Custom cutting dies, manufactured and inspected in Belgium

A cutting die is a custom-made cutting tool that cuts or punches sheet metal, foil or thin metals into precise shapes in a press for series production.

Tumag develops and produces cutting punches for industrial applications where dimensional stability, repeatability and reliable performance are essential. From Turnhout, we combine more than 40 years of experience in punch and die making, mould making and precision mechanics with CAD/CAM engineering, EDM machining, precision grinding and quality control.

For every project, we look at the entire production process: material selection, cutting geometry, load, tool life, post-processing and maintenance. This allows us to create cutting tools that are technically sound, fit within your production environment and contribute to stable output.

Cutting dies are used in a wide range of sectors where sheet material, films, thin metals or other materials need to be formed or cut with precision. Typical applications include:

• Medical technology: precision components for medical instruments, diagnostic applications or technical aids.
• High-tech industry: connectors, contacts, sensor carriers and small precision parts with consistent dimensional accuracy.
• Packaging industry: cutting and forming tools for packaging components where a clean finish is important. Deburring dies for removing burrs or flash from plastic or metal parts
• Aerospace industry: for punching and forming small precision contacts, clips, brackets and holders in aluminium or titanium alloy

The exact design of a cutting die depends on the material, the required tolerances, the production volume and the application of the final product.

A reliable cutting tool starts with a well-considered design. That is why Tumag involves engineering early in the process. Using modern CAD/CAM systems, including Siemens NX, we translate product data and technical drawings into a practical, manufacturable die concept.

During this phase, we analyse, among other things:

• the required cutting line and product geometry;
• the material type and material thickness;
• the required tolerances;
• the load on active cutting elements;
• options for assembly, maintenance and resharpening;
• the feasibility of operations such as milling, wire EDM and grinding.

The performance of a cutting die is strongly influenced by material selection. For many applications, conventional tool steels are suitable. For higher loads, abrasive materials or long production runs, more wear-resistant steel grades or powder-metallurgical steels may be recommended.

Tumag provides advice based on the application, the material to be processed and the desired tool life. We take into account factors such as hardness, toughness, wear resistance, risk of deformation and post-processing capability.

Surface treatments can also play an important role. PVD coatings such as TiN or AlTiN can help reduce friction, minimise wear and improve tool life. Whether a coating is useful depends on the application and is technically assessed for each project.

For the production of cutting dies, Tumag combines various precision machining operations under one roof. Depending on the component and the required accuracy, we use machining operations such as turning and milling, EDM techniques such as wire and sinker EDM, and precision grinding. This keeps the entire process technically aligned, from raw material to inspected cutting tool.

In stamping tool production, measurement is not a final step, but an integral part of the production process. Tumag carries out interim checks and final measurements to verify dimensions, form and fit. Depending on the project, we provide a measurement report for your stamping tool components for critical dimensions, form and position tolerances or specific customer requirements. This means you receive not only a manufactured component, but also verifiable confirmation that it meets the agreed specifications.

A cutting die only remains reliable when it is properly maintained. That is why Tumag also supports customers after delivery with maintenance, resharpening, repairs, revisions and optimisation of existing tools.

Regular maintenance helps reduce burr formation, dimensional drift and unexpected downtime. For damaged parts, we assess whether repair is possible, for example through precision laser welding, post-machining and remeasurement. When parts are too heavily worn, we can reproduce critical components based on a drawing, model or measurement.

Tumag is more than a manufacturer of individual die components. We combine engineering, production, quality control and maintenance in one integrated process. This makes us a suitable partner for companies looking for a technical partner who thinks along with them about manufacturability, reliability and long-term usability.

Whether it concerns a new cutting tool, a modification to an existing die or the repair of worn components, we assess your project from a technical, pragmatic and goal-oriented perspective.