Abstract: An apparatus and process for protecting a press die and press frame from damage when stock has jammed therein. The apparatus includes a proximity sensor which senses metal entering the press, a proximity sensor to detect the stamped product, and a proximity sensor to detect the skeleton scrap metal left after the stamping. A press cycle detection sensor senses a cycle of the press and generates a timing pulse. Means for comparing signals generated by the proximity sensors is regulated by the timing pulse and includes a signal converter, a memory circuit, a signal comparator and a fault check operatively connected to one another. An output relay breaks the press circuit upon an appropriate signal.The process of protecting a press die includes sensing the input to determine if stock is present, generating an electrical impulse and storing the signal in a memory. The presence of the stamped product and the resultant scrap are noted and similar signals generated. The output signals are also fed to memories.