Stamping Part Mold Inspection

Stamping part mold inspection is a rigorous quality control process that verifies the dimensional accuracy, surface finish, and structural integrity of stamping molds before they are put into production. Molds are the backbone of stamping operations—even minor defects (e.g., a 0.002mm deviation in the die cavity) can lead to thousands of defective parts, making inspection critical for preventing production delays and cost losses. This inspection is conducted after mold manufacturing and periodically during use (preventive maintenance) to detect wear or damage.

The inspection begins with dimensional measurement using high-precision tools. Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) are the primary tool for this task: they use a probe to measure thousands of points on the mold’s surface, comparing the actual dimensions to the CAD model. For example, a CMM checks the die cavity’s depth, width, and radius to ensure they match the design within ±0.001mm. For mold features like punch edges or trimmer blades, optical comparators are used to magnify the feature (up to 100x) and verify sharpness and straightness—dull or uneven edges can cause burrs in stamping parts.

Surface finish inspection is another key step. Molds require smooth surfaces (typically Ra 0.8–1.6 μm for forming molds) to prevent material sticking and ensure the finished part has a uniform surface. Inspectors use surface roughness testers to measure the mold’s surface texture, dragging a stylus across the surface and recording height variations. For molds with coatings (e.g., PVD coatings to reduce friction), thickness gauges check if the coating is applied evenly and meets the required thickness (e.g., 5–10 μm).

Structural integrity testing is conducted to detect hidden defects like cracks or internal voids. Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to penetrate the mold material (e.g., steel), identifying cracks that are invisible to the naked eye—critical for molds subjected to high stamping forces (e.g., 1000 kN presses). Additionally, the mold’s assembly is inspected: checking if components like guide pins (which align the punch and die) are properly installed and move smoothly, and ensuring cooling channels are unobstructed (using air pressure tests to check for blockages).

Periodic inspection during use involves checking for wear—for example, measuring punch diameter to see if it has worn down (a common issue after 100,000+ stamping cycles) and replacing worn parts before they cause defects. By conducting thorough stamping part mold inspection, manufacturers ensure molds perform reliably, produce high-quality parts, and have a long service life.

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