Singledie

Singledie, often written single-die, is a term used in metal stamping and die-making to describe a die that performs a single operation on a sheet workpiece in one press stroke. This stands in contrast to multi-operation dies such as progressive dies, which perform a sequence of operations as a strip or blank advances through successive stations, or compound dies that perform several operations at one station.

In operation, a singledie setup is typically simpler and more compact than its multi-station counterparts. It may be used on manual or semi-automatic presses and is well suited to low-volume, high-mix production, prototyping, or custom parts where flexibility and quick changeovers are important. The tooling requires fewer stations and less complex coordination, which can reduce initial tooling costs and setup time.

Advantages of using a singledie include lower tooling cost, easier setup and maintenance, and greater adaptability for small lots or design changes. Limitations include higher per-part cost at higher production volumes, slower throughput for complex parts, and limited capability to produce parts that require multiple forming or cutting steps in a single cycle.

Typical applications involve simple blanks or formed shapes, custom hardware components, electrical or electronic enclosures, and other parts where a single forming or cutting operation suffices. Designers must consider material thickness, punch-die clearance, and wear patterns to ensure part quality and die life.

See also: Die (manufacturing), punching, stamping, progressive die, compound die, transfer die.