Die Set for Hydraulic Forging Presses – Specifications & Selection

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Die Set

Definition

In a Hydraulic Forging Press, the Die Set is the critical tooling component that directly contacts and forms the metal workpiece. It consists of precisely machined upper and lower dies that are mounted on the press ram and bolster plate respectively. The die set determines the final shape, dimensions, and surface finish of forged parts through controlled deformation under extreme hydraulic pressure. The upper die is attached to the ram, which delivers the pressing force, while the lower die is fixed to the bolster plate. The die cavities are machined to the negative of the desired part geometry, including draft angles, fillets, and clearances to facilitate material flow and part ejection. Guide pillars and bushings ensure proper alignment between the upper and lower dies during each stroke, maintaining dimensional accuracy and reducing wear. The die set must be designed to withstand repeated high-stress cycles, with materials selected for toughness, hardness, and thermal fatigue resistance. Common materials include tool steels such as H13 and D2, high-speed steel, and carbide inserts for wear-prone areas. Key parameters include die height (200–500 mm), weight (500–5000 kg), working area (300×300 to 800×800 mm), maximum forging force (1000–10000 kN), guide pillar diameter (20–80 mm), guide pillar count (2–4), parallelism tolerance (±0.02–±0.05 mm per ISO 1101), surface hardness (45–60 HRC per ASTM E18), operating temperature (-20 to 200 °C), material grade (e.g., 5CrNiMo–4Cr5MoSiV1 per GB/T 1299), and surface finish (Ra 0.4–0.8 µm per ISO 1302). These values are reference ranges; actual specifications must be confirmed with the manufacturer for the specific application. The die set is a wear item; regular inspection for cracks, deformation, and surface wear is essential. Proper lubrication and cooling are required to manage thermal and mechanical stresses. When the die set no longer meets parallelism or surface finish tolerances, it must be reconditioned or replaced to maintain forging quality and press safety.

Working Principle

The Die Set operates by receiving the hydraulic force from the press ram, which drives the upper die downward to compress the heated metal workpiece against the stationary lower die. This plastic deformation occurs within the die cavities, forcing the metal to flow and fill the desired shape. The dies are designed with proper draft angles, fillets, and clearances to ensure part ejection and dimensional accuracy. Guide pillars and bushings maintain alignment between the upper and lower dies, preventing lateral shift and ensuring consistent part geometry. The applied force must exceed the required forming force (1000–10000 kN) to achieve full die filling. Operating temperature is controlled to avoid material softening; the recommended range is -20 to 200 °C. After each stroke, the press retracts, and the forged part is ejected. The die set must be periodically inspected for wear, cracks, and deformation, and reconditioned or replaced when tolerances are exceeded.

Common Materials

Tool Steel (e.g., H13, D2), High-Speed Steel, Carbide inserts

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Die Height	200–500 mm	Determines press shut height compatibility
Die Set Weight	500–5000 kg	Affects handling and press capacity
Working Area	300×300–800×800 mm	Must match workpiece and press table
Max Forging Force	1000–10000 kN	Must exceed required forming force
Guide Pillar Diameter	20–80 mm	Larger diameter improves alignment
Guide Pillar Count	2–4 pcs	More pillars increase stability
Parallelism Tolerance	±0.02–±0.05 mm	Ensures uniform forging thicknessISO 1101
Surface Hardness	45–60 HRC	Higher hardness increases wear resistanceASTM E18
Operating Temperature	-20–200 °C	Exceeding range may cause material softening
Material Grade	5CrNiMo–4Cr5MoSiV1	Hot work tool steel for high toughnessGB/T 1299
Surface Finish	Ra 0.4–0.8 µm	Smoother finish reduces friction and wearISO 1302

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Upper Die Part
Mounted on the press ram, moves downward to apply forging force and form the top half of the workpiece

Material: Tool Steel
Lower Die Part
Stationary die mounted on the bolster plate, forms the bottom half of the workpiece and provides ejection mechanism

Material: Tool Steel
Die Holder/Adapter Plate
Interface component that securely mounts the dies to the press ram and bolster plate

Material: Alloy Steel
Guide Pins/Bushings Part
Precision alignment system ensuring accurate mating of upper and lower dies during each forging cycle

Material: Case-Hardened Steel
Ejector System
Mechanism (pins, plates, or hydraulic) to remove forged parts from the die cavities after forming

Material: Tool Steel

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Stamping Module

View system integration details

Manufacturers of Die Set

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a die set used for in a forging press?

A die set is the tooling that shapes metal workpieces under high pressure. It consists of upper and lower dies that form the part's geometry through plastic deformation.

What materials are commonly used for die sets?

Common materials include tool steels like H13 and D2, high-speed steel, and carbide inserts. Material grade examples include 5CrNiMo and 4Cr5MoSiV1 per GB/T 1299.

How do I select the right die set for my press?

Consider die height, working area, maximum forging force, and guide pillar dimensions to match your press and workpiece. Verify all parameters with the manufacturer.

When should a die set be replaced?

Replace when parallelism tolerance exceeds ±0.05 mm, surface finish degrades beyond Ra 0.8 µm, or cracks/deformation appear. Regular inspection is required.

Data Basis

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pressure:	Up to 2000 MPa (typical forging press range)
other spec:	Alignment tolerance: ±0.02 mm, Die hardness: 45-65 HRC, Surface finish: Ra 0.4-0.8 μm
temperature:	Ambient to 500°C (depending on die material and cooling system)

Die Set

Product Specifications

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