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2018 Die Basics 101: Part XII - The Fabricator

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Die Basics 101: Part XII

FEBRUARY 13, 2007
BY: ART HEDRICK (/AUTHOR/ART-HEDRICK)

Slug pulling, which occurs when scrap metal—the slug—sticks to the punch face upon withdrawal and
comes out of the button, or lower matrix, is a serious problem that can damage parts and dies. Various
methods can help reduce the occurrence of slug pulling.

Air Vents
Putting air vents in cutting and piercing sections most likely will not completely stop cutting slugs from
pulling, but it's a good start. This is because trapped air that creates vacuum pockets is a major cause
of slug pulling. It is good die-building practice to drill air vents in all cutting punches whenever possible,
especially if they are piercing punches.

Spring Pins
A common, popular method for preventing slugs from pulling is to use a pierce punch with a spring-
loaded ejector pin. However, this method is effective only if the punch is large enough to accept a
spring pin.

The spring-loaded pin pushes slugs from the punch point and into the matrix. Keep in mind that to
maximize the spring pin's effectiveness, it must be accompanied by an air vent. This can be achieved (https://static.thefabricator.com/a/die-basics-101-part-xii-spring-
by drilling an oversized hole for the pin and allowing the trapped air to escape around the spring pin. pins.jpg?size=1000x1000)
Figure 1 Spring Ejectors and Air VentsImages courtesy of Dayton
Progress

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Spring pins work well in large dies containing large pierce punches, but they do not lend themselves well to small-die, high-speed operations. Many commercial punch
manufactures can provide these types of punches for you. Some commercially available punches even have a special wire retainer that allows the maintenance
technician to depress the spring pin, lock it in place with a special retention pin, and grind the punch with the spring depressed. This capability allows the punch to have
the same amount of spring travel as a new punch (Figure 1).

Reduce the Punch-to-Die Clearance

Although reducing the cutting clearance shortens the life of the punch and matrix, it helps minimize slug pulling. This is because reducing cutting clearance forces the
slug in compression during cutting. After the cutting is completed, the slug decompresses in the matrix for an interference fit.

For short-term runs and low-production parts, reducing the clearance may be your answer; however, for high-production dies, it is recommended that you use an
engineered cutting clearance combined with an alternate method for slug retention.

Special Die Inserts, Buttons, and Matrix Alterations

Many commercially available inserts orbuttons can help address slug pulling problems. Some common commercial names are "slug huggers" or "slug-control buttons"
(Figure 2).

A slug-control button consists of two small slots machined at an angle in each side of the matrix. These slots cause a burr to be generated on the slug. The burr is forced
downward at an angle, wedging the slug in the matrix.

A slug-hugger button has barbs in the matrix that impale themselves into the slug. Both of these methods work well and are highly recommended.

A reverse-tapered "bell mouth" button also works well. Most die buttons have a bell mouth taper
machined into them, with the hole diameter increasing toward the bottom of the button. Although it may
seem strange to use a button with a hole in the matrix that gets slightly smaller as it nears the
clearance opening, this is an effective slug retention method. The reverse taper holds the slugs in
compression in the matrix. Keep in mind that in most piercing operations, 0.0005 inch to 0.001 in. is
more than sufficient taper. Too much taper and compression can cause the matrix to split (Figure 3).

Vacuum Units
Commercially available vacuum units can be incorporated in your piercing operation. These units
create a vacuum and pull the slug downward into the matrix. In a pinch, try a simple wet and dry
vacuum. In my experience, it works fairly well. However, keep in mind that these vacuums typically are
not meant to run for hours and hours. Even the higher-quality models burn up quickly.

Other Ideas

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17.05.2018 Die Basics 101: Part XII - The Fabricator
Although it may be somewhat crude, using a weld spatter technique on the inside of a button can be a (https://static.thefabricator.com/a/die-basics-101-part-xii-special-
relatively effective slug-pulling remedy. Commercially available deposit machines work best to execute die-buttons-1.jpg?size=1000x1000)
this application. These special deposit machines deposit tiny barbs on the inside of the button. These Figure 2 Commercial Slug Control Buttons

barbs impale themselves into the slug and help prevent it from pulling upward.

These portable application machines have significant advantages over ordinary weld spatter. First, they can deposit tungsten or vanadium carbide on the button surface,
which decreases button wear and increases slug-retention life. Second, the deposits can be made accurately with as little heat as possible. This helps to reduce tool
steel and button damage. Deposit amounts can be carefully controlled.

Keep in mind that each cutting and piercing operation may require a different slug pulling method. The key is to remember that one pulled slug is one too many. Even a
single pulled slug can result in extensive die damage. Don't risk ignoring the issue: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Editor's Note:

Part I (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-i) provides an introduction to stamping.

Part II (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-ii) covers various forming operations.

Part III (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-iii) discusses several production methods used to make stamped parts.

Part IV (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-iv) and Part V (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-v) cover common stamping

die components.

Part VI (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-vi) explains specialty die

components.

Part VII (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-vii) provides an overview of metals

used in stamping, and Part VIII (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-viii)
continues this discussion.

Part IX (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-ix) covers the mechanical properties

as well as behavioral characteristics of metals.

Part X (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-x) begins an in-depth look at the

metal cutting process. (https://static.thefabricator.com/a/die-basics-101-part-xii-special-
die-buttons-2.jpg?size=1000x1000)
Part XI (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xi) defines slug pulling and common Figure 3 Alternate Slug Control Buttons
causes.

Part XII (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xii) describes methods for resolving slug-pulling problems.

Part XIII (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xiii) discusses various specialty metal cutting methods used in stamping operations.

Part XIV (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xiv) explains fineblanking and GRIPflow®.

Part XV (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xv) describes several bending methods—wipe, coin relief, pivot, and V bending.

Part XVI (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xvi) continues the discussion of bending in stamping operations, focusing on rotary and reverse U
bending. It also addresses the advantages and disadvantages of rotary bending.

Part XVII (http://www.thefabricator.com/article/tc/die-basics-101-part-xvii) discusses the fundamentals of drawing and stretching.

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Art Hedrick
Contributing Writer
Dieology LLC
8730 10 Mile Rd. SE.
Rockford, MI 49341
Phone: 616-894-6855

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17.05.2018 Die Basics 101: Part XII - The Fabricator
http://www.dieology.com (http://www.dieology.com)
Contact via email (mailto:[email protected])

More Content by Art Hedrick (/author/art-hedrick)

Author of the "Die Science" column in STAMPING Journal®, Art also has written technical articles on stamping die design and build for a number of trade publications. A
recipient of many training awards, he is active in metal stamping training and consulting worldwide.

Related Companies
Dieology LLC (https://www.thefabricator.com/directory/showroom/dieology-llc)

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