Running Scared

Posted by stephens on May 27, 2010 in Cam Dies, Engineering Decisions | 0 comments

Here is a note from my long-time die guy pal Pete Ulintz. Y’all know Pete; he took over the Tooling by Design column I used to write in MetalForming magazine. I am sure most of you have heard Pete speak at PMA events or have visited his website ToolingByDesign.com.

This is his note:

Tim,

I like your blog regarding restrike operations. I have another “rant” idea for you: Many times I see cam pierce stations added to progressive dies having straight forward bending operations (no drawing or stretching) because people are afraid the development will be lost if the form wears or the die radii changes, or an incorrect “adjustment” is made during production. Obviously, this adds cost and complexity to the tooling but some companies and individuals subscribe to this “just-in-case” approach regardless of the short term and long term costs. Your thoughts?

Pete

 I agree completely with Pete. More and more, stampers are adding unnecessary operations, like restrikes and cams, to their process because they are scared. Planning for every “what if” scenario becomes cost prohibitive after a while and all the while flying in the face of so-called “Lean” initiatives.

It is funny to me. Back 20 years ago, I believe you would get your ass kicked for adding cams that you don’t need. Today, you get your ass kicked for assuming the die shop is not capable of getting the job done right.

For me, the best design is the simplest design that works.