend) Manufacturing Camps (https://www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org/camps)
Exhibit (https://www.fabtechexpo.com/exhibit) News (https://www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org/news)
Education Program (https://www.fabtechexpo.com/learn) Donate (https://www.nutsandboltsfoundation.org/donate)

Subscriptions (/subscription)

Advertise with Us (/mediakit)

Contact Us (/contact-us)

En Español (/espanol)

Industry Tradeshows (/?filter=event)

FMA Store (https://www.fmanet.org/store)

Job Board (https://jobs.fmanet.org)

TheFabricator.com provides metal fabrication professionals with market news, the industry's best articles, product news, and conference information from the Fabricators &
Manufacturers Association, Intl. (https://www.fmanet.org)

(/publication/fab) (/publication/sj) (/publication/pwt) (/publication/tpj) (/pwtv)

(/tpjtv)

© 2018 FMA Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

2135 Point Blvd., Elgin, IL 60123 | 815-399-8700 | info@thefabricator.com

(mailto:info@thefabricator.com)

Terms of Use (https://www.fmanet.org/terms-of-use) | Privacy Policy (https://www.fmanet.org/privacy-

policy)

https://www.thefabricator.com/article/stamping/die-basics-101-part-xiii 5/5