WEAR COMPONENT INDICATOR

Abstract

In one embodiment, a wear component for use in a manufacturing process includes at least one operating surface for absorbing a force generated during the manufacturing process and at least one wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a varying depth. In another embodiment, a wear component includes at least one operating surface for absorbing a force generated during the manufacturing process, a first wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a first depth, and a second wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a second depth that is different from the first depth.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/444,572, filed Jan. 10, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/508,653, filed May 19, 2017, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to devices for forming materials and, more particularly, to wear components of a die, mold, and/or stamping device.

BACKGROUND

Dies, molds, and stamping devices are commonly used for cutting or forming material, such as sheet metal, as part of a manufacturing process. Such devices typically include one or more wear components for absorbing various forces that may be generated during the cutting and/or forming processes. Depending on the particular device, the wear components may be, for example, a wear plate, a bushing, a gib, or a U-block. Various other wear components are known. In a die device, upper and lower heel blocks coupled to upper and lower die shoes, respectively, may be equipped with corresponding wear plates to absorb at least a portion of the side thrust forces that may be generated as the upper die shoe is lowered toward the lower die shoe. Other wear components such as bushings, gibs, or U-blocks may function as a bearing for permitting a second machine component to rotate and/or translate thereon. Wear plates may also be used for this purpose. In any case, a wear component may be gradually worn down by frictional forces generated as a result of the relative motion between the wear component and another component. Various other applications and configurations of wear components are also known.

Typical wear components are constructed of a low friction material such as bronze, bronze-plated steel, or a bronze alloy, for example, an aluminum-bronze alloy. Some wear components are self-lubricating. For example, a wear component may include a plurality of bores for receiving oil-impregnated graphite lubrication plugs which may lubricate the operating surface of the wear component during use. In some cases, a wear component may include a number of grease grooves provided in the operating surface for receiving lubrication from the plugs and/or from an external source. The plugs and/or grooves may therefore lessen any frictional forces acting on the operating surface. In any event, however, the operating surface inevitably wears down from repeated use and requires repair or replacement.

With conventional wear components, operators, maintenance workers, or other personnel may be required to dismantle the die, mold, or stamping device to assess and/or validate dimensional wear-reduction changes by measuring the thickness of the wear component. In many cases, this process is labor-intensive and time-consuming.

Therefore, some manufacturers of wear components have attempted to overcome this problem by including wear indicator grooves in the operating surface of the wear component. Such grooves are typically linear from one side of the component to an opposite side thereof, with each groove of the component being of a uniform depth that is constant along the original operating surface. As the operating surface wears, each groove becomes shallower until such point that it disappears. When the groove is no longer present, the absence of the groove provides a visual indication to the operator that the wear has exceeded the initial depth of the groove and that the wear component should therefore be replaced. A drawback of such grooves is that the operator may be unable to see a groove due to the angle of viewing and/or inadequate lighting conditions, giving the operator a false indication of wear. Another drawback is that the operator is unable to monitor the rate of wear, since he or she is only able to see whether or not the groove is present. Therefore, the operator may be unable to conduct predictive planning with regard to a future need to repair or replace the wear component, absent performing the above-mentioned dismantling of the device to measure the wear component's thickness. In addition, if such a groove were to disappear between visual checks, the operator may be unable to discern how much additional wear has occurred after the groove disappeared.

As a result of these and other deficiencies, there is a need for improvements to known wear components.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a wear component for use in a manufacturing process includes at least one operating surface for absorbing a force generated during the manufacturing process and at least one wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a varying depth. The at least one wear indicator groove may have at least one sloped base surface defined by an angle relative to the operating surface. For example, the angle may be between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

In one embodiment, the at least one wear indicator groove includes at least a first end having a first depth and a second end having a second depth, wherein the first depth is greater than the second depth. In addition or alternatively, the at least one wear indicator groove may include first and second legs angularly displaced from each other and defining an apex. The depth of the at least one indicator groove may increase toward the apex. Alternatively, the depth of the at least one indicator groove may decrease toward the apex. In one embodiment, the first and second legs are angularly displaced from each other by approximately 90 degrees.

