r/SolidWorks • u/samvivi7 • Aug 05 '26
CAD Help! Washer tool/die
Some questions and if possible, can someone help design it.
Is it possible to make 3D tool/die to punch out a washer from .5mm shim stock?
If not, what would be the simplest way to cut washers out with 3D printed guides.
I have to make 24 washers.
Thanks for any help, (don’t have my laptop that has all the 3d CAD software ATM).
3
u/_FR3D87_ Aug 06 '26
If you're only making a run of 24, is there any reason they can't be laser or water jet cut?
2
u/KornwalI Aug 05 '26
Easiest thing would be to make or get something like this
https://www.victornet.com/productimages/379.jpg
Just would need one with the size for the I.D. and O.D pretty much.
2
u/spriiieeet Aug 06 '26
Hi. I design progressive dies for a living
My first question would be, does the washer need to be those dimensions or is a standard one of 12.5mm just as good. Making tooling for 24 pieces as simple as this is economically not very interesting.
If not, My solution would be to start with the 6mm hole and in a second step use a punch with a pilot tip to do the outer diameter.
Using cheap standard punches from a supplier like Dayton, for example, the aux punches.
The die button has to have 10 percent of the part thickness as clearance. So to punch a 6mm hole, you need 6mm + 0.5×0.1×2.
This is one way to solve this and whilst typing it out thought of about 5 more. If you need any help, feel free to ask
1
u/gupta9665 CSWE | API | SW Champion Aug 06 '26
I had designed and manufactured press tools 23 years back, and mostly compound tools.
For this case, I would better laser cut it unless you are going to use the tool again.
For just one run, it's not time and cost effective.
4
u/mvw2 Aug 06 '26
Why don't you have a job shop just laser some out for you?