Where can i get a soft-metal die made?

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Fri Apr 15, 2005 9:44 pm

Wanting a custom die created to punch (?) aluminum. Can this be done? Cost?

LeChatNoir · Post by **LeChatNoir** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 8:45 pm

Can you give more info on what exactly you’re wanting punched out of/into the aluminum? Shape/size/material thinckness/etc?

If’n it’s a secret, PM me.

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 9:20 pm

Well, I was talking to someone about making jewelry and stuff and he mentioned something about using aluminum cans as a source for aluminum and I was wondering if it would be possible to punch out some little burning man figures (or a piece of metal with the burning man figure punched into it). Just a thought -- exploring the possibilities...

LeChatNoir wrote:Can you give more info on what exactly you’re wanting punched out of/into the aluminum? Shape/size/material thinckness/etc?

If’n it’s a secret, PM me.

LeChatNoir · Post by **LeChatNoir** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 7:40 am

Sure it’s possible. Much depends on the material being punched. Are you thinking the aluminum from the can? Pretty thin stuff... could be a cut hazard. If you have access to a decent shop, you could make a homemade die. If you don’t you’d have to pay someone to make it, and then you’re talking some money. The trick is that you must get the correct clearance between punch and die and they must line up with each other every time.

Rule of thumb for clearance: total die opening size = punch size + 10%.
And no repeatability in line up equals broken die set. Don’t let this discourage you. If you have access to a shop, I can help you with the design. I used to work in Tool & Die industry.

Could you make a stamp and emboss the detail instead? Or... you could find a plasma cutter and just cut shapes to your hearts content out of/into any piece of steel/aluminum/brass/etc.

HughMungus · Post by **HughMungus** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:42 am

Well, I had the vague notion from Robotland to turn the cans into a mush of aluminum and then do something with it. I have no idea. Robotland, you have input on this?

Example I just found: http://www.d-liciousmetal.com/beercanjewelry.htm

Kinda. Not exactly what I had in mind but you get the recycling concept.

A stamp sounds like an idea. I know I can get those made cheaply (I'm thinking about the rubber kind with ink).

Thanks for the info.

LeChatNoir wrote:Sure it’s possible. Much depends on the material being punched. Are you thinking the aluminum from the can? Pretty thin stuff... could be a cut hazard. If you have access to a decent shop, you could make a homemade die. If you don’t you’d have to pay someone to make it, and then you’re talking some money. The trick is that you must get the correct clearance between punch and die and they must line up with each other every time.

Rule of thumb for clearance: total die opening size = punch size + 10%.
And no repeatability in line up equals broken die set. Don’t let this discourage you. If you have access to a shop, I can help you with the design. I used to work in Tool & Die industry.

Could you make a stamp and emboss the detail instead? Or... you could find a plasma cutter and just cut shapes to your hearts content out of/into any piece of steel/aluminum/brass/etc.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Tue Apr 26, 2005 10:46 am

I was on the other end of that earlier conversation.....Also suggested a punch instead. For aluminum to be punched, I often use cut-up aluminum cake pans and misc. cookwear purchased from thrift stores or yard sales. Somewhat thinner aluminum is available in the roofing dept. as shims.
The punch-die-stamp was a chunk of tool steel ground with a dremel and files. Doesn't have to be very deep to strike an impression. (True also of SO many people....)

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Aug 14, 2005 4:10 pm

cialis - http://www.bestrxpills.com

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Mon Aug 15, 2005 9:26 am

meager wrote:cialis - http://www.bestrxpills.com

Save it....All I need's a pile of shiny scrap, and *BOinnnNNNGGGGG!!!*