Sheet Metal Tool Design

The Sheet Metal Tool Design course is a comprehensive training program that equips learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to design tools used in sheet metal forming operations. These tools are critical in producing high-precision metal parts used in automotive, aerospace, consumer electronics, electrical panels, and industrial machinery. The course emphasizes design for manufacturability, process optimization, and real-world tooling practices. From basic shearing operations to advanced progressive die design, students will gain end-to-end understanding of how raw sheet metal is transformed into functional components through tooling systems.

The course not only explores the mechanics of metal forming but also integrates modern CAD techniques and best practices in toolroom manufacturing. It bridges the gap between component design and tool construction, enabling participants to become proficient in producing accurate, reliable, and cost-effective tooling solutions.

🎓 Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will understand key processes like blanking, piercing, bending, drawing, and trimming, and their relation to tool design. They will learn to design tools like simple dies, compound dies, progressive dies, and transfer dies while gaining practical experience in strip layout planning, die clearance calculation, punch and die set design, and assembly of full die systems. CAD software such as NX, CATIA, or SolidWorks will be used for 3D modeling and 2D drafting, reinforcing both visualization and documentation skills.

🔧 Key Concepts Covered

This course explores the design of each tool component in detail, including punches, dies, stripper plates, guide pins, bushes, backing plates, and die shoes. Students also learn about standard elements, press fit tolerances, and material hardness selection. Advanced topics such as optimization of material usage, minimizing spring-back, improving tool life, and design for manufacturability are also addressed. Learners are trained to consider production speed, accuracy, and safety while ensuring economic tooling solutions.

🎯 Sheet Metal Design

Sheet Metal Design is a specialized branch of mechanical design engineering focused on creating, developing, and optimizing components made from thin metal sheets. These parts are widely used across industries such as automotive, aerospace, appliances, electronics, and heavy machinery due to their strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. This course provides learners with the essential knowledge of sheet metal material properties, manufacturing processes, design standards, and industry-specific guidelines. The program also emphasizes design for manufacturability (DFM), ensuring that parts are not only structurally sound but also feasible for production using processes like stamping, bending, laser cutting, and forming. From concept sketches to precise 3D models and fully detailed production drawings, students will gain the ability to create high-quality sheet metal components ready for mass manufacturing.

📋 Eligibility Criteria

This course is ideal for mechanical and manufacturing engineering graduates, diploma holders in tool and die technology, CAD designers, or professionals working in production, fabrication, or toolroom environments. It is also suitable for freshers who wish to gain employable skills in sheet metal manufacturing, and for experienced individuals seeking to upgrade their tool design capabilities using modern CAD/CAM systems.

⏳ Course Duration

The Sheet Metal Tool Design course offers flexible learning paths. The standard track spans 6 to 8 weeks, combining daily theoretical instruction and hands-on CAD practice. A fast-track option allows skilled professionals to complete the course in 3 to 4 weeks with an intensive schedule. For working individuals, a weekend or online mode is available, extending over 8 to 10 weeks with interactive sessions and guided design assignments. Every version includes a capstone project, where learners complete a real-world tool design — from part analysis and strip layout to complete die assembly and technical drawings.