Abstract: A modular guided keeper base, guided keeper assembly, and related method includes a modular guided keeper base that mounts to a die member. The guided keeper base has an integrated stop for guide pin retention. The guided keeper base can also accommodate a variety of bushings within the base. The guided keeper base is attached to a die member using a mounting flange(s). Mounting fasteners pass through the fastener holes in the mounting flanges and are anchored in the die member to securely retain the guided keeper assembly in place. A retainer ring is mounted in an associated groove in the base over the heads of the mounting fasteners to prevent unintentional unfastening of the fasteners from the die member.

Abstract: A stock lifter for metal forming dies includes a self-contained assembly. The assembly includes a guide pin that reciprocates within a base. A hardened end cap, which contacts the stock, is attached to the guide pin. A spring is located on the exterior surface of a portion of the base and surrounds the guide pin body. One end of the spring contacts a surface on the cap, while the other end of the spring contacts a surface on the base or an optional mounting flange that is attached above the base. Thus, the stock lifter assembly has a hardened cap for the stock to slide on and a larger, externally mounted spring that provides longer life for the stock lifter. The stock lifter assembly can be made of several different lengths and sizes by using longer or wider guide pins and springs.

Abstract: A guide pin assembly includes a guide pin body that connects to a die component using retaining rings. The guide pin assembly has an upper and a lower retaining ring that permits the retention of the guide pin body in a hole in a component of a metal forming die, with each retaining ring contacting a surface of the die component. The guide pin body includes an opening to permit the temporary insertion of a device for positioning the guide pin body within the opening in the die member.

Abstract: A tight space pilot, tight space pilot assembly, and related method includes a tight space pilot that can be installed into a die without fasteners, fastener apertures, or added blocks for mounting. The tight space pilot assembly includes ejectors that are retained by the pilot and a retaining ring that holds the tight space pilot in place in a die member.

Abstract: A collar and shaft assembly utilizing a ring and a multi-stepped groove. The multi-stepped groove permits the ring to be compressed into one groove while the collar is being assembled and then to expand into a different groove that permits the ring to contact surfaces on both the collar and the shaft.

Abstract: A modular guided keeper base, guided keeper assembly, and related method includes a modular guided keeper base that mounts to a die member. The guided keeper base has an integrated stop for guide pin retention. The guided keeper base can also accommodate a variety of bushings within the base. The guided keeper base is attached to a die member using a mounting flange(s). Mounting fasteners pass through the fastener holes in the mounting flanges and are anchored in the die member to securely retain the guided keeper assembly in place. A retainer ring is mounted in an associated groove in the base over the heads of the mounting fasteners to prevent unintentional unfastening of the fasteners from the die member.

Abstract: A collar and shaft assembly utilizing a ring and a multi-stepped groove. The multi-stepped groove permits the ring to be compressed into one groove while the collar is being assembled and then to expand into a different groove that permits the ring to contact surfaces on both the collar and the shaft.

Abstract: A collar and shaft assembly utilizing a ring and a multi-stepped groove. The multi-stepped groove permits the ring to be compressed into one groove while the collar is being assembled and then to expand into a different groove that permits the ring to contact surfaces on both the collar and the shaft.

Abstract: A compact stock guide assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a stock guide that includes a fastener that secures the stock guide to the die through a central aperture in the stock guide. The stock guide has a locating boss that can be received in a pocket in the die that has been bored and tapped to receive the fastener.

Abstract: A guide pin assembly for metal forming dies includes a cylindrical guide pin body with an external retainer groove adjacent one end thereof in which a retainer ring is received. An annular guide pin ring with an outside diameter greater than the pin body, has a counterbore adjacent the outside end thereof and a retainer groove in a medial portion thereof which receives the outer portion of the retainer ring to securely interconnect the pin body and the ring and thereby form an enlarged head at one end of the pin body which positively limits reciprocal motion between two associated die members. A circular guide pin head cap covers the outer end of the head ring, and includes a support collar that is closely received in the counterbore of the ring, and engages the retainer ring to securely hold the same in place.

Abstract: A pilot assembly and method has a cylindrical pilot body with a tapered outer end, a grooved inner end, and a central portion with at least one inwardly curved side wall relief, as well as internally mounted reciprocating ejector pins with outer ends that protrude through holes in the outer body end to strip stock from the pilot. A spring has its outer end mounted in the groove in the outer body end, and an inner end attached to the inner body end in a pre-tensed condition. A cap screw has an enlarged head that has at least a portion thereof fit into the pilot sidewall relief, and a threaded shank that anchors the pilot in an associated die member.

