There are two different methods for producing wire-drawing dies. The first method is the meeting point while the other is bumping. Each has its advantages and drawbacks, which should be evaluated to make sure dies are produced to the highest quality with the least amount of time. This paper is intended to discuss both methods to help in the decision of which is best suited for each application.

In most drawing factories the only analyzing of die cost is the actual purchase cost, die shop overhead, how many dies are made per operator or how fast the die can be re-worked. The real value the die holds is in the mills overall production efficiency and should be looked at in production not purchase cost or overhead terms. Simply put the more die changes, scrap and customer returns the less efficient the die shop or supplier is. This paper is intended to layout how dies should be analyzed, what effect the die has on production, problems with focusing on low cost die production and cost analysis of the dies in production.

The die is the heart of any drawing operation and one of the most important factors in generating the wire or tube quality. It is one of the few items that can be inspected quickly to determine if it is causing a drawing problem. The die consists of two internal forms, conical angle and cylindrical bearing, that are very difficult to measure in diameters under .035” (0.9mm). The purpose of this paper is to cover the different inspection systems, techniques for measuring the different characteristics of the die, reality in getting accurate measurements and following inspection standards to ensure measurement results.