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南京理工大學(xué)泰州科技學(xué)院 畢業(yè)設(shè)計(jì)(論文)外文資料翻譯 系　　部： 機(jī)械工程系 專(zhuān) 業(yè)： 機(jī)械工程及自動(dòng)化 姓 名： 王伯克 學(xué) 號(hào)： 05010229 外文出處： www.thefabricator.com 附 件： 1.外文資料翻譯譯文；2.外文原文。 指導(dǎo)教師評(píng)語(yǔ)： 譯文基本符合翻譯原文,個(gè)別詞匯不符合語(yǔ)境。語(yǔ)句較為通順，條理比較清楚，專(zhuān)業(yè)用語(yǔ)翻譯基本恰當(dāng)，符合中文語(yǔ)法，整體翻譯質(zhì)量較好。 簽名： 年 月 日 附件1：外文資料翻譯譯文 Die basics 101 starts with eight basic components模具基礎(chǔ)之八項(xiàng)基本元件 ---逐漸逐漸逐漸了解沖壓模具 作者 赫德里克 貢獻(xiàn)該文章，2006年8月8日 沖壓模具是一種特殊的精密工具，是通過(guò)切割與塑造成型的方式使金屬成為一個(gè)理想的外形或形狀獲得的。大多數(shù)模具由幾個(gè)基本的部分組成，包括模板，定模板，模具套，導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)，軸襯，墊塊，墊板，螺釘，銷(xiāo)釘和螺栓。模具還需要沖孔模板，壓力機(jī)構(gòu)和沖壓成型板，以及可用來(lái)保護(hù)轉(zhuǎn)子，肩螺栓，銜鐵，保持架以及氣體彈簧，線圈，或者聚氨酯彈簧的工具。 編者：這篇文章借鑒了一篇在www.thefabricator.Com上的文章的第四部分和第五部分，包括沖壓模具基本面并側(cè)重于制造沖壓模具。 沖壓模具是一個(gè)特殊的，一次性的精密工具，通過(guò)切割與塑造成型的方式使金屬成為一個(gè)理性的形狀或外形。模具的通常是由特殊類(lèi)型的硬化鋼即所謂的工具鋼切割和加工成型的。模具，也可用碳化物或其他各種硬耐磨材料通過(guò)切割和成型工藝制成。 大多數(shù)模具的構(gòu)造有幾個(gè)基本的部分組成，包括模板，定模板，模套，導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)，軸襯，墊塊，墊板，螺釘，銷(xiāo)釘和螺栓。模具還需要模板，壓力和沖壓成型板，以及可用來(lái)保護(hù)轉(zhuǎn)子，肩螺栓，銜鐵，保持架；以及工作氣體，線圈或聚酯彈簧等工具。 1. Die Plates, Shoes, and Die Sets模板，定模板，及模具套 Die plates, shoes, and die sets are steel or aluminum plates that correspond to the size of the die (see introductory photo and Figure 1 ).模板，定模板，及模具套是相對(duì)應(yīng)模具大小的鋼或鋁板塊。They serve as the foundation for mounting the working die components.它們?yōu)樵絹?lái)越多的模具組件提供基礎(chǔ)的服務(wù)。These parts must be machined—milled or ground—so that they are parallel and flat within a critical tolerance.這些零件必須經(jīng)過(guò)機(jī)械球磨或拋光，保證它們?cè)谝粋€(gè)可接受的范圍內(nèi)保持平行和平整。Although grinding is the most popular, a milled surface now can be obtained that is as accurate as a ground surface.雖然磨削是目前最流行的，但碾磨成面可以說(shuō)是現(xiàn)在最準(zhǔn)確的。 Most die shoes are made from steel.大多數(shù)定模板是由鋼制造。Aluminum also is a popular die shoe material.鋁也是一個(gè)受歡迎的定模板材料。Aluminum is one-third the weight of steel, it can be machined very quickly, and special alloys can be added to it to give it greater compressive strength than low-carbon steel.鋁的質(zhì)量是剛的三分之一，加工它的速度非?？?，而且特殊的合金可以被添加進(jìn)來(lái)，以達(dá)到比低碳鋼更大的耐壓強(qiáng)度。Aluminum also is a great metal for shock adsorption, which makes it a good choice for blanking dies.鋁是一種很好的吸振材料，因而用它來(lái)做沖裁模是一種很好的選擇。 The upper and lower die shoes assembled together with guide pins create the die set.上、下模具定模板裝配在一起，與導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)配合形成一副磨具套。The lower die shoe often has machined or flame-cut holes that allow slugs and scrap created in the die to fall freely through the die shoe onto the press bed.下模具定模板往往有加工出的或用火焰切割出的孔，讓模具里的廢料自然地通過(guò)定模板到達(dá)沖壓機(jī)底座。這些The holes also may serve as clearances for gas springs and other die components.孔也有清理氣體彈簧和其他模具組件的作用。 The die shoe thickness is based on how much force can be expected during cutting and forming.定模板厚度是基于切割和成型加工時(shí)的力度大小。For example, a coining die, one that compresses metal by squeezing it between an upper and lower die section, requires a much thicker die shoe than a simple bending die.舉例來(lái)說(shuō)，沖壓模具，在上、下模具剖面之間通過(guò)擠壓使金屬成型，要求有一個(gè)更厚的定模板而不是一個(gè)簡(jiǎn)單的彎曲模。 222. Guide Pins and Bushings導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)和軸襯 Guide pins, sometimes referred to as guide posts or pillars, function together with guide bushings to align both the upper and lower die shoes precisely (see Figure 2 ).導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)，有時(shí)被認(rèn)為是引導(dǎo)柱或支柱，和引導(dǎo)軸襯一起發(fā)揮作用，使上、下模具定模板恰到好處的連接成一個(gè)整體。 