Progressive die - two progression blanking tool design

Progressive die - two progression blanking tool design

Precision progressive die - two progression blanking tool design

Metal stamping tools are essential for producing components in a cost effective way. In order to reduce the cost per unit, parts must be made faster, more accurately and reliably. This actual project was focused on a criteria that was essential to the design and the building of this tool. This information helps to choose the type and number of features to design as well as selecting tooling components and the right materials to be used etc. As a result, the tool will have all the necessary functions, nothing less and nothing more that will keep the budget under control.

Progressive die - two progression blanking tool design

The design was based on a low to medium production amount of 8,000 - 32,000 parts to be stamped per month. The plan was to cut the parts from CRS (Cold Rolled Steel) strips that were sheared from sheets. The material type, the operation method and the required monthly usage gave the basic guidelines. Not only that but what features the tool should have and to meet or exceed the minimum requirements. Other factors were also taken into considerations such as easy operation, and eliminate operator error that could be costly if the tool was damaged from improper use. To further reduce the cost of the unit price of the stamped parts, the customer requested that they would build the tool in house at their facility. It is a great way and a proven method that Vortool Manufacturing has developed over the years to help customers with their projects.

Progressive die - two progression blanking tool design

A special package was created with super detailed shop drawings, a Bill of Material and special illustrated instruction pages how to build the components properly and then the best way to operate the tool once in production. As an addition there were instructions about punch press preparations and set up information that ensures trouble free production time after time.

Based on European precision and decades of experience, any tool design produced by Vortool Manufacturing is the most comprehensive design method that any company could ask for. The tool will fit the press or presses with no surprises.

Progressive die - two progression blanking tool design

We always have a press mock up made with the essential dimensions, shut height stroke and adjustment information, mounting, etc. to ensure that the tool will fit the first time and will operate within the specifications of the press regardless of its type and origin. With the help of the great features of possibly the best CAD software SolidWorks, the 3D models are always put in motion to simulate the movement of the press and the tool. A number of design verifications ensure that the tool is put to the test before it was even built, regardless of the complexity. It is either a simple two step progressive tool like this one or a sophisticated sixteen progression tool. The result is the same. You expect it to run trouble free. This is why you should choose Vortool Manufacturing.


Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada


Corner skin form tool for low volume metal stamping production

Corner skin form tool and design

Corner skin form tool and design

Low volume products such as this "Corner Skin" require cost effective tooling to keep the budget under control yet keep the quality high to be competitive on the market.

The flat parts also known as flat blanks were laser cut and then inserted into the single station two post die set to form the edge of the specified angle and dimension.




Low Production Metal Stamping


Corner skin form tool and design

The tool consists of a form punch, a form die and a heavy spring loaded pressure plate to ensure that the part remains flat where needed. This should allow the part to be pressed against the form cavity by the upper punch.

As a result the outer rounded edge of the part formed upward in an angle, that became a perfectly smooth geometric shape for this flange.


Corner skin form tool and design



Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada



Modular press using multiple punch stations

Modular press using multiple punch stations

The modular press using multiple punch station product line by Vortool Manufacturing Ltd. contain a number of individual (portable) presses that are linked together and activated as one.

• For generic or budget oriented projects C frame presses are the most suitable.

• Other models may be used as well as custom solutions that are designed for the specific need of the process.

• Modular presses are excellent to process aluminum extrusions with great lengths and multiple holes, slots, etc. to be punched at once at the full length of the extrusion.

• The process time is minimal, compared to conventional methods where individual holes had to be drilled or punched one at a time. The quality is more predictable and repeatable.

• Multi axis power unit mounts are available to work horizontally or in an angle within the same machine.

• Drilling units can be also used to work along with the cylinders.

• Extrusion positioning and clamping can be automated. The function can be monitored by a PLC to ensure trouble free operation and keep the required quality under control.

• Safety devices may be installed, depending of your company or government requirements.


Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada


Ball bearing guided high precision progressive metal stamping tool and die for high speed automated production

Ball bearing guided high precision progressive metal stamping tool and die for high speed automated production

The picture shows the bottom die set and 
some of its components are being inspected,
aligned and assembled.

Ball bearing guided high precision progressive tool for high speed automated production

Stamped metal parts usually require more than one operation in one. This progressive metal stamping tool produces a high volume mounting bracket that pierces holes, blanks out a shape by cutting the strip into separate parts and finally folds the part into an L shape. At each hit a final product falls off at the end of the tool. It is made for a high production automated punch press using coil and an air feeder for continuous operation.
Metal stamped part
This progressive die design consists all the necessary features that any stamping tool should have from ease of use through high accuracy to reliable operation for a long time. It includes strip feed and guide, stripping, slug separation, and feeder actuation. As an option the tool can be used as a manually operated tool without the air feeder using strips instead of coil.

