4. Tool technology

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, it is only once the forming process has been completed that the tool can be designed. The purpose of the tool is to carry out each step in the range, using the manufacturing resources concerned and with the aim of achieving the required part characteristics (geometry, appearance, etc.).

Given the diversity of parts that can be produced under press, tool designs can vary according to a number of criteria.

• The sector of activity: for example, tools for connector parts with thicknesses of around 0.3 mm will be more precise than tools for parts in the construction sector with thicknesses of over 1 mm. Although tool precision and thickness are linked, it is also possible to be very precise with thicker parts, as is the case with parts obtained by fine blanking.

• The quantity...