They are precision-ground components, often manufactured within 0.0001 in. Although numerous specialty mounting methods can be used to install these components, there are only two basic types of guide pins and bushings—friction pins and ball bearing-style pins.它們是精密磨光管，通常表面粗糙度低于0.0001英寸。盡管有許多專(zhuān)業(yè)的安裝方法用來(lái)安裝這些組件，但只有兩種基本類(lèi)型的導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)和軸襯——摩擦銷(xiāo)和球軸承式的銷(xiāo)。 Friction pins are precision-ground pins that are slightly smaller than the guide bushing's inside diameter.摩擦銷(xiāo)是高表面精度的銷(xiāo)，它只略小于引導(dǎo)套管的內(nèi)徑。它是由淬硬工具鋼制造，而軸襯往往是由特殊的耐火材料鋁青銅機(jī)械加工成或拉神成的。The aluminum-bronze may contain graphite plugs that help to reduce friction and wear that occur to the pins and bushings.鋁青銅可以加入石墨，它有助于減輕摩擦與磨損，其中制造銷(xiāo)和軸襯時(shí)常加入。 Friction pins also help to heel the die shoes and prevent them from moving from side to side.摩擦銷(xiāo)有利于固定定模板，以防止它們從一邊滑向另一邊. Precision or ball bearing-style guide pins comprise precision-hardened pins, ball cages, ball bearings, and bushings.精密球軸承式導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)包括精密硬化銷(xiāo)，滾珠隔離圈，球軸承，軸襯。Unlike friction pins, these pins ride on a series of ball bearings contained in a special aluminum ball cage that permits the bearings to rotate without falling out.不像摩擦銷(xiāo)，這些銷(xiāo)依靠一系列的球軸承來(lái)工作，其中包括專(zhuān)門(mén)的滾珠隔離圈，它們?cè)试S軸承轉(zhuǎn)動(dòng)而不會(huì)脫落。 These pins have several advantages.這種銷(xiāo)有若干優(yōu)點(diǎn)。First, friction is reduced so the die can run at faster speeds without generating excessive friction and heat.首先，摩擦力減小，使模具的運(yùn)行速度更快，而不會(huì)產(chǎn)生過(guò)量的摩擦和熱量。Second, they allow the diemaker to separate the upper and lower die shoes easily.第二，制模工人能輕松的分開(kāi)上、下模定模板。Third, because they use ball bearings, they can be manufactured with greater accuracy than friction pins.第三，因?yàn)樗鼈兪褂脻L珠軸承，因而制造出來(lái)的精度比摩擦銷(xiāo)更高。 Remember, guide pins are meant to align the upper and lower die shoes, not to align a poorly maintained or sloppy ram in a press!請(qǐng)記住，導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)，在工作壓力下，是為了校準(zhǔn)上，下定模板，而不是校準(zhǔn)不利于維護(hù)且濕滑的連桿！Some companies try to compensate for a poorly maintained press by adding oversized guide pins or grinding the guide pin ends to a cone shape.一些公司試圖補(bǔ)償擠壓力的不穩(wěn)定而加入過(guò)大的導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)，或者將導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)的末端磨削成錐形狀。Care must be taken when flipping die shoes over so that the guide pins are not bent.當(dāng)翻動(dòng)定模板的時(shí)候必須小心，這樣導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)才不至于被弄彎。 3. 墊塊及墊板 Heel blocks are special steel blocks that are precision-machined, screwed, doweled, and often welded to both the upper and lower die shoes (see Figure 3 ).墊塊是由精密機(jī)械加工，被攻螺紋，并用暗銷(xiāo)接合，而且往往焊接在上、下定模板上的特殊鋼板。 They contain components called wear plates and function to adsorb any side thrust that may be generated during the cutting and forming processes.它們都包含了所謂的耐磨板，能夠在切割和成型工藝中吸附任何一方可能產(chǎn)生的沖擊推力。They are especially important if the generated force is one-directional.如果所產(chǎn)生的力量是一個(gè)方向的，那么它們就顯得尤其重要。產(chǎn)生于一個(gè)方向的過(guò)大的沖擊，不僅會(huì)引起導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)傾斜，而且可能導(dǎo)致關(guān)鍵切割和成型部件錯(cuò)位。 大多數(shù)Most heel blocks have steel heel plates, and the heel block on the opposite shoe has a wear plate made from aluminum-bronze or some other dissimilar metal.大多數(shù)大多數(shù) 墊塊是有鋼墊板的，并且墊塊對(duì)面的定模板中有由鋁青銅或其他一些異種金屬制成的耐磨鋼板。墊板的選擇過(guò)程是至關(guān)重要的。 Using two opposing plates made of the same metal type can result in high friction, heat, and eventually galling or cold welding of the wear plates.