What is progressive die stamping?

Progressive die stamping uses a multi-station die that performs multiple operations (cutting, bending, forming) in a single pass through the press.

Does WERIX design and build stamping dies in-house?

Yes. Our in-house die workshop handles die design, manufacturing, trial, and maintenance — no external die supplier needed.

How long does it take to make a stamping die?

Simple progressive dies take 2-3 weeks. Complex multi-stage dies take 4-6 weeks depending on complexity.

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STAMPING — Strip-Fed High Volume

Progressive Die Stamping

A coil or strip feeds through a single die with a station per operation, producing one finished part per press stroke. Because every station works on every stroke, output reaches up to 200 strokes per minute with ±0.01 mm positional repeatability — the lowest unit cost of any forming method we run.

Overview

Progressive die stamping feeds a coil or strip through a single die with a series of stations, each performing one operation per press stroke. Every stroke produces a finished part, so the process runs unattended at high speed with ±0.01 mm repeatability. It is the highest-volume, lowest-unit-cost forming method we operate.

How does a progressive die differ from other stamping dies?

The part stays attached to a carrier strip and moves through stations that pierce, notch, form, coin and finally cut it free. Because every station works on every stroke, output is one finished part per stroke. A transfer die instead moves individual blanks between stations, which suits parts too large or too deep to stay on a strip.

What makes a part suitable for progressive die stamping?

Parts under roughly 300 mm, made from coil, with features that can be formed while attached to a carrier. Very deep draws, parts needing rotation between operations, and very small batches all favour a different method. We confirm suitability during die design, before any steel is cut.

Progressive die stamping: capability and economics

Parameter	Typical value	Note
Positional tolerance	±0.01 mm	On pierced hole positions
Formed feature tolerance	±0.05 mm	Depends on material and feature size
Press speed	Up to 200 strokes/min	One finished part per stroke
Die life	Up to 1,000,000 strokes	Maintenance included in programme
Economic volume	10,000+ parts	Below this, laser-cut-and-bend is cheaper

Common questions about Progressive Die Stamping

What is the minimum order quantity for progressive die stamping?

There is no formal MOQ, but the tooling cost has to be amortised, so progressive die stamping rarely makes sense below about 10,000 parts. Below that we quote laser cutting and CNC bending, which needs no tooling, and we will show both numbers side by side when you ask.

Can a progressive die produce formed features as well as flat blanks?

Yes. Bends, ribs, extruded holes, coined features and threads can all be formed in-line. That is the main reason progressive dies replace multi-operation CNC routes at volume: a single press produces a finished part instead of a blank that then needs bending, hardware and welding.

How do you maintain dimensional consistency over a long run?

The die is built with wear allowance and inspected on a planned stroke count, and first-off and last-off parts from each run are dimensionally checked. Because we build and maintain the die in-house, wear is corrected before it shows up as out-of-tolerance parts.