Die Set. A press sub-assembly composed of several sturdy parts which can be placed in a press to perform a striking or trimming operation, then removed intact, where this process may be needed again in the future. A die set is essentially a punch holder and the die shoe (the tooling holding everything in place). When the press is actuated the punch acts as a plunger that pushes the blank through the aperture of the trimming plate. Springs in the die set force the blank free (by a stripper) and returns the punch to its original position. Because it can be used over and over again a die set is most often used as the tooling in trimming.

Some form of register is usually built in the die set – usually with two guide

pins attached to the die shoe and two matching bushings in the punch holder. It is created by a tool and die maker.

Note: a die set is not a set of dies. Use of this term for a pair of mated dies is erroneous and has been found in records or overheard conversations of unknowing persons. [The author found this term in the records of Scovill die inventory, for example, compiled by people who were unfamiliar with the correct terminology of the metalworking industry.]

An oversize pattern for a die, a galvano is reduced in a de-engraving pantograph which simultaneously cuts the die to the required size. Its features are its fidelity to the artist’s original model, it transfers this design into the surface of the die with this same fidelity. Also it is capable of repeating this design in multiple sizes. Note the wide flange on the edge, this were clamps hold the galvano in position while it rotates. Photo: Medallic Art Company.