用兩種相同的金屬做的對(duì)立板，可導(dǎo)致高摩擦，高溫，并最終成為咬焊或冷焊的耐磨板。 Heel blocks can be used to heel the die in any or all directions.墊塊，可以用來(lái)使模具在任何傾側(cè)。盒型墊塊通常用來(lái)使模具任意傾斜 Box heels often are used to heel the die in all directions.盒子。 4. 螺釘，銷(xiāo)釘，和螺栓 保障Screws fasten and secure the working components to both the upper and lower die shoes.上、下定模板的螺釘，具有栓緊和保障零件工作安全的作用。The socket head cap screw is the most popular fastener used in stamping dies.插座頭帽釘是目前在沖壓模具中最流行的扣件。This hardened tool steel screw, often referred to as an Allen head screw, offers superior holding power and strength.這種淬硬工具鋼螺絲釘，常常被稱(chēng)作是Allen頭螺絲釘，提供優(yōu)越的抓緊力和力量。 Dowels are hardened, precision-ground pins that precisely locate the die section or component in its proper location on the die shoe.銷(xiāo)釘都是堅(jiān)固，精密的銷(xiāo)子，在定模板的適當(dāng)位置，它能夠精確定位模具剖面或組件。Although dowels have much heeling ability, their main function is to locate the die section properly.雖然銷(xiāo)釘具備一定的側(cè)傾能力，其主要職能還是在于合理的定位模具位置。 Keys are small, rectangular blocks of precision-ground steel that are inserted into milled pockets in the die shoes and sections called keyways (see Figure 4 ).螺栓是細(xì)小的，矩形的精確的耐摩擦鋼，被插入到小型銑過(guò)的定模板和所謂鍵槽的地方。 Keys locate and heel die sections and components.螺栓用于定位，并用于傾斜零部件和其它組成部分。 5. 襯墊 襯A pad is simply a pressure-loaded plate, either flat or contoured, that holds, controls, or strips the metal during the cutting and forming processes.墊只是一個(gè)負(fù)載壓力的板，無(wú)論是平坦的或有特殊形狀的，他在切割和成型工藝期間固定，控制或卸下金屬。Several types of pads are used in stamping dies.幾種類(lèi)型的墊片被用在沖壓模具中。Depending on their function, pads can be made from soft low-carbon steel or hardened tool steel.根據(jù)其功能，襯墊可以由較軟的低碳鋼或淬硬工具鋼制造。輪廓墊必須配合非常密切，以配合模具剖面。Precision requirements determine whether the pads are positioned with guide pins and bushings or left unguided.精度的要求決定了墊片是由導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)和軸襯定位或者非導(dǎo)向定位。 Stripper Pads/Plates. Stripper pads are flat or contoured spring-loaded plates that pull, or strip, the metal off the cutting punches (see Figure 5 ).模板墊板/片，模板墊片是平坦或形狀特殊的彈簧負(fù)載板，它從剪切沖頭上拉或卸下鋼材料。When it is cut, metal naturally tends to collapse around the body or shank of the cutting punches; this is especially true during piercing.當(dāng)它被切斷，金屬自然坍塌在切割鉆孔周?chē)蚣羟袥_頭的鉆頭部位。這種情況尤其發(fā)生在沖孔的時(shí)候。The stripper pad surrounds the cutting punches and mounts to the upper die shoe.模板墊環(huán)繞在切割鉆孔周?chē)?，并安裝到上定模板上。As the punch exits the lower die, the spring-loaded pad holds the metal down flush with the lower die section, which allows the cutting punches to withdraw from the sheet metal or piece part.當(dāng)沖頭穿過(guò)下模具，彈簧負(fù)載墊隨金屬向下運(yùn)動(dòng)，并隨下模具運(yùn)動(dòng)，它使切削鉆孔脫離金屬板或零部件。 Often stripper pads are inserted with a small block of steel called a pad window.模板墊片常常插入一小塊稱(chēng)為墊孔的小鐵塊。This pad window usually is small and lightweight and can be removed easily to allow the die maintenance technician to remove the ball lock-style pierce punch from the retainer without removing the entire stripper pad.墊孔通常是小而輕便，可輕易移走，使模具維修技師在消除球鎖式?jīng)_床穿透時(shí)不至于移除整個(gè)模板墊。Stripper pads also function to hold the metal flat or to the desired shape during the cutting process.模板墊同樣在切削加工過(guò)程具有控制金屬的平整或形成理想的形狀的功能。 Pressure Pads/Plates. During the wipe bending process, the metal must be held down tightly to the lower die section before the forming punch contacts the metal.壓力墊/板，在彎曲過(guò)程中，在用以成形的沖頭接觸到金屬之前，金屬必須穩(wěn)穩(wěn)地固定在下模具部位。Pressure pads must apply a force that is at least equivalent to the bending force (see Figure 6 ).壓力墊，必須提供的力量至少相當(dāng)于彎曲力。 