pressform

A pressform, or press form, is a mold or die used in a pressing operation to shape a material by applying external pressure. It is a key element of a press forming system, which may include a hydraulic or mechanical press, feed mechanisms, and auxiliary tooling. Pressforms are used across industries to produce sheet metal parts, plastic components, composites, and ceramics, among others. The term often refers to the tooling that carries the forming surfaces and defines the final geometry of the part.

A typical pressform comprises upper and lower forming elements, usually called a punch and a die, that cooperate to define a cavity. The forming surfaces are hardened and machined to tight tolerances and may incorporate inserts, radii, and draft angles to facilitate part release. Support elements such as stripper plates, guide pins, and ejector mechanisms help remove parts after forming. The tooling is mounted within a press and aligned with precision to ensure repeatability.

Common operations performed with pressforms include punching, bending, deep drawing, embossing, and trimming. In metal stamping, progressive or transfer dies may use multiple stations to form complex parts in a single cycle. In plastics and composites, pressforms enable compression molding, thermoforming, or hot-press forming by shaping material under heat and pressure.

Design and maintenance of a pressform involve considerations of material properties, force requirements, and wear resistance. Tolerances, surface finish, and draft are critical to part quality, while lubrication and routine inspection help extend tool life. Safety, machine control, and proper environmental conditions are essential for reliable operation.