Frequently Asked Questions

What is the advantage of a progressive die?
While more expensive to design and fabricate, a progressive die will produce parts at a higher rate of speed and a much lower per piece price than a compound die.

What is the advantage of a compound die?
The advantages are accuracy of the edge, consistent burnished edge and part flatness.  While the die produces a more accurate part, it is at lower production speed versus a progressive die.  Some parts cannot be produced in a compound tool.

What design software do you use?
Solidworks
3DQuickPress
AutoCAD
Esprit

What size presses do you have?
Our presses range from 5 to 440 tons with 120″ bed size.

When should you use laser cutting versus die/press?
Typically laser cutting is used for short run, lower production numbers or prototype pieces.

What is the difference between electrical steel and regular steel?
Also called lamination steel, silicon electrical steel or transformer steel, it is a specialty steel manufactured to produce certain magnetic properties. This iron alloy contains up to 6.5% silicon. Silicon significantly increases the electrical resistivity of the steel which reduces induced eddy currents and thus reduces core loss.

When would you use a piercing die?
In situations where a subsequent operation would distort previously pierced holes or when the pierced hole is to close to the edge of a blank.  

What is a Kanban program?
It is a visual process management system that tells what to produce, when to produce it, and how much to produce.  When developed with a customer’s input it results in a just-in-time delivery program.

How can you help with supply chain management?
With over 60 years of manufacturing experience, we can help you design your programs from the procurement of raw materials, through finished good production.    

How should an order or purchase order be submitted?
Sko-Die will accept orders or purchase orders by EDI (electronic data interchange), fax, E-mail, or regular mail.  For higher volume purchases, a blanket purchase order program could be the best solution.  Please contact a Sko-Die sales representative to discuss the available options that we can offer to best suit your needs. 

Where is Morton Grove, Illinois?
The Village of Morton Grove is a near north suburb of Chicago located 13 miles north of downtown Chicago, 8 miles northeast of O’Hare Airport and 6 miles west of Lake Michigan.

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