Hydraulic Die Forming Discussion Group

Some questions about using the form box

hleshnick
harvey.leshnick@gmail.com
Tue Aug 19 '08

I have started using the 6x6 forming box. I was reading the instructions on the "learn" web site. The following pages seem to be missing: Urethane Pads, Intensifiers and Lubricant. Can someone supply me with these pages?
I have constructed a 5x5 square matrix die which is 1 inch deep and the distance between the edges of the die and the die "hole" about 1 inch. I plan to use 18g copper.
Should my copper sheet be the dimensions of the die (5x5) or the dimensions of the box (6x6)?
Should my urethane pad(s) be the size of the box (6x6) or the size of the die (5x5)? Can I use one 1 inch pad rather than two 1/2 inch pads?
When I start stacking intensifiers, what is the durometer of the intensifiers? Should all the intensifiers be the size of the die hole, or should they decrease in size toward the bottom of the hole? Do I continue using the initial urethane pad between the intensifiers and the platen or do I press the intensifiers directly with the platen.
Should all pressings be at 4000 psi or should they increase as the intensifier stack increases?
Thanks,
Harvey

Re: Some questions about using the form box

Phil Poirier
poirier@newmex.com
Tue Aug 19 '08

Harvey, a few basics for starters....

On Tue Aug 19 '08, hleshnick wrote
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>Should my copper sheet be the dimensions of the die (5x5) or the >dimensions of the box (6x6)?

The die should be the dimensions of the box, you must keep negative space to a minimum inside the container. You can achieve this by making your dies 6 X 6" square to fit the box. Also, you can make these acrylic dies much easier by cutting several 1/4" thick pieces rather than by cutting one thick piece of acrylic.

>Should my urethane pad(s) be the size of the box (6x6) or the size >of the die (5x5)? Can I use one 1 inch pad rather than two 1/2 inch >pads?

Again, you can keep the negative space to a minimum and maximize the die forming by using 6 X 6 urethane. When using urethane it is better to use two pieces of 60d X 1/2" than one 1". Use some lubricant between the two urethanes to get more forming at any given pressure.
You'll also want to use a 6 X 6 X 1" thick plate of steel or aluminum as a pusher.

>When I start stacking intensifiers, what is the durometer of the >intensifiers? Should all the intensifiers be the size of the die >hole, or should they decrease in size toward the bottom of the hole? >Do I continue using the initial urethane pad between the >intensifiers and the platen or do I press the intensifiers directly >with the platen.

Intensifiers are used as "extra hammer beats", use them where needed to get the result you want. They are typically between 80 and 90d.

>Should all pressings be at 4000 psi or should they increase as the >intensifier stack increases?

This will depend upon your desired results, write down your settings for future reference.

I would highly recommend that you take a workshop, there are thousands of details and tricks, too many to write in an email or forum, that will get you up and running much faster than learning by trial and error.

Phil

Re^2: Some questions about using the form box

Cynthia Eid
ceid@cynthiaeid.com
Tue Aug 19 '08

Hi,
Phil's answers are correct, of course.
I will try to attach some of my handouts that give further info.
Cynthia
www.cynthiaeid.com

This message contains the 49 kb attachment
[ URETHANE.pdf ]