Education and Training

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

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.

Introduction

In order for a die and press to perform correctly, both need to be properly maintained and cared for. Improper methods or the lack of proper maintenance can cripple a stamping operation.

This session focuses on the methods and frequency of die maintenance. Attendees will learn how to properly sharpen, shim, and time all stamping components to their correct working heights. They will also gain insight into determining when components require repair or replacement. Additionally, participants will learn how to identify whether specific components need maintenance or full replacement. The session covers proper techniques for straightening plates and pads, as well as the correct methods for welding and repairing tool steel.

Schedule

Session 1 : Tuesday, Nov 12th, 2024
Session 2 : Wednesday, Nov 13th, 2024
*Each session will be held from 9AM – 11AM CST

Agenda

1. Die maintenance
2. Maintenance verses repair
3. Shim making process
4. Timing sections
5. Grinding methods
   • Wheel selection
   • Set up
6. Grinding cutting shear
7. Shimming ball lock retainers
8. Shimming headed punches
9. Nitrogen spring pressure and replacement
10. Coil spring assessment and replacement
11. Polishing techniques
12. Straightening plates and pads
13. Replacing guide pins and bushings
14. Setting a pierce punch
15. Keeping a clean environment
16. Welding methods
    • Pre-heating / Post heating
    • Rod selection – peening. Tempering. 
    • Cracked and broken section repair

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.