In one embodiment, the wear component includes a plurality of bores for receiving a plurality of lubrication plugs. The wear component may further include a plurality of lubrication plugs, wherein each lubrication plug is received by a respective bore of the plurality of bores. In addition or alternatively, the at least one operating surface includes at least one of a bronze, a bronze-plated steel, a bronze alloy, or an aluminum-bronze alloy.

In another embodiment, a die arrangement includes a heel block and the wear component, wherein the wear component is received by the heel block.

In yet another embodiment, a wear component for use in a manufacturing process, includes at least one operating surface for absorbing a force generated during the manufacturing process. The wear component further includes a first wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a first depth, and a second wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a second depth that is different from the first depth. In one embodiment, the first wear indicator groove has a first length and the second wear indicator groove has a second length, and the fire and second depths are constant along the respective lengths.

In one embodiment, the wear component further includes a third wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a third depth that is different from the first and second depths. The first depth may be approximately equal to one third of a maximum wear rating of the at least one operating surface, the second depth may be approximately equal to two-thirds of the maximum wear rating, and the third depth may be approximately equal to the maximum wear rating.

In another embodiment, the wear component includes a third wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having the first depth. The wear component may further include a fourth wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having the second depth. In addition or alternatively, the wear component may include a plurality of bores for receiving a plurality of lubrication plugs. The at least one operating surface may include at least one of a bronze, a bronze-plated steel, a bronze alloy, or an aluminum-bronze alloy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description given below, serve to explain the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a die arrangement including wear plates in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wear plate of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top elevation view of the wear plate of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the wear plate of FIG. 3, taken along section line 4-4.

FIG. 4A is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating wear of the operating surface of the wear plate.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an alternative wear plate in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternative die arrangement including L-gibs in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative die arrangement including a V-block and a U-block in accordance with an aspect of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an alternative wear plate in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of the wear plate of FIG. 8, taken along section line 9A-9A.

FIG. 9B is a magnified cross sectional view of the wear plate of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 9C is a magnified cross sectional view similar to FIG. 9B illustrating wear of the operating surface of the wear plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, wear components in the form of wear plates 10 each include an operating surface 12 for absorbing a force generated during a manufacturing process, for example, a frictional force. At least one wear indicator groove 14 is provided in the operating surface 12 and has at least one first end 16 and at least one second end 18. As shown, the wear indicator groove 14 has a varying depth such that, as the operating surface 12 wears down from use, the groove 14 decreases in length on the operating surface 12. At any time, an operator may measure a remaining length of the groove 14 and calculate the amount of length lost by subtracting the remaining length from the original length. The amount of length lost correlates to the amount of wear. Therefore, the wear indicator groove 14 enables the amount of wear to be readily and/or continuously monitored during the life of the wear plate 10, without dismantling the device in which the wear plate 10 is used. Thus, an operator may be able to conduct predictive planning with regard to a future need to repair or replace the wear plate 10. The features of the improved wear plate 10 and other wear components are set forth in further detail below to clarify each of these functional advantages and other benefits provided in this disclosure.

