Why are inserts used in tools & dies & mould & molds ?

The term tool insert is very familiar and frequently used in the tool industry. Inserts are mainly used to insert various irregular parts in irregular tools. Good quality inserts can be used to fill the tool plate or fix the tool plate space. In fact, it is to help the tool to repair some defects. Then, why does the tools use inserts?

1, convenient to modify the tool

The tool need to be modified after a period of production, so inserts can be added in advance where the tool is modified. In the future, inserts can be replaced, and even spare parts of several inserts can be made for replacement when the tool making, so as to facilitate the modification of the tool.

2, convenient tool processing

ZK know that it is very difficult to process and polish some deep groove and holes in the tool, but the difficulty of processing can be reduced by design inserts in these places.

3, increase the service life of the tool

In general, where the mold is prone to damage, it will be designed the tool inserts. Once the inserts are damaged, they can be replaced, thus extending the service life of the tool.

The use of tool inserts plays an important role in the tool, It can not only reduce the damage rate of the tool, also improve the quality of the product and reduce defective products. With the application of tool inserts, ZK can be more convenient to modify or tool manufacturing at any time, and save more costs for customers.

ZK can provide customers with customized services for replacement parts on tools, as follows:

Male die, female die, draw ring, feature die, upper die, lower die, dowel pin, guide pin, pilot pin, lifter pin, spare plate, tool insert, punch holder insert, upper stripper insert, lower plate insert, piercing punch, blanking punch, trimming punch, lance punch, round piercing punch, scrap cutter, special shape punch, bending punch, forming punch, drawing punch, deburring punch, groove punch, stamped punch, guide plate, located block, sliding block, stripper plate, holder block, guide pillars, guide pin, guide bushes, logo stamp.

ZK can provide the different coating for the inserts according to customer’s requirements.

1. TD Coating Centre (TDCC) is synonymous with the supply of high precision, high performance tooling and machine parts that improve productivity, reduce downtime and maximise part life. ZK do this by the correct combination of metallurgy, correct selection of base metal, appropriate heat treatment and surface engineering, and then, by high quality manufacturing of the part.  

The range of coatings and surface treatments we are involved in are the Thermal Diffusion (TD) coating, which has proven to outperform many competing coatings, various PVD coatings incl DLC, and surface treatments such as controlled nitriding, boriding, etc.  

The manufactured tooling and parts – coated or uncoated – are precision-ground (not only machined) from various steels, tool steels, specialized PM tool steels, carbides or tungsten alloys. ZK look at the overall design of the part including correct tolerancing to ensure a first time fit and to maximize part life. ZK have more than years of experience in this field. It’s all about getting the highest performance out of the parts. ZK are a one-stop solution for ultimate performance! 

ZK also have out own range of standard parts such as piercing punches that provide improved life and require less re-sharpening. Find our more about our exclusive range of piercing and ball lock punches, dies, pilot pins, locating pins etc. here.  

2.Physical Vapour Deposition or PVD coatings have made their mark on the manufacturing industry mainly though the cutting tool market. Although this market still remains the biggest application for these coatings, their excellent properties of hardness, low friction and excellent wear resistance can be taken advantage of in many other tooling and component related applications.

ZK can offer the follow standard type PVD coatings:

Titanium Nitride (TiN)

Titanium Carbo-Nitride (TiCN)

Titanium Aluminium Nitride (TiAlN) 

Titanium Aluminium Carbo-Nitride (TiAlCN) “aka Variantic”

Chromium Nitride (CrN) 

Aluminium Chromium Nitride (AlCrN – a.k.a. AlCRONA).

Chromium Carbide topcoats (CrC))

Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) – super low friction,  high hardness coating is available

YDLC – Multi-layered DLC coating for improved adhesion

The above can also be supplied in duplex format for applications requiring higher surface loading and improved fatigue life.

ZK through measure the parts to determine that the parts meet the tolerance range required, and then deliver them to customers by sea/land/air and other means of transportation according to the different packaging methods required by different customers.