Fineblanking
Explained in greater detail under fineblanking process fundamentals, fineblanking can best be described as a cold extrusion process. Fineblanking is not stamping.

Fineblanking utilizes three concurrent forces to closely control material flow throughout the process of forming and extruding.

For general guidelines regarding the fineblanking process and material selection, click here (pdf)

Fineblanking Presses:
MPI has more than 90 presses in its fleet.

The fineblanking presses, 250 tons and below, are mechanical presses. These presses incorporate hydraulic cylinders to control the stinger pressure and counter pressure, but main pressure (blanking force) is applied by mechanical force.

Larger presses, including 250 tons and above, are fully hydraulic presses. In addition to hydraulic cylinders being used to control stinger pressure and counter pressure, the main pressure is also applied by a hydraulic force.

Within MPI’s press groups from 250 to 800 tons, MPI has several horizontal presses. These presses operate in a horizontal direction rather than a vertical direction (up and down). Horizontal presses are a benefit in many heavier gage applications, as the tool is cleared by gravity rather than by compressed air or mechanical means.

Similar to our horizontal presses, MPI’s 1000 ton presses are tiltable to aid heavy part ejection.

Fineblanking Dies:
Fineblank dies are extremely robust, precision tools. Fineblank tool components are all straight sided and typically have clearances of 1/2 of 1% of material thickness.

Advancements in tool making equipment have been highly beneficial for tool manufacture. However, the skill required to build precision fineblank tools remains an art that continues to be passed on to apprentice tool makers by experienced journeyman.

The most basic fineblank dies are compound dies. These tools produce one or more components with each stroke of the press.

Comparatively, progressive fineblank dies are more complex tools that are capable of producing sophisticated components by advancing the production of a part through several stations within a single die. As parts are formed and cut within a progressive fineblank die, they are transferred between stations by the material strip and then cut free in the final station before being ejected from the tool.