The Cost Value of Hard Tooling
January 24th, 2022
When it comes to manufacturing parts, one of the biggest considerations is the cost of production. Hard-tooling, or press tools and dies, are mounted onto a press to create the specific geometries of a part. While the initial cost of a tool may seem high, the value that it brings to the customer can far outweigh the upfront cost, depending on the frequency of use, and complexity of the tool and part design. At HSI, we offer in-house tool design and building, which means we can help you save costs on the production and maintenance of a tool.
History of Tooling & Dies
Before the first tool and die patent, believed to originate from a French toolmaker in 1796, metal fabricators relied solely on parts produced with only a hammer. Increased production demands of the Industrial Revolution and World War II propelled a transition to automated stamping operations. The market sought higher productivity, lower assembly costs, and lightweight parts that could offer more durability to various industries. In the early nineteen fifties, a metal stamping company, Capitol Engineering, introduced single multi-station dies (progressive dies) to strengthen metal fabrication’s efficiency, productivity, and operator safety. Today, tooling continues to be a valuable capability that offers customers multiple benefits in cost, production, and quality.
Factors That Influence Tool Cost & Performance
Choosing the right tool can substantially impact product quality, cost, and lead time. When determining whether to use hard-tooling for production, the EAU quantity of parts is the first consideration. If it is a medium-run to large-run job, it may be suitable and economical to have a die made. Our tools are built for durability and longevity, allowing us to produce your parts at a low cost. For smaller-run jobs, or jobs that require one-off use, staged tooling is possible, but it may not be as cost-effective or efficient.
The size of the part determines how big the tool and the press will need to be. With punch presses ranging from 18-225 ton, HSI can produce parts in a broad range of sizes. We’ve produced parts as small as 0.132” (L) x 0.208” (D) with a thickness of .030”, and tools as large as 10ft. long. Different presses have different stroke lengths, offering some variation in part height. Unique specifications may require different production techniques, and some jobs may be a better fit for other types of production, such as lasering or machining, both of which are also among our list of capabilities at HSI.
Benefits of Using Hard Tooling to Manufacture Metal Parts
Tooling is vital to the metal manufacturing process and is often overlooked by companies that want to reduce costs. However, it can help you cut down on costs in several ways, including:
Lower piece prices
Hard tools can be more expensive, but they use little consumables and produce larger part quantities, faster. As a result, you’ll pay less for every piece produced with a tool.
Reducing production & labor
Well-designed tooling is made for high-volume production, which can reduce set-up times and increase productivity rates. Lowering the cost of production and labor is then calculated in the final quote.
Better quality control
Hard tools give you greater control over the quality of your finished product because they produce consistent results.
In the end, hard-tooling is a cost-effective, efficient fabrication technique that can produce many different kinds of parts. If your product has a medium to high volume potential, tooling is most likely the right solution for you.
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Email: sales@hsimfginc.com