Carbide dies are precision tools that are used to shape metal parts in various industries, such as aerospace, automotive, medical, rail, and energy. These dies consist of tungsten carbide, a tough material that can handle extreme heat and pressure without deforming or breaking. Unlike steel dies, carbide dies have multiple features that can benefit your manufacturing processes and product quality, such as greater longevity, higher speed, more precision, and less upkeep. In this article, you will learn more about carbide dies their applications and their benefits for your metal forming operations.
Carbide Dies are instruments that mould metal pieces by applying stress or heat or both. They contain a hole or a slot that corresponds to the required shape of the end product. The metal part is inserted into the die cavity and then pressed, pulled, extruded or shaved to create the desired form. Carbide Dies come in various forms depending on their function and structure. Some examples are:
Extruding type dies: These dies force out metal components through a narrower gap than their initial size. This shrinks their cross-sectional area and extends their length and durability. Drawing type dies: These dies drag metal components through a narrower gap than their initial size. This also shrinks their cross-sectional area but preserves their length and enhances their surface finish.
Forming type dies: These dies deform the metal parts by using a punch and the cavity of the form die. This creates complex shapes and patterns on the metal surface without changing its cross-sectional area or length. Cutting type dies: These dies snip off extra metal from the pieces after they are moulded or stretched. This erases burrs, flash, or other imperfections from the metal surface and boosts its appearance and quality.
Carbide dies work by using a combination of pressure and heat to form metal parts. The force is exerted by a machine that squeezes or drags the die towards the metal component or vice versa. The heat is generated by friction between the die and the metal part or by external sources such as induction coils. Depending on the type of die the metal part may undergo one or more stages of die cutting to achieve the desired shape and size. For example, a drawing type die may be preceded by a trimming type die to erase extra metal from the margins. Some dies can execute multiple tasks in one process, such as shaping and trimming at once.
Carbide Dies are a great option for your metal shaping requirements because they provide many advantages over steel dies or other devices. Some of these benefits are: Increased durability: Carbide dies are much more resilient than steel dies because they can withstand abrasion and damage better. They can last up to 20 times longer than steel dies, depending on the material and usage. Better performance: Carbide dies are much more efficient than steel dies because they can operate at higher speeds and pressures. They can produce more parts per hour with less waste and less energy consumption.