Tri-axis hard die check

Abstract

A method and device for checking clearance between a stamping die includes a template representative of relative movement between the stamping die and end tool. A template including a surface representing movement of the end tool relative to the stamping die is positioned relative to the stamping die. The position is indicative of a location of the end tool during operation of the stamping die. Contact between the template and the stamping die along the surface representing movement indicates potential contact between the end tool and the stamping die during operation.

1 - 15 . (canceled)  
   
   
       16 . A die check assembly comprising; 
 a template having a surface representing relative motion between a workpiece transfer system end tool and a stamping die during operation of the stamping die and the workpiece transfer system.    
   
   
       17 . The assembly as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said surface represents motion of the end tool relative to the stamping die during movement of the end tool toward a grasp position where the end tool grasps a workpiece.  
   
   
       18 . The assembly as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said surface represents motion of the end tool relative to the stamping die during movement of the end tool away from a release position.  
   
   
       19 . The assembly as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said surface represents motion of the end tool relative to the stamping die in two dimensions.  
   
   
       20 . The assembly as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said surface represents motion of the end tool relative to the stamping die in three dimensions.  
   
   
       21 . The assembly as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said surface represents motion of the end tool relative to the stamping die within a vertical plane.  
   
   
       22 . The assembly as recited in  claim 16 , wherein said surface represents motion of the end tool relative to the stamping die within a horizontal plane.  
   
   
       23 . An interface template representative of an interface between a workpiece transfer system and a production tool system, the interface template comprising: 
 a surface representing motion of a portion of a workpiece transfer system relative to a portion of the production tool system.    
   
   
       24 . The interface template as recited in  claim 23 , wherein the surface representing motion of a portion of the workpiece transfer system comprises a first surface indicative of movement of the portion of the workpiece into the production tool system and a second surface indicative of movement of the portion of the workpiece transfer system out of the production tool system.  
   
   
       25 . The interface template as recited in  claim 24 , wherein the first surface and the second surface represent movement of the portion of the workpiece transfer system along at least two defined axes of movement.  
   
   
       26 . The interface template as recited in  claim 23 , including a mount for supporting the template relative to a portion of the production tool system.  
   
   
       27 . The interface template as recited in  claim 23 , including a first point corresponding to a datum point of a first production tool and a second point spaced apart from the first point corresponding do a datum point of a second production tool and the surface representing motion of a portion of the workpiece transfer system is defined between the first point and the second point.  
   
   
       28 . The interface template as recited in  claim 23 , wherein the surface representing motion of a portion of the workpiece transfer system is defined in three axis.  
   
   
       29 . The interface template as recited in  claim 23 , wherein the surface representing motion of a portion of the workpiece transfer system is indicative of movement of a workpiece.  
   
   
       30 . The interface template as recited in  claim 23 , wherein the template comprises a lightweight substantially rigid material.