Composite die's for gilt-metal or copper impressions 1

[hagatorn]

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.

 

[berkshire]

What you are describing is known as the Guerin trapped rubber process, this can be done with any elastomer , but is most often done with rubber or urethane ,
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

B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[hagatorn]

Many thanks Berkshire - will follow your link through and read up. Was just searching for at coining die information so this Guerin trapped rubber process will be really useful in improving search results too.

 

[hagatorn]

Hi berkshire,
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.

 

[berkshire]

Hagatorn,
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.