Press die management

The challenge

For identifying a die in the press shop an identification tag is used. The use either of paper with an ID or an ID written directly on the die has the disadvantage that the die cannot be identified anymore once paper or writing is gone.

Furthermore, no track is kept of the die production hours/number of strokes. As the quality of the die is not strictly controlled, product quality deterioration is not detected until defectives occur in large numbers.

Moreover it has to be kept in mind that the press conditions of large parts differ per area. To control multiple press settings, a complex control is needed and that changing dies is time-consuming.

The solution

For this application an Omron RF-ID system can be applied. A data carrier (ID tag) is installed on the press die. The die ID number is programmed as the number of strokes, the date when it’s taken into production, and the press conditions.

On the press an ID antenna is mounted to receive die information and press conditions from the data carrier. At the same time the number of operations is confirmed and it is checked if it is still within its life-span.

After a lot has been produced the information from the press (number of strokes) is written to the data carrier. 

Added value

As with this solution the die itself holds the information, reliable die control/equipment and stock control is possible.

Moreover, the press data on the data carrier mounted on the die can serve as basis to set press parameters. A complex monitoring of press conditions is no longer needed and die change losses become less.

Overall, these easy to control factors influence the quality of the die and prevent quality related defects from occurring.