Composite die's for gilt-metal or copper impressions
Composite die's for gilt-metal or copper impressions
(OP)
Hi,
I'm thinking of trying to form some thin metal sheet between two dies in a press. This would be for quite short runs so low cost and ease of tooling up are more important than durability.
Here is an example of a form cast in lead.

I'm thinking of casting the dies in aluminium but would also like to consider composites. I believe that many industrial Dies are made using one tool steal and one urethane for example http://www.acrotechinc.com/metal-forming/. I thought about experimenting with a one or more of the opposing dies being made from urethane or other composites as they can be cheaper and easier to handle than cast aluminium.
Would a cast Urethane be the most advisable composite? Should it be re-enforced with any glass or fibre product. I was initially attracted to it as I believe it is less brittle than many resins.
I'm thinking of trying to form some thin metal sheet between two dies in a press. This would be for quite short runs so low cost and ease of tooling up are more important than durability.
Here is an example of a form cast in lead.

I'm thinking of casting the dies in aluminium but would also like to consider composites. I believe that many industrial Dies are made using one tool steal and one urethane for example http://www.acrotechinc.com/metal-forming/. I thought about experimenting with a one or more of the opposing dies being made from urethane or other composites as they can be cheaper and easier to handle than cast aluminium.
Would a cast Urethane be the most advisable composite? Should it be re-enforced with any glass or fibre product. I was initially attracted to it as I believe it is less brittle than many resins.





RE: Composite die's for gilt-metal or copper impressions
On some lightly loaded parts the punch can be made from ridgid epoxy glass reinforced plastic , with the die from urethane elastomer.
It should be noted that while this method can form a part quite handily, it really does not have enough forming pressure to transfer embossed features with great detail. The higher pressures to do this usually require a metal or ceramic die. check thread2-97825: Rubber or Bladder Press Designs
B.E.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.
RE: Composite die's for gilt-metal or copper impressions
RE: Composite die's for gilt-metal or copper impressions
I'm also very interested in your suggestion of ceramic dies, from what I've briefly read, this might not be possible to achieve using a potters kiln in a DIY kind of way.
RE: Composite die's for gilt-metal or copper impressions
Check out this company for machine able ceramic materials .
B.E.
You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.