With specific reference to FIG. 1, a plurality of wear plates 10 may be included in a die arrangement 20. As shown, the die arrangement 20 includes an upper die shoe 22 and a lower die shoe 24, and may be used, for example, to compress metal by squeezing the metal therebetween as part of a coining operation. Upper and lower heel blocks 26, 28 may be coupled to the upper and lower die shoes 22, 24, respectively, and may be formed with complementary shapes such that, for example, the lower heel block 28 may receive the upper heel block 26 during operation. The upper and lower heel blocks 26, 28 include upper and lower first and second recesses 30, 32, 34, 36, respectively, for receiving the wear plates 10. The operating surfaces 12 of the wear plates 10 received in the first upper and lower recesses 30, 32 face each other and contact each other when the upper die shoe 22 is lowered toward the lower die shoe 24, and the operating surfaces 12 of the wear plates 10 received in the second upper and lower recesses 34, 36 face each other and contact each other when the upper die shoe 22 is lowered toward the lower die shoe 24. In this manner, the upper and lower heel blocks 26, 28, together with the respective wear plates 10, may absorb any side thrust force that may be generated during operation of the die arrangement 20. The die arrangement 20 may include guide pins and/or guide bushings (not shown) for aligning the upper and lower die shoes 22, 24 precisely. By absorbing any side thrust forces, the heel blocks 26, 28 and/or wear plates 22, 24 may prevent the guide pins from undesirably deflecting, and thereby assist in maintaining proper alignment of the upper and lower die shoes 22, 24. The wear plates 10 may be constructed of a low-friction material such as bronze, bronze-plated steel, or a bronze alloy, for example, an aluminum-bronze alloy. Nevertheless, over the course of operation of the die arrangement 20, the resulting friction between corresponding wear pads 10 causes the operating surfaces 12 to wear down such that the wear plates 10 eventually require replacement or repair.

Turning specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, a wear plate 10 may include mounting holes 40 for receiving fasteners (not shown) to couple the wear plate 10 to a heel block 26, 28, for example. As shown, the mounting holes 40 may include countersinks 42 for receiving the heads of such fasteners. In addition or alternatively, the wear plate 10 may include a plurality of bores 50 for receiving oil-impregnated graphite lubrication plugs 52 which may lubricate the operating surface 12 of the wear plate 10 during use.

As shown, the operating surface 12 of the wear plate 10 includes a number of wear indicator grooves 14 formed therein. The grooves 14 may be cut into the operating surface 12 after inserting the lubrication plugs 52 (if used) into the bores 50, such that the grooves 14 may traverse the plugs 52 rather than being interrupted by them. Alternatively, the wear plate 10 may be initially formed with the grooves 14. In another embodiment, the grooves 14 and/or bores 50 may be positioned such that the grooves 14 avoid the bores 50, or the bores 50 may be eliminated.

In the illustrated embodiment, each groove 14 has a generally V-shaped or chevron-shaped profile when viewed from above. As such, each groove 14 may include first and second legs 60, 62 angularly displaced from each other. In one embodiment, the first and second legs 60, 62 may be displaced from each other by between approximately 30 degrees and approximately 150 degrees. For example, the first and second legs 60, 62 may be displaced from each other by approximately 90 degrees. However, other angles may be used. By angularly displacing the first and second legs 60, 62 of each groove 14, improved visibility of the grooves 14 may be provided. In particular, the grooves 14 may be visible from multiple diffraction angles relative to the operating surface 12. This may improve the likelihood that an operator may be able to see a particular groove 14 from various angles, even in poor lighting conditions.

With specific reference now to FIG. 4, each leg 60, 62 includes a first end 16 at or near the apex of the groove 14 and a second end 18 at or near a lateral edge 64, 66 of the original operating surface 12 and spaced from the first end 16 by an original length L. In the embodiment shown, the first ends 16 of the first and second legs 60, 62 are at the apex of the groove 14 and thus substantially coincide. As shown, the grooves 14 are each varying in depth, and the depth can vary continuously. In particular, each leg 60, 62 has a first depth at the first end 16 and a second depth at the second end 18 that is different from the first depth. In the embodiment shown, the second ends 18 are located at the operating surface 12, such that the second depths are equal to zero. Alternatively, the second ends 18 may be positioned below the operating surface 12 such that the second depths may be greater than zero. In any event, each leg 60, 62 includes a sloped base surface 70 extending between the first and second ends 16, 18 from the first depth to the second depth. The sloped base surfaces 70 may each be defined by an angle θ relative to the operating surface 12. In one embodiment, the angle θ may be between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

Referring now to FIG. 4A, as the wear plate 10 is used, the original operating surface 12 is worn down to a current operating surface 12′. As a result, the legs 60, 62 retract in length in a direction toward the respective first end 16 to current legs 60′, 62′ extending between first ends 16 and current second ends 18′. Thus, the amount of wear W to the operating surface 12 of the wear plate 10 may be a function of the difference of the original length L of a leg 60, 62 on the original operating surface 12 and the length L′ of the same leg 60′, 62′ on the current operating surface 12′, along with the angle θ of the sloped base surface 70. For example, the amount of wear W may be expressed as W=(K_θ)×(L−L′), where K_θ is a constant value. In particular, K_θ may be equal to the inverse of the cosine of the angle θ.