Most pressure pads use high-pressure coil or gas springs.大部分壓力墊用高壓力的線圈或氣體彈簧。當(dāng)使用When loaded with very high-pressure springs, contoured or flat pads also can form sheet metal.負(fù)載非常高的壓力彈簧，外形特殊或平整的壓力墊，也能制造金屬板材。These pad types often are referred to as power punches.這些墊被稱(chēng)為重?fù)粜蛪|板。 Draw Pads. Draw pads control metal flow during the drawing process (see Figure 7 ).沖壓成型板，沖壓成型板在成型過(guò)程中控制著金屬的移動(dòng)。In drawing, the amount of pressure, or downward force, exerted on the sheet metal determines how much metal is allowed to flow and enter the draw die cavity.在成型過(guò)程中，所有的推力和向下的擠壓力量，綜合施加于金屬板材，決定著多少金屬允許進(jìn)入模腔。 推力太大可能會(huì)阻止材料移動(dòng)，并造成破裂；太少向下的擠壓力量可能讓多余的金屬流動(dòng)松散或起皺。 Draw pads, often referred to as binders or blank holders, usually are made from hardened tool steel.沖壓成型板，往往被比喻為裝訂機(jī)或空白的加持工具，通常是由淬硬工具鋼制成。They can be flat or contoured, depending on the piece part shape.它們可以是平面的或有特殊外形的，這取決于其零部件的形狀。Most drawing dies use a single draw pad; however, in special cases, some use two.多數(shù)成型模板使用單一沖壓成型板，但在特殊情況下，一些也會(huì)用兩個(gè)。 6. 6. 轉(zhuǎn)子，肩螺栓，以及銜鐵 Spools, shoulder bolts, and keepers are used to fasten pads to the die shoes while allowing them to move up and down.轉(zhuǎn)子，肩螺栓，以及銜鐵，是用來(lái)把墊板栓緊墊到定模板上的，同時(shí)也允許它們一起上下移動(dòng)。They are secured to either the top or bottom die shoe with screws and often dowels for precision location.它們使上、下定模板與螺絲釘固定，往往用銷(xiāo)釘作精確定位。在Of all of the components used for securing pads, spools are the most common, especially in larger dies ( Figure 1 and Figure 8 ).所有用于固定墊板的部件中，轉(zhuǎn)子是最常見(jiàn)的，尤其常見(jiàn)于較大的模具中。 7. Retainers保持架 Retainers hold or secure cutting or forming die components to both the upper and lower die shoes (see Figure 9 ).保持架能使上、下定模板保持或安全切割成形模具部件。球鎖保持架是One of the most popular retainers is a ball-lock retainer, a high-precision, accurately manufactured die component that secures and aligns both cutting and forming punches.其中最流行的保持架，精密高，能準(zhǔn)確地制造模具組件，可以使切割和成型沖頭并排列成一行可靠的使用。It uses a spring-loaded ball bearing to locate and secure the punches, which feature a precisely machined teardrop or ball seat.它是用彈簧負(fù)載球軸承來(lái)定置，進(jìn)而確保鉆孔精度，它具有精密加工而成的淚滴狀物或球形的底座。The spring-loaded ball bearing locks into the teardrop shape and prevents the punches from coming out of the retainer.彈簧式承載球軸承鎖住淚狀物，并防止沖頭從保持架中漏出. 球鎖保持架的好處是他們?cè)试S模具維護(hù)師移除和快速重新安裝打孔器The advantage of ball-lock retainers is that they allow the die maintenance technician to remove and reinstall punches quickly.球所 。The punch is removed by depressing the spring-loaded ball bearing and pulling up on the punch.該沖床去除抑制彈簧負(fù)載的球軸承，并拉動(dòng)了沖床。Specialty retainers also can be made to hold and align irregular punch shapes, as well as headed-style punches and pilot pins.特殊的保持架也可以和中心孔、導(dǎo)向銷(xiāo)一起對(duì)不規(guī)則形狀定位。 8. 8. Springs彈簧 Springs supply the force needed to hold, strip, or form metal.彈簧供應(yīng)保持、卸下或成型金屬時(shí)所需要的力量。Many different springs are used in stamping dies (see Figure 10 ).許多不同種類(lèi)的彈簧用于沖壓模具。 Spring selection is based on many factors, including the required force and travel, the spring's life expectancy, and, of course, cost.彈簧的選擇基于許多因素，包括所需的力量和用途，彈簧的預(yù)期壽命，當(dāng)然還有成本因素。Among the most popular are gas springs, which, when filled with nitrogen, can supply a great deal of force.其中最受歡迎的是氣體彈簧，其中，當(dāng)其充滿(mǎn)氮?dú)猓晒?yīng)巨大的力量。They also have an excellent life expectancy.它們也有一個(gè)很好的預(yù)期壽命。 Other types are coil and urethane springs, often called marshmallow springs.其他類(lèi)型的彈簧包括螺旋彈簧和聚氨酯彈簧，通常被稱(chēng)為軟性彈簧。當(dāng)需要一個(gè)適度的力量而預(yù)算很有限時(shí)Coil springs are very popular when a reasonable amount of force is needed and budget constraints are present.