Line Dies
Line dies are used for low-volume parts. Line dies are for manufacturing large parts that can’t be efficiently manufactured in one press. They’re also used to make parts not requiring an automated die or tool. Line dies are also used to make large parts that are not practical to be run from several dies in a single press.
Hardy-Reed manufactures high quality line dies for a variety of industries. We have the knowledge and skills to design, test and manufacture line tools that meet a broad range of manufacturing specifications and challenges.
Line dies are tools that are typically hand or robotically loaded. Usually each station that forms or cuts the sheet metal represents a single operation die. Hand-loaded line dies usually are for low production parts or those too big and bulky to handle with automation. Several line dies usually can be placed within a single press. This allows the operator to transfer parts from die to die with minimal travel distance.
Larger line dies often are placed in individual presses close together, which is a system referred to as tandem line presses.
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Line die advantages:
- Lower costs than more complicated dies.
- Can be timed to run together in a common press.
- Operation simplicity allows parts to be turned over or rotated on any axis by the operator or robot if necessary. This can allow for creating more complex geometries.
- Smaller tools can be lighter and handled with lower-cost die handling equipment.
- Single station maintenance does not require removing all the dies.
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Line die disadvantages:
- Sometimes can’t compete with production speeds achievable with other methods, like progressive dies.
- Can require robots or human labor.
- Can require several presses to manufacture a single part.