A precision roller leveler, installed between the coil payoff reel and the press equipment, allows an operator to stretch the edges when necessary to compensate for loose centers or stretch the center to compensate for loose edges before the blanking operation.

The relationships among part geometry, tool geometry, and control of the processing inputs are significantly different between the net shape and non-net shape processes.

With the introduction of stronger safety legislation and increased fuel prices, auto manufacturers must respond with higher car body stiffness for safety and lower body weight for fuel efficiency. The fields of materials development, engineering, and manufacturing are working together to achieve autobody weight reduction with improved crash characteristics.

Editor's Note: "Die Basics 101" is a 17-part article.

In deep drawing of complex, asymmetrical parts such as stainless steel kitchen sinks, blank holder force (BHF) needs to be controlled locally to regulate the flow of the sheet metal. An MPC blank holder system allows this control by placing individually programmable cushion pins around the blank perimeter, with an appropriate BHF selected at each pin location.