Die Duplication From a Print, CAD File, or Part
A die gets duplicated when a shop needs another one that matches the first: a spare for the same line, a replacement, or a copy for a second machine. The source can be a print, a CAD file, a sample part, or customer artwork, and the duplicate has to hold the same layout, size, and fit as the original. Devore Engraving has built stamps, embossing dies, and roll dies since 1963, and its design staff duplicates parts and prints to the specifications provided.
When the source is a print, its dimensions and tolerances are stated under a drafting standard such as ASME Y14.5, which sets the rules for stating and interpreting dimensioning and tolerancing on engineering drawings and digital models. Knowing which drawing conventions a print follows helps the shop read it correctly. The sections below cover which dies Devore duplicates, what it can work from, and what to send.
What Is Die Duplication?
Die duplication means producing a new die that matches an existing one in layout, character or pattern, and fit. The job starts from a defined source, so the task is to reproduce what the source specifies instead of designing something new.
When the new die also needs a change, such as an updated logo or a different size, that is a revision and not a pure duplicate. It is worth saying so in the quote request so the proof reflects the right version.
Which Dies Does Devore Duplicate?
Devore’s duplication work covers the tool types below. If your tool is not listed, describe it in your quote request.
- Roll marking dies, including roll die duplication
- Hand stamps and custom metal die stamps, duplicated from a customer logo or part ID
- Embossing dies and debossing dies, engraved from supplied artwork or a CAD file
- Stamps machined to fit into an existing die
Sources for a Duplicate Die
Duplication can start from several kinds of source, and each one calls for different information. The table matches each source to how Devore works from it and what to send.
| Source | How Devore Works From It | What to Send |
|---|---|---|
| Customer files | Logos and artwork are created or duplicated from customer files, and CAD designs transfer into the die | A vector artwork or CAD file |
| The design staff duplicates to the specifications on the print | The dimensioned print, with its revision level if it has one | |
| Part | Parts are duplicated to the specifications provided | A sample part and a note on which feature the die must reproduce |
| Roll die | Roll die duplication is part of the service | Details on the die and the machine it runs in |
How Is a Duplicate Die Made?
The steps are the ones used for a new die: CAD design, CNC engraving, laser engraving where fine detail calls for it, precision surface grinding, and heat treating, all handled in-house. For a duplicate, the CAD step carries extra weight because the source has to become clean digital geometry before anything is cut. Devore’s roll die work includes digitally transferred CAD designs for precise replication of logos and artwork.
Devore also offers digital proofing and CAD verification before die production. That gives you a chance to compare the proof against the source while a difference is still cheap to fix.
Duplicating Logos and Part IDs
Logos and part IDs can be duplicated from customer files or prints. Devore works with the customer so the logo turns out as needed for their marking purposes, which makes the proof stage the place to confirm line weight, spacing, and proportions.
How Do Duplicated Dies Fit Existing Holders and Machines?
A duplicate only helps if it drops into the setup it replaces. Devore builds dies to match the customer’s marking machine specifications and can machine unusual-shaped stamps to fit into an existing die. Insert holders can be made to customer prints or designed in-house to fit a preexisting die.
Share the holder, press, or machine details with the quote request so the duplicate matches the mounting as well as the marking face.
What Should You Send to Start a Duplication Quote?
The more of the source you can send, the less guessing is needed. List what you have and note anything that is missing, such as a lost print or an unknown material.
- The source: artwork, a CAD file, a print, or a sample part
- Which features the new die must match exactly and which may change
- The die type and its overall size
- The material it will mark and the equipment it runs in
- The quantity needed
The guide on how to specify a custom steel stamp covers similar details for new stamps and works as a checklist here as well.
A duplicate die often needs its own identification once it enters service. Our guide to marking forging dies and press tooling covers that for forge shops, and heat number traceability on forging billet stock covers the material side.
Request a Quote for a Duplicate Die
Request a quote and include the source files or prints, die type, material, and machine details, or call 330-454-6820 to discuss the project with Devore Engraving first.