Re: Noob Looking for General Info on Stamping Press Machinery
Punch press is the correct term for the machine.
A 22 ton might work or a 100 ton might not be enough It depends on the area and tensile strength of the part that you are making.
Yes, that's what they are used for. Punching (creating a hole), Blanking (punching out the entire part shape), and Forming/Bending. The dies can be a single operation or could be a progressive die where multiple operations are performed as the material progresses through the die.
Rough tonnage (in pounds) can be calculated by multiplying the tensile strength x the area x the thickness.
I have never seen a stamping die making book, but one may exist. Machinery's Handbook has the formulas that you need. If you have a milling machine and a surface grinder then you have the tools needed to make dies. A good rule of thumb is about 0.001'' clearance per 0.01 of material thickness. Harder material can take a bit more clearance, softer needs to be a bit tighter.
I'll be happy to help you get started.
One other thought, if you don't need thousands of parts, laser cutting is a good option also.
Jim Dawson
Sandy, Oregon, USA