The cutting components are designed to be made of hardened tool steel that ensures the long usability. Choosing the right alloy for the application and the proper design of the tool can greatly effect the life of the tool. As a result it can operate trouble free for longer, saving on maintenance. It can also reduce or eliminate downtime and minimize costs that are associated with the value of the final product.
The progressive tooling was designed using SolidWorks 3D CAD. Shop drawings, and files generated from the models are seamlessly fit into any machine shop or tool room's profile.

Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada


Air to oil powered three platen punch press

Air to Oil Powered Three Platen Press design and manufacturing

Air to oil powered three platen punch press

Air to oil powered three platen press product line is the most versatile of all the portable and modular presses offered by Vortool ManufacturingIt is well suited for steel rule die tooling, or to process e.g. aluminum extrusion punching, using multiple stations. 

This combination press / four post tool also called the "Three Platen Punch Press" is accessible from all four sides. Multiple work stations can be mounted inside or around the perimeter of the press to utilize maximum usability while lowering the tooling cost per station at the same time.

• A wide selection of sizes available from a miniature of 4" x 6" inner work area to 36" x 36" or larger custom specified dimensions and anything between.

 Tooling could be mounted directly to the detachable transfer plates.

 The four post precision guide system ensures superior tooling alignment for punching, piercing, notching, blanking or forming.

 The power source could be as small as a 200 lbs capacity compact air cylinder for the smallest model, or it can be as powerful as your application needs it to be, using hydraulic power for up to 80 tons.

 The unit can be directly mounted on a bench top, or shipped with a dedicated stand. The stand could be anchored to the floor or have lockable casters for even grater mobility.

 The operator control is also fully customizable from our standard two push button system with anti tie down module* to a foot pedal, a pedestal style, or a non contact finger sensor system.

 As part of the custom options, when the part(s) are nested and are in the correct position, the press can be activated automatically. There may be a selectable PLC controlled operating system to cover all variations of your process.

 Safety devices are available from simple physical guards to light curtains to keep the operator(s) safe and meet any government or company standard.

 The material that is used for the press' components could be steel, aluminum or stainless steel, whether the press is used in a general factory environment, in a medical facility or in the food industry.

*Anti tie down module: It is a safety device that controls how the two push buttons function. The buttons must be pressed at the same time within few milliseconds. If one button pressed only or one button pushed after the other, the system will not activate. The operator’s both hands are occupied while the press is being activated and is in motion.

Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada



Hydraulic powered pillar punch press

Hydraulic powered pillar punch press

Hydraulic powered pillar punch press

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Pillar Punch Presses are attractive for their ability to adapt easily for using different type, size or capacity power units that can be mounted on the top surface of the two upper railings. These models are best to be used with hydraulic power.

• Pillar Punch Presses are an excellent choice for budget oriented applications, yet high output or tonnage is required.

• Your existing blanking and or forming tools can be installed with ease, or custom designed tools may be supplied with the press.

• Operator control, mounting of the press, and safety devices are similar to the other presses and should be specified before ordering pillar punch presses from Vortool Manufacturing Ltd..

• The physical size and capacity of any of the presses may be specified, or can be chosen for you based on the project that you wish to use the press for.


Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada


Air to oil powered C frame modular bench top punch press


Air to Oil Powered C Frame Modular Punch Press

The Air to Oil Powered C Frame Modular Punch Press product line bVortool Manufacturing Ltd. is commonly used for various purposes. The space saving and vertical style design make this unit attractive for different reasons.


•  The double sided C frame provides exceptional strength while maintaining the small foot print of about 5 inches wide only.


• The power source can be air, hydraulic or the combination of the two. The sample is equipped with an air to oil cylinder, using regular compressed shop air to operate. There are many models to choose from to suit most applications. The cylinders range between 1.5 to 12.5 Ton capacity. Other models are also available that are capable producing up to 60 tons at 120 psi air pressure.


• Conventional hydraulic cylinders can be also used for higher tonnage requirement. To keep the foot print to the minimum, high pressure hydraulic pumps and cylinders can be installed, capable for 80 tons output using a small, 5" bore cylinder at 10,000 psi.


• Tools or metal stamping tooling components to be mounted on the horizontal platform. This c frame press can be easily bolted on an existing bench top or shipped with a dedicated stand. These stands could be floor mounted or have lockable casters for even greater mobility.


• There are different operator controls to choose from. You can have a foot pedal or palm buttons with or without an anti tie down module. The control may be built pedestal style and can be equipped with non contact finger sensors to activate each cycle. Depending on the application requirement, a more sophisticated PLC integrated system is available.


• The above options are also available with the other press models such as the Box Frame Press, the Three Platen Press, or the Pillar Press.


Vortool Manufacturing

Vortool Manufacturing Ltd.

Unit 240 19358-96 Ave.

Surrey, BC V4N 4C1 Canada


Call: 604-239-7218 | Email


Made in Canada