Die Sets Built for Precision Stamping
A die set is the foundation of every metal stamping operation. The upper and lower shoes, guide pins, and bushings must hold tight tolerances under tons of pressure, cycle after cycle. A die set that flexes or misaligns produces out-of-spec parts, broken punches, and costly downtime.
Tooling Components supplies standard and custom die sets, plus every component that goes inside them. From guide pins and bushings to punches, retainers, and die buttons — we are your single source for stamping die components.
Die Set Types We Supply
| Die Set Type | Description | Guide System | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two-Post Die Sets | Guide pins on rear or diagonal posts | Plain or ball bearing bushings | Light to medium stamping, progressive dies |
| Four-Post Die Sets | Guide pins at all four corners for maximum stability | Plain or ball bearing bushings | Heavy stamping, large dies, high-tonnage presses |
| Diagonal-Post Die Sets | Two guide pins on diagonal corners | Plain bushings | Compact dies, limited space applications |
| Ball Bearing Die Sets | Ball bearing bushings for friction-free movement | Ball bearing sleeves | High-speed stamping, precision progressive dies |
| Custom Die Sets | Built to your specifications and drawings | As specified | Non-standard sizes, special mounting, unique applications |
Die Components Catalog
Die Set Components
| Component | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Guide Pins | SUJ2 / H13 | Aligns upper and lower die shoes |
| Guide Bushings | Bronze / Tool Steel | Receives guide pins, provides bearing surface |
| Ball Bushings | Bearing Steel | Friction-free alignment for high-speed dies |
| Die Shoes | Cast Iron / Steel | Base plates that mount to press |
| Punch Holders | Tool Steel | Secures punches to upper die |
| Die Blocks | D2 / A2 / O1 | Holds cutting die, forms the cavity |
Cutting & Forming Components
| Component | Material | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Punches | D2 / M2 / H13 | Cuts or forms material (see punches) |
| Die Buttons | D2 / M2 | Mating cutting component for punches |
| Retainers | Tool Steel | Holds punches and die buttons in position |
| Strippers | Tool Steel / Urethane | Strips material from punch after each stroke |
| Springs | Music Wire / Nitrogen | Provides stripping and return force (see springs) |
| Wear Plates | Bronze / Graphite | Protects die components at sliding interfaces |
Standard vs. Custom Die Sets
Standard die sets are available off-the-shelf in common sizes with pre-drilled mounting patterns. Ideal for quick turnaround and prototyping.
Custom die sets are manufactured to your exact specifications — non-standard sizes, special guide pin arrangements, pre-machined pockets, and custom mounting. We work from your drawings or can reverse engineer from existing die sets.
Materials for Die Components
| Material | Hardness | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| D2 Tool Steel | 60-62 HRC | High-wear cutting components, long-run stamping |
| A2 Tool Steel | 57-60 HRC | Tougher than D2, good for shock loads |
| O1 Tool Steel | 58-60 HRC | General-purpose, easy to machine |
| M2 HSS | 62-65 HRC | High-speed cutting, abrasive materials |
| H13 Tool Steel | 46-52 HRC | Hot work applications, die casting components |
Your Single Source for Die Components
38+ Years Experience
Family-owned since 1987. Die component experts.
Standard & Custom
Off-the-shelf die sets or custom-manufactured to your drawings.
BOM Kitting
Complete die build kits, labeled and ready to assemble.
Call us at 814-438-7657 or schedule a meeting below.