螺旋彈簧是很受歡迎的。Urethane springs work well in short-run or prototype stamping operations.聚氨酯彈簧在短期運(yùn)行或原型沖壓中很好用。并且They also are inexpensive.它們還很便宜。 Art Hedrick is president and senior consultant of Dieology, 8579 River Oak Circle, Greenville, MI 48838, 616-225-2170, fax 616-225-2158, dieology@pathwaynet.com, www.dieology.com. 作者赫德里克是沖壓學(xué)的高級(jí)顧問(wèn)， 8579 River Oak Circle, Greenville, MI 48838, 616-225-2170, fax 616-225-2158, dieology@pathwaynet.com, www.dieology.com.He is the author of the Die Science column in STAMPING Journal?, and a member of the FMA Stamping Technology Council. 他是 Die Science column in STAMPING Journal?的成員之一，他一直致力于沖壓工藝。 附件2：外文原文 Die basics with eight basic components -----Getting to know stamping dies By Art Hedrick, Contributing WriterAugust 8, 2006 A stamping die is a special, one-of-a-kind precision tool that cuts and forms sheet metal into a desired shape or profile. Most dies are onstructed of several basic components, including die plates, shoes, die sets, guide pins, bushings, heel blocks, heel plates, screws, dowels, and keys. Dies also need stripper, pressure, and drawing pads, as well as the devices used to secure them—spools, shoulder bolts, keepers, and retainers; and gas, coil, or urethane springs. Editor's Note: This article is edited from Part IV and Part V of an article series on thefabricator.com covering stamping die fundamentals and focusing on the components used in manufacturing stamping dies. A stamping die is a special, one-of-a-kind precision tool that cuts and forms sheet metal into a desired shape or profile. The die's cutting and forming sections typically are made from special types of hardenable steel called tool steel. Dies also can contain cutting and forming sections made from carbide or various other hard, wear-resistant materials. Most stamping dies are constructed of several basi components,including die plates, shoes, die sets, guide pins, bushings, heel blocks, heel plates, screws, dowels, and keys. Dies also need stripper, pressure,and drawing pads, as well as the devices used to secure them: spools, shoulder bolts, keepers, and retainers, as well as gas, coil, or urethane springs. 1. Die Plates, Shoes, and Die SetsDie Die plates, shoes, and die sets are steel or aluminum plates that correspond to the size of the die. They serve as the foundation for mounting the working die components. These parts must be machined—milled or ground—so that they are parallel and flat within a critical tolerance. Although grinding is the most popular, a milled surface now can be obtained that is as accurate as a ground surface. Most die shoes are made from steel. Aluminum also is a popular die shoe material. Aluminum is one-third the weight of steel, it can be machined very quickly, and special alloys can be added to it to give it greater compressive strength than low-carbon steel. Aluminum also is a great metal for shock adsorption, which makes it a good choice for blanking dies. The upper and lower die shoes assembled together with guide pins create the die set. The lower die shoe often has machined or flame-cut holes that allow slugs and scrap created in the die to fall freely through the die shoe onto the press bed. The holes also may serve as clearances for gas springs and other die components. The die shoe thickness is based on how much force can be expected during cutting and forming. For example, a coining die, one that compresses metal by squeezing it between an upper and lower die section, requires a much thicker die shoe than a simple bending die. 