Drawing dies are used to stretch and deform metal sheets between a punch and a die to produce a cup-shaped workpiece. The effectiveness of drawing dies largely depends on their wear resistance and anti-seizure properties. The service life of a drawing die is influenced by various factors, including the material and thickness of the sheet being stretched, the size and shape of the die, the die material and hardness, the surface finish, the manufacturing process, the extent of tensile deformation, and the lubrication method used.
For drawing non-ferrous metals and carbon steel sheets, the choice of die material depends on the production batch of the workpiece. Carbon tool steel, low alloy cold work die steel, and medium alloy die steel are commonly used, with surface treatments such as chrome-plating or nitriding applied to prevent seizure if necessary.
When drawing austenitic stainless steel or high-nickel alloy steel, additional measures are often required to avoid seizure. In such cases, nitriding the die is essential, and aluminum bronze or cemented carbide inserts are sometimes used to enhance performance.