What is Die stock of Die handle?

Die stock is expressed as the type of component which is utilized for fitting purposes while creating or shaping uniform threads on tubes, pipes, or screws. The die stock (die handle) has three screws around the adjustable part of a particular machine that helps to locate the die. Also, die stock can endure on a variety of hex and split adjustable dies of several dimensions. One of the primary reasons for using die stock in industries is because die stock can be operated by hands. Commonly, it is made up of high carbon steel.

The following is the illustration of die stock.

Some of the essential points about die stock are as follows:

• One of the essential purposes of die stock is to produce external threads.
• Male screw threads are primarily used in a die stock.
• Die stock is used while hand threading for managing the die.
• Externals threads or damaged threads can be cut by using taps and dies.
• In manufacturing industries die stock is widely used for cutting elements.

The following are some of the methods and essential points for using die stock.

• On cutting threads through die stock, firstly the end of the tube need to be chamfered properly.
• Die stock or die handle should be firmly held in a vice for cutting threads.
• The pressure force applying on the die handle must be equal.
• Adjustable 2 or 3 cuts is needed for cutting threads in workpiece with large diameter.
• Use a ring gauge for checking the size of thread.
• The proper cleaning of tool like die stock, handle, and others is required to avoid injuries.

What are taps?

A tap is represented as the instrument which contains threads and is extensively utilized in cutting grooves into the hole. In CNC (Computer numerical control) machine, taps can be used to thread holes. Some of the common types of taps used are listed below:

• Taper tap
• Plug tap
• Bottoming tap

The following is the schematic diagram of a tap.

Taper tap

In taper tap, the visible, as well as pronounced tapering of cutting threads (edges) takes place in a hole. It is applied to complex or hard materials for cutting a straight hole. It is one of the most accessible taps to operate and easy to handle as compared to other types of taps.

Plug tap

The plug tap provides a little more dynamic cutting operation as compared to the taper tap. These types of tap are also very simple to handle, and it supplies a more finished set of grooves (threads). It is manufactured basically for blind holes and hole tapping with metal machinery.

Bottoming tap

The bottoming is applied for cutting grooves (threads) to the bottom of a hole. These taps will perform better if a taper and plug tap is used to cut initial threads. It is not easy to apply or handle, unlike taper and plug tap. Most commonly, high-speed steel is used for manufacturing bottoming taps.

Dies

In mechanical engineering, dies are described as the tool employed to form aspired parts by cutting or forming materials. Dies are widely utilized in the production and manufacturing industries for preparing different-sized components.

Types of Dies

According to their purposes, the following types of dies are classified below.

• Simple die
• Compound die
• Transfer die
• Progressive die
• Combination die
• Adjustable die
• Pipe die

Simple die

A simple die is one type of die that works on a single machining operation of the press slide. Some parts of a simple die are retainer, bushing pin, guide pin, spools, punch, matrix, shoulder bolts, and many others. The operations performed by simple dies are trimming, blanking, bending, and so on.

The following illustration is an example of simple die.

Compound die

The compound die is one type of die that can work on various operations at a time. In order to produce components in high volume compound die are efficient. Some of the parts of the compound die are ram, piercing and blanking punch, strippers, locating pins, springs, and many others.

Transfer die

Transfer dies are utilized for multiple tools operation in a single press. In comparison with compound dies, it generates high volume production with other essential benefits. It is economical and has versatile operations in which several parts like cut-outs, chamfering, knurls, and others can be performed in primary function.

Progressive die

Progressive dies are extensively applied in electronic industries and automotive industries because they can perform various operations on a part. High-speed production rate, minimum scraps, low price of labour, setup price are benefits of a progressive die. Some of the operations performed are drawing, punching, and bending.

Combination die

Combination dies include an arrangement of different types of operations in a single process. In this, several cutting operations like piercing or blanking are combined with other operations like forming or embossing. High maintenance is required for high accuracy and precision for creating jobs.

Adjustable die

The adjustable die is one of the types of dies whose primary purpose is thread cutting. It consists of two portions which are adjusted according to the job. In the opening, there is an adjustable screw that provides the cutting operation. Adjustable dies are mainly used for rods having smaller diameters.

Pipe die

Pipe dies can be fitted in several forms of die handle, and it consists of a guide bush, adjustable screw, ratcheting pin, knob, and other parts. It is designed for the maintenance of worn threads or grooves. In this die, taper cutting threads are obtained after the operation.

Die manufacturing

The manufacturing of a die requires several things like machining operations, maintenance, quality check, inventory, and so on. Dies are prepared by using harden-able steels and sometimes carbides in parts containing forming and cutting.

Die manufacturing is classified into four sections which are,

• Machining
• Assembly
• Try-out
• Quality management

Machining

Machining includes mechanical devices and large or small machines like rough milling, drilling, finishing, etc. In this, a part is being prepared by passing it through different workstations where several machining operations will be performed. The heat treatment process is also included in machining because it is essential for some die components.

Assembly

Assembly consist of small machines and spotting areas from which the required die passes through. Electrical discharge machining (EDM) machines, lathe machines are used in small machines, whereas welding, grinding, or polishing operations are performed on the die in case of damage or defect.

Try-out

In try-out, the testing of the component is employed, where its durability and capability are checked. Also, It includes further die modification, in the case of damager on the component. At last, a series of performance tests happens on the component.

Quality control

The final quality check of a component is dimensionally checked in this process. Analysis machines are installed for measuring verification points. The price of the product and packaging includes in the final process, and after this, the product is ready for delivery.

Common Mistakes

• Students commit mistakes in between die stock and die handle because both of them are used for fitting workpieces.
• Bottoming tap should be applied after taper and plug tap for the smooth operation of cutting thread. Otherwise, the process will be hard to manage and can cause damage.
• One of the misconceptions among students is that transfer and progressive die are similar. However, they both are different types of dies.

Context and Application

The topic die stock is very much significant in the several professional exams and courses for undergraduate, Diploma level, graduate, postgraduate. For example:

• Bachelors of Technology in Mechanical Engineering
• Bachelors of Technology in Civil Engineering
• Masters of Technology in Mechanical Engineering
• Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering
• Diploma in Mechanical Engineering

Related concepts

• Manufacturing process and diestock set
• Die stock holder
• Overall length and other specifications
• Package quantity and reamer
• Rethreading and tap wrench
• Rethreading tool
• Types of wrench, drill and screws
• T-Handle
• Price and maintenance of die

Practice Problems

Q1. Which of the following technique is efficient in maintaining the temperature of a die?

a. Air cooling

b. Water channel cooling

c. Liquid nitrogen cooling

d. All of these

Correct answer: (b)

Q2. Identify the element which is not appropriate for die casting in the hot chamber?

a. Tin

b. Aluminium

c. Copper

d. Zinc

Correct answer: (b)

Q3. "Quick cut die stock" is known as:

a. Half die stock

b. Button die stock

c. circular split die stock

d. None of these

Correct answer: (d)

Q4. Name the tool which can be utilized as reference of datum.

a. Parallel blocks

b. Surface plate

c. Fixed surface gauge

d. All of the above

Correct answer: (c)

Q5. If tapping a hole by hand, choose the correct tool that is used while holding the tap.

a. Tap wrench

b. Tap handle

c. Tap key

d. None of these

Correct answer: (a)