Introduction
This condensed practical course focuses on understanding the key principles needed to process, design and troubleshoot deep-drawing and stretching dies. It is intended for all levels of metal stamping professionals including die engineers, process engineers, die designers and makers and tool room personnel.
Schedule
Session 1 : Wednesday, July 9th, 2025
Session 2 : Thursday, July 10th, 2025
*Each session will be held from 9AM – 11AM CST
Topics
SHEET MATERAIL BASICS
Mechanical properties
Strain and stress
DRAWING GUIDELINES
Blank Holder Functions
Getting Consistency
Pressure Or No Pressure?
UNDERSTANDING METAL FLOW
Defining Draw Ratios
Compression / Ductility Fractures
CONTROLLING METAL FLOW
Binder Pressure
Draw Beads
Draw Bars
Stand-Offs
Binder Shape
Die Entry Radius
Punch Radius
Material Forming Speed
Air / Pads
Hydraulic Cushions
Nitrogen Systems
PRESS SELECTION FOR DRAWING
Tonnage Considerations
Ram Velocity
Off-Loading
Hydraulic Presses
FRICTION CONTROL
Lubricant Types
Lubricant Additives
Lubricant Application
Tool Steel Coatings
Alternate Die Materials
Thin Film Barrier Lubricants
Interpreting FEA forming simulation results
Understanding forming limit diagrams
Plotting forming severity
Predicting wrinkles/ loose metal/ splits
Understanding variables
About the speaker
Art Hedrick is the owner of the training and consulting firm Dieology, located in Greenville, Michigan U.S.A. He is a journeyman tool and die maker with over 40 years of metalworking experience. Art currently serves as the Science of Forming columnist for MetalForming magazine®. Previously, he authored the “Die Science” column in The Stamping Journal® for over 23 years and has written numerous articles for The Fabricator.com®.
Art, a past instructor at General Motors University, has been the recipient of many training & education awards. He has held chairmen positions of stamping councils with the Society of Manufacturing Engineers as well as Fabricators and Manufactures Association. Art has conducted over 300 stamping, product design, and tool and die related seminars for trade organizations and private companies. Currently he has over 175 clients in the auto, appliance, hardware, defense, electronics, space exploration and commodities industries. Art is active in metal stamping training and consulting world-wide.
