Prevent Slugs from Pulling Back Onto the Die Block

In Booth C-14051, DTC Products Corporation (St. Charles, IL), a manufacturer of products used in new die construction, will exhibit its newly upgraded SlugKeeper Machine that prevents slugs from pulling back onto the die block. It now features a microscope and tablet with display. The unique device uses a pneumatically powered grinder to precisely machine a small angled groove into the sidewall of the die cavity in a stamping die to prevent slugs from pulling onto the die surface where they can damage the metal production strip, the stamped part, or the stamping die itself. The device includes a one thumb screw to quickly adjust the grinder height, a plunger style grinder head assembly, and a grinder head adjustable depth stop to control the grinder’s depth into the die cavity. According to the manufacturer, each feature helps the operator quickly and more accurately position and control the grinder position.

The grinder assembly is adjustable to three height positions, each ½ in apart, enabling it to work with a wider range of part thicknesses. It features flex lights which the operator can position to see clearly into the cavity, providing better visual inspection of the work area. The grooving wheels come in three diameters to ensure the proper diameter groove is being placed into the side wall of the die surface for all types and thicknesses of material that run in stamping dies. With the ability to adjust the angle (from 0 to 5 deg) of the groove being placed into the side wall, the precise amount of slug interference is created to keep the slug from pulling during the stamping operation.

The digital micrometer adds even more precision, ensuring full control over the depth of the groove. During stamping, slugs expand into these precision grooves, which prevent them from pulling out of the die cavity and onto the die surface where they can cause expensive damage to the stamping die or to parts, which will then need to be scrapped.

DTC Products Corporation, 2651 Dukane Drive, Saint Charles, IL 60174-3341, 866-682-3602, www.dtcproductscorp.com.