Due to the correlation between the current length L′ of a leg 60′, 62′ of the groove 14 and the amount of wear W to the operating surface 12, an operator need only take a single measurement (i.e., the current length L′) in order to confidently calculate the amount of wear W. Therefore, no dismantling of the die arrangement 20 is required to determine the wear W. Once the wear W has been assessed, the operator may then conduct predictive planning with regard to a future need to repair or replace the wear plate 10, such as by comparing the amount of wear W to a maximum wear rating of the wear plate 10 in order to estimate the remaining viable life of the wear plate 10. While the wear plates 10 are shown in FIG. 1 as being included in the upper and lower heel blocks 26, 28 of the illustrated die arrangement 20, it will be appreciated that the wear plates 10 may be incorporated in any other suitable environment.

As shown in FIG. 5, in an alternative embodiment, the first ends 16 of the legs 60, 62 of the grooves 14 may be positioned at or near a lateral edge 64, 66 of the operating surface 12, and the second ends 18 may be positioned at or near the apex of the groove 14, such that the base surfaces 70 may be sloped in the opposite directions of those shown in FIG. 4. Thus, the depths of each groove 14 may decrease, rather than increase, toward the apex of the groove 14.

With reference now to FIG. 6, wherein like numerals represent like features, wear components in the form of L-gibs 110 each include an operating surface 112 along which a slide may traverse (not shown) in an alternative die arrangement 120. Other die arrangements using one or more L-gibs 110 will be readily apparent. The L-gibs 110 may be constructed of a low-friction material such as bronze, bronze-plated steel, or a bronze alloy, for example, an aluminum-bronze alloy, and each have features similar to those previously discussed with respect to the wear plate 10. For example, the L-gibs 110 each include mounting holes 140 for receiving fasteners to couple the L-gibs 110 to a base plate, for example (not shown). In addition or alternatively, the L-gibs 110 may include a plurality of bores 150 for receiving oil-impregnated graphite lubrication plugs 152 which may lubricate the operating surfaces 112 of the L-gibs 110 during use. The L-gibs 110 each include a wall 154 generally perpendicular to the operating surface 112. As shown, the walls 154 may include bores 150 for receiving oil-impregnated graphite lubrication plugs 152. In addition or alternatively, the walls 154 may include bores 156 for receiving locating dowel pins 158.

Wear indicator grooves 114 substantially similar to those previously discussed with respect to the wear plate 10 may be formed in the operating surfaces 112 of the L-gibs 110 to allow an operator to monitor the wear to the L-gibs 110 and conduct predictive planning in that regard. The details of the grooves 114 are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

With reference now to FIG. 7, wherein like numerals represent like features, a wear component in the form of a U-block 210 includes first and second operating surfaces 212a, 212b angularly displaced from each other such that a V-block 215 may traverse therealong in an alternative die arrangement 220. The V-block 215 may be constructed of a high-strength material such as carburized steel and may be coupled to an actuator, for example (not shown). The U-block 210 may be constructed of a low-friction material such as bronze, bronze-plated steel, or a bronze alloy, for example, an aluminum-bronze alloy, and may have features similar to those previously discussed with respect to the wear plate 10. For example, the U-block 210 includes mounting holes 240 for receiving fasteners to couple the U-block 210 to a base plate, for example (not shown). In addition or alternatively, the U-block 210 may include a plurality of bores 250 for receiving oil-impregnated graphite lubrication plugs 252 which may lubricate the first and second operating surfaces 212a, 212b of the U-block 210 during use.

