Press tools

Sheet metal cutting and forming is probably one of the most complex mechanical trades, because of the many parameters to be taken into account when developing tools and producing parts to customer specifications.

These parameters can be classified into four categories:

• parameters related to the part, such as the variety of possible shapes and the precision of the required characteristics;

• sheet parameters (grade, effect of standard on variability of material characteristics, etc.);

• production-related parameters: types of presses and peripherals, quality requirements, etc. ;

• tool-related parameters: types, sectors and specific know-how.

Of all these parameters, it's the ones linked to the tool that are crucial to the success of the project.

As there can be an almost infinite number of manufacturing configurations for which, of course, there are no ready-made answers in terms of both forming ranges and tool construction methods, tool development can become complicated.

What's more, we're finding that parts are becoming increasingly difficult to manufacture by integrating operations previously carried out on a rework basis, and by increasing customer demands for quality control of the manufactured part.

This complexity requires toolmakers to specialize in certain sectors and part categories. This specialization corresponds to that of the toolmakers (the part manufacturers) who order the tools from them, and enables them to develop the know-how needed to produce parts that meet specifications at the best possible price. In this context, we understand that the choice of toolmaker should be determined by this know-how.

We therefore need to understand the sheet metal forming trade as a set of sub-trades linked by common principles of material transformation using a press tool, but differing in terms of the specific design features of the tool.

Today, the business is evolving, with a strong trend towards outsourcing the production of press tools. Machining is the most outsourced part in these conditions. Tool design and fine-tuning can also be outsourced, but these are often closely monitored by the client, who has retained the trade.

In France, press tool manufacturers are resisting this competition thanks...