What steel is used for press tools?

D2 (high-carbon high-chromium) is the most common for punches and dies, hardened to about 58–62 HRC. OHNS suits smaller and simpler tools; M2 or powder steels are used for very long runs and thick material.

When is a progressive tool worth it?

When quantities are high, usually tens of thousands of parts a year or more. It costs more to make but produces a part every stroke with little handling.

What is punch-die clearance?

The gap between the punch and the die opening, usually about 5–10% of sheet thickness per side for steel. Right clearance gives clean edges, low burr and long tool life.

Press tool making: blanking, piercing and progressive dies

Press tool making is the design and manufacture of dies that cut and form sheet metal parts on a power press. A tool has a punch and a die, with guides, strippers and springs. Simple tools do one operation; progressive tools do several stations in a row so a finished part drops out with every stroke.

Quick facts

Main types: Blanking, piercing, bending, drawing, compound and progressive tools
Common steels: D2 or HCHCr for punches and dies, EN31 and OHNS for smaller parts, M2 for heavy duty
Hardness: Cutting parts about 58–62 HRC
Making: VMC milling, wire-cut EDM, surface and profile grinding
Lead time: About 2–8 weeks depending on size and stations
Usually priced: Per tool, plus trial and samples

Types of press tools

Tool	What it does	Suits
Blanking / piercing	Cuts the outline or holes	Simple flat parts
Bending / forming	Bends or forms the blank	Brackets, clips
Compound	Blanks and pierces in one stroke	Flat parts needing accurate hole position
Progressive	Several stations along a strip	High volume parts
Drawing	Forms cups and shells	Deep-formed parts

What decides the price

Part size, sheet thickness and material
Number of operations and stations
Tolerances and burr height
Expected tool life (number of strokes)
Steel grade and heat treatment
Whether the tool needs automation such as feeders or sensors

What to send the tool maker

Part drawing with tolerances, or a sample
Sheet material, grade and thickness
Annual quantity and batch size
Press available (tonnage, bed size, stroke)
Burr direction and allowable burr height
Whether trials, samples and spare punches are included

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Questions

What steel is used for press tools?: D2 (high-carbon high-chromium) is the most common for punches and dies, hardened to about 58–62 HRC. OHNS suits smaller and simpler tools; M2 or powder steels are used for very long runs and thick material.
When is a progressive tool worth it?: When quantities are high, usually tens of thousands of parts a year or more. It costs more to make but produces a part every stroke with little handling.
What is punch-die clearance?: The gap between the punch and the die opening, usually about 5–10% of sheet thickness per side for steel. Right clearance gives clean edges, low burr and long tool life.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 16 October 2026.