Wear indicator grooves 214 substantially similar to those previously discussed with respect to the wear plate 10 may be formed in the operating surfaces 212a, 212b of the U-block 210 to allow an operator to monitor the wear to the U-block 210 and conduct predictive planning in that regard. The details of the grooves 214 are not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

While wear components in the form of wear plates 10, L-gibs 110, and U-blocks 210 are illustrated herein, grooves similar to the grooves 14, 114, 214 shown and described herein may be included on any other suitable wear component. For example, a bushing may include such grooves on an operating surface thereof. In addition, while the grooves 14, 114, 214 are shown as having a generally V-shaped or chevron-shaped profile when viewed from above, other profiles may be used. For example, it will be appreciated that the grooves may have a more conventional straight profile and may be, for example, parallel or perpendicular to the lateral edges 64, 66, 164, 166, 264, 266 of an operating surface 12, 112, 212a, 212b. In other words, each groove 14, 114, 214 may include only a single leg 60, 62.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9A, wherein like numerals represent like features, a wear component in the form of a wear plate 310 includes an operating surface 312 having a plurality of wear indicator grooves, such as first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth wear indicator grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f formed therein. The wear plate 310 may be included in the upper and/or lower heel blocks 26, 28 of the die arrangement 20 illustrated in FIG. 1, or may be incorporated in any other suitable environment. In the illustrated embodiment, each groove extends between first and second ends 316, 318, has a straight profile, and is arranged parallel to the lateral edges 364, 366 of the operating surface 312. While not shown, the wear plate 310 may include a plurality of bores for receiving oil-impregnated graphite lubrication plugs similar to those discussed above.

With specific reference now to FIG. 9A, the first groove 314a extends into the operating surface 312 to an original first depth D_a, the second groove 314b extends into the operating surface 312 to an original second depth D_b, and the third groove 314c extends into the operating surface 312 to an original third depth D_c. In the embodiment shown, the fourth groove 314d extends into the operating surface 312 to the original third depth D_c, the fifth groove 314e extends into the operating surface 312 to the original second depth D_b, and the sixth groove 314f extends into the operating surface 312 to the original first depth D_a. The original depths D_a, D_b, and D_c are substantially constant along the lengths of the respective grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f between their first and second ends 316, 318. In the embodiment shown, the original depths D_a, D_b, and D_c are different from each other, with the original third depth D_c being greater than the original second depth D_b, which is greater than the original first depth D_a.

Referring now to FIGS. 9B and 9C, as the wear plate 310 is used, the original operating surface 312 is worn down to a current operating surface 312′. As a result, the grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f decrease in depth. In this regard, on the current operating surface 312′ shown, the first groove 314a has been completely erased, the second groove 314b has shrunk to a current second depth D_b′, and the third groove 314c has shrunk to a current third depth D_c′. The absence of the first groove 314a and the presence of the second and third grooves 314b, 314c may be indicative of the amount of wear W to the operating surface 12. Similarly, though not shown, an absence of the second groove 314b and presence of the third groove 314c may be indicative of a further amount of wear W to the operating surface 12, and so on. The fourth, fifth, and sixth grooves 314d, 314e, 314f may decrease in depth at substantially the same rate as the corresponding grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, and may be used to verify that wear W is even across the wear plate 310 and/or may be indicative of the amount of wear W in the event that the counterpart groove 314a, 314b, 314c is compromised or obscured. Alternatively, the fourth, fifth, and sixth grooves 314d, 314e, 314f may be eliminated.

