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Prevent Slugs from Pulling onto Stamping Die Surface

The Rev 3 Slug Retention Machine from DTC eliminates the need to remove the die from the press, disassemble it and return it to the press after reworking it.

Posted: October 12, 2014

DTC has made the Rev 3 grinder assembly adjustable to three height positions, each ½ inch apart, enabling it to work with a wider range of part thicknesses, and has changed the lights to flex lights which the operator can position to see clearly into the cavity, providing better visual inspection of the work area.

DTC Products Corporation (St. Charles, IL) has introduced a new and improved version of its original patented slug retention machine. The unique device uses a pneumatically-powered grinder to precisely machine a small angled groove into the sidewall of the die cavity in a stamping die in order to prevent slugs from pulling onto the die surface where they can damage the metal strip, the stamped part or the stamping die itself.

Additions and changes to the original design of the popular device (Rev 2) include one thumb screw to quickly adjust the grinder height (replacing the previous four socket head cap screws), a plunger style grinder head assembly (replacing the earlier turn knob to control the up and down movement), and a grinder head adjustable depth stop to control the grinder’s depth into the die cavity. Each of these features helps the operator quickly and more accurately position and control the grinder position.

In addition, the company has made the grinder assembly adjustable to three height positions, each ½ in apart, enabling it to work with a wider range of part thicknesses, and has changed the lights to flex lights which the operator can position to see clearly into the cavity, providing better visual inspection of the work area.

The groove produced by the grinder is 0.025 mm to 0.127 mm deep and machined at an angle of 3 deg to 5 deg to the die surface, which creates a precise amount of slug interference. During stamping, slugs expand into these precision grooves, which prevent them from pulling out of the die cavity and onto the die surface where they can cause expensive damage to the stamping die or to parts which will have to be scrapped.

The new Rev 3 version of the Slug Retention Machine retains the primary features of the original: it’s the same compact size (4 in wide by 14 in long by 8 in tall) and easy maneuverability and adjust-ability, that enable it to be used to machine grooves into a die while it is still in the stamping press as long as the shut height and/or slide adjustment allows for the height of the Slug Retention Machine. This eliminates the need to remove the die from the press, disassemble it and return it to the press after reworking it.

A magnetic base allows it to be mounted temporarily but firmly in place on the die surface during the grooving operation. The machine is also lightweight (10 lb) and easily transportable, and can be used on dies while in the tool room and even die details or die bushings. The slug retention machine requires 90 PSI of compressed air to operate. It can easily be set up and operated by a single person.

DTC Products Corporation is owned by the owners of Dec Tool Corporation, which has been a leader in designing and building of tools, dies, jigs, fixtures and die components, utilizing equip like Wire EDM, CNC Mills, CNC Lathes, Conventional EDM, Hole Popping, Jig Grinders, and even have stamping lines with presses for 20 ton to 250 ton. Dec Tool has been in business for over 30 years and is located in St. Charles, Illinois along with DTC Products Corporation.

The company manufactures products used in new die construction, including DTC Ball Lock Holders and DTC True Bend, in addition to the DTC Slug Retention Machine.

DTC Products Corporation, 2651 Dukane Drive, St. Charles, IL 60174, 866-682-3602, Fax: 630-513-9887, DecTool@DecTool.com, www.dectool.com.