2． Guide Pins and Bushings Guide pins, sometimes referred to as guide posts or pillars, function together with guide bushings to align both the upper and lower die shoes precisely. They are precision-ground components, often manufactured within 0.0001 in. Although numerous specialty mounting methods can be used to install these components, there are only two basic types of guide pins and bushings—friction pins and ball bearing-style pins. Friction pins are precision-ground pins that are slightly smaller than the guide bushing's inside diameter. Pins are made from hardened tool steel, while bushings often are made from or lined with a special wear-resistant material called aluminum-bronze. The aluminum-bronze may contain graphite plugs that help to reduce friction and wear that occur to the pins and bushings. Friction pins also help to heel the die shoes and prevent them from moving from side to side. Precision or ball bearing-style guide pins comprise precision-hardened pins, ball cages, ball bearings, and bushings. Unlike friction pins, these pins ride on a series of ball bearings contained in a special aluminum ball cage that permits the bearings to rotate without falling out. These pins have several advantages. First, friction is reduced so the die can run at faster speeds without generating excessive friction and heat. Second, they allow the diemaker to separate the upper and lower die shoes easily. Third, because they use ball bearings, they can be manufactured with greater accuracy than friction pins. Remember, guide pins are meant to align the upper and lower die shoes, not to align a poorly maintained or sloppy ram in a press! Some companies try to compensate for a poorly maintained press by adding oversized guide pins or grinding the guide pin ends to a cone shape. Care must be taken when flipping die shoes over so that the guide pins are not bent. 3. Heel Blocks and Heel Plates Heel blocks are special steel blocks that are precision-machined screwed, doweled, and often welded to both the upper and lower die shoes. They contain components called wear plates and function to adsorb any side thrust that may be generated during the cutting and forming processes. They are especially important if the generated force is one-directional. Too much force generated from one direction only can cause the guide pins to deflect, which results in misalignment of critical cutting and forming components. Most heel blocks have steel heel plates, and the heel block the opposite shoe has a wear plate made from aluminum-bronze or some other dissimilar metal. The plate selection process is critical. Using two opposing plates made of the same metal type can result in high friction, heat, and eventually galling or cold welding of the wear plates. Heel blocks can be used to heel the die in any or all directions. Box heels often are used to heel the die in all directions. 4．Screws, Dowels, and Keys Screws fasten and secure the working components to both the upper and lower die shoes. The socket head cap screw is the most popular fastener used in stamping dies. This hardened tool steel screw, often referred to as an Allen head screw, offers superior holding power and strength. Dowels are hardened, precision-ground pins that precisely locate the die section or component in its proper location on the die shoe. Although dowels have much heeling ability, their main function is to locate the die section properly. Keys are small, rectangular blocks of precision-ground steel that are inserted into milled pockets in the die shoes and sections called keyways