Abstract: A stock lifter for metal forming dies includes a self-contained assembly. The assembly includes a guide pin that reciprocates within a base. A hardened end cap, which contacts the stock, is attached to the guide pin. A spring is located on the exterior surface of a portion of the base and surrounds the guide pin body. One end of the spring contacts a surface on the cap, while the other end of the spring contacts a surface on the base or an optional mounting flange that is attached above the base. Thus, the stock lifter assembly has a hardened cap for the stock to slide on and a larger, externally mounted spring that provides longer life for the stock lifter. The stock lifter assembly can be made of several different lengths and sizes by using longer or wider guide pins and springs.

Abstract: A guide pin assembly for metal forming dies includes a cylindrical guide pin body with an external retainer groove adjacent one end thereof in which a retainer ring is received. An annular guide pin ring with an outside diameter greater than the pin body, has a counterbore adjacent the outside end thereof and a retainer groove in a medial portion thereof which receives the outer portion of the retainer ring to securely interconnect the pin body and the ring and thereby form an enlarged head at one end of the pin body which positively limits reciprocal motion between two associated die members. A circular guide pin head cap covers the outer end of the head ring, and includes a support collar that is closely received in the counterbore of the ring, and engages the retainer ring to securely hold the same in place.

Abstract: A pilot assembly having a shaped portion and a shaped fastener relief for attachment to a die. The pilot assembly includes a fastener with a shaped washer that engages the shaped fastener relief to permit installation and removal of the pilot from the die. The shaped portion of the pilot assembly helps to locate and center the stock down the pilot assembly toward the die.

Abstract: A pilot assembly and method for metal forming dies has a generally cylindrical pilot with a stripper that strips stock from the pilot when metal forming dies diverge. The pilot assembly is secured to one die member by a fastener by itself or in combination with a window mount. A spring within the pilot assembly contacts the stripper to force the stripper to reciprocate when the dies are pulled apart. Thus, the pilot assembly helps locate the stock within the metal forming die while also having a stripper to help strip the stock from the pilot.

Abstract: A stock ejector assembly and method for metal forming dies includes a stock ejector with a large spring and a ring-style stripper. The ring-style stripper provides a larger surface area for contacting the stock. The large compression spring is preloaded and when a load is applied, the stripper retracts and the spring pressure increases. When the dies separate, the stock ejector pushes the part off flat surfaces, separating surfaces sealed by adhesion, including but not limited to oil or lubricant adhesion.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face and a fastener aperture to mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. A guide pin having a central portion is closely received in the central guide aperture for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and the die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at one end which abuts the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at an opposite end with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the guide pin on the die pad. A fastener extends through the fastener aperture in the base to securely connect the same with the die shoe. Another fastener securely connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly includes a base, at least one marginal fastener aperture to detachably mount the base to an associated die shoe, and a central guide aperture. A guide pin is closely received in the central aperture of the base. A first end of the guide pin has an enlarged head to positively limit travel between the die shoe and die pad, and an opposite second end with a generally flat terminal shoulder configured for close reception in a blind hole in the die pad. The shoulder has a fastener aperture at a location spaced radially offset from the central axis of the guide pin. A fastener extends through the fastener aperture in the die pad and engages in the fastener aperture in the second end of the guide pin to securely, yet detachably, connect the second end portion of the guide pin with the die pad.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly and related method includes a cylindrical base that mounts to a die member using a multi-piece, interlocking flange. The flanges have outer fastener holes and inner arcuate walls that matingly engage a complimentary profile on the outer surface of the base to axially interconnect the same. The flanges also have male and female end connectors which snap lock together around the base in an assembled condition. Mounting screws pass through the fastener holes in the flanges and are anchored in the die member to securely retain the guided keeper assembly in place. A retainer ring is mounted in an associated groove in the base over the heads of the screws to prevent unintentional unfastening of the screws from the die member.

Abstract: A guided keeper assembly for metal forming dies includes a base having a mounting face and a fastener aperture to mount the base to an associated die shoe, as well as a central guide aperture. A guide pin having a central portion is closely received in the central guide aperture for precisely guiding reciprocal motion between the die pad and the die shoe. The guide pin has an enlarged head at one end which abuts the base to positively limit travel between the die shoe and the die pad, and a shoulder at an opposite end with an alignment mechanism that precisely locates the guide pin on the die pad. A fastener extends through the fastener aperture in the base to securely connect the same with the die shoe. Another fastener securely connects the second end of the guide pin with the die pad.