In one embodiment, a predetermined correlation exists between which of the grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f remain on the current operating surface 312′ and the remaining viable life of the wear plate 310. For example, the presence of all of the grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f may indicate that between approximately 66% and approximately 100% of the viable life of the wear plate 310 remains. The absence of the first and/or sixth grooves 314a, 314f and presence of the second, third, fourth, and fifth grooves 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e may indicate that between approximately 33% and approximately 66% of the viable life of the wear plate 310 remains. The absence of the first, second, fifth, and/or sixth grooves 314a, 314b, 314e, 314f and presence of the third and fourth grooves 314c, 314d may indicate that less than approximately 33% of the viable life of the wear plate 310 remains. The absence of all of the grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f may indicate that approximately 0% of the viable life of the wear plate 310 remains, and thus should be repaired or replaced. In this case, the original first depth D_a may be approximately equal to one third of the maximum wear rating of the wear plate 310, the original second depth D_b may be approximately equal to two thirds of the maximum wear rating of the wear plate 310, and the original third depth D_c may be approximately equal to the maximum wear rating of the wear plate 310. It will be appreciated that various other predetermined correlations between the depths of the grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f and wear rating of the wear plate 310 may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, an operator need only visually observe which of the grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f remain on the current operating surface 312′ and which have disappeared in order to assess the remaining viable life of the wear plate 310. The operator may then conduct predictive planning with regard to a future need to repair or replace the wear plate 310.

While six grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f are shown having three different original depths D_a, D_b, and D_c, it will be appreciated that any plurality of grooves having any plurality of different original depths may be used. For example, a wear plate may only have two grooves having two different original depths, or may have a plurality of grooves having more than three different original depths. It will also be appreciated that the grooves may be perpendicular to the lateral edges 364, 366, or may have a generally V-shaped or chevron-shaped profile when viewed from above or any other suitable profile. It will be further appreciated that grooves similar to grooves 314a, 314b, 314c, 314d, 314e, 314f may be included on any other suitable wear component, such as an L-gib, a U-block, or a bushing.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of specific embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A wear component for use in a manufacturing process, comprising:

at least one operating surface for absorbing a force generated during the manufacturing process; and

at least one wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a varying depth.

2. The wear component of claim 1, wherein the at least one wear indicator groove has at least one sloped base surface defined by an angle relative to the operating surface.

3. The wear component of claim 2, wherein the angle is between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 45 degrees.

4. The wear component of claim 1, wherein the at least one wear indicator groove includes at least a first end having a first depth and a second end having a second depth, wherein the first depth is greater than the second depth.

5. The wear component of claim 1, wherein the at least one wear indicator groove includes first and second legs angularly displaced from each other and defining an apex.

6. The wear component of claim 5, wherein the depth of the at least one indicator groove increases toward the apex.

7. The wear component of claim 5, wherein the depth of the at least one indicator groove decreases toward the apex.

8. The wear component of claim 5, wherein the first and second legs are angularly displaced from each other by approximately 90 degrees.

9. The wear component of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of bores for receiving a plurality of lubrication plugs.

10. The wear component of claim 9, further comprising a plurality of lubrication plugs, wherein each lubrication plug is received by a respective bore of the plurality of bores.

11. The wear component of claim 1, wherein the at least one operating surface includes at least one of a bronze, a bronze-plated steel, a bronze alloy, or an aluminum-bronze alloy.

12. A die arrangement comprising:

a heel block; and

the wear component of claim 1, wherein the wear component is received by the heel block.

13. A wear component for use in a manufacturing process, comprising:

at least one operating surface for absorbing a force generated during the manufacturing process;

a first wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a first depth; and

a second wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a second depth that is different from the first depth.

14. The wear component of claim 13, wherein the first wear indicator groove has a first length and the second wear indicator groove has a second length, and wherein the fire and second depths are constant along the respective lengths.

15. The wear component of claim 13, further comprising a third wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having a third depth that is different from the first and second depths.

16. The wear component of claim 15, wherein the first depth is approximately equal to one third of a maximum wear rating of the at least one operating surface, wherein the second depth is approximately equal to two-thirds of the maximum wear rating, and wherein the third depth is approximately equal to the maximum wear rating.

17. The wear component of claim 13, further comprising a third wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having the first depth.

18. The wear component of claim 17, further comprising a fourth wear indicator groove in the at least one operating surface and having the second depth.

19. The wear component of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of bores for receiving a plurality of lubrication plugs.

20. The wear component of claim 13, wherein the at least one operating surface includes at least one of a bronze, a bronze-plated steel, a bronze alloy, or an aluminum-bronze alloy.