Stamping Die Tryout and First-Piece Approval Checklist
Most stamping scrap and customer complaints begin at setup, not mid-run. This checklist walks the die, press, material and first-piece steps so a die only goes into production after the critical checks are done.
0 of 31 items complete
15 critical items still open - these are the highest-risk gaps.
Die and press readiness
Material and feed
First-piece inspection
Run at rate and release
Every critical item must be complete before releasing the die to production. Any open critical item means the run is held.
Digitize setup and first-piece records
Optional: an outline for capturing setup sheets and first-piece results against the work order in your ERP or MES.
Optional. The tool and every export work without this. No spam.
How to use the checklist
Work through the groups in order at each setup, not only at new die tryout. Critical items mark the checks that must be completed before the run is released; open critical items mean a hold. Record shut height, feed settings and cushion pressure on the setup sheet so the next setup can start from known values. Complete the first-piece group with the control plan open, and keep the signed record with the lot. Export the completed list to PDF for the job file.
Why these checks
Sensor and misfeed checks protect the die from the most expensive failures, such as double hits and short feeds. Verifying tonnage against the calculated load prevents stalling and overload on heavy-gauge jobs. First-piece measurements prove that the die produces conforming parts under stable conditions, and the rate run confirms the quoted strokes per minute. The lot and heat check keeps traceability intact if the material later fails.
- Tryout is not complete until a run at rate is stable.
- Record die condition so wear trends are visible.
- Log setup minutes; they feed your next quote.
Common mistakes
Plants often approve a first piece taken while the die is cold, then see dimensional drift as it warms. Others skip sensor tests because they passed at the last setup, but sensors move and wires fail. A third issue is mixing coil lots without noting it, which makes later containment hard. When burrs are measured only on one side of the part, the defect often returns. Use the list as a baseline and adapt it to your control plan and customer requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a die tryout?
A tryout runs a newly built or repaired die in a press to adjust it until it makes conforming parts. It covers shut height, timing, clearances, stripping and feeding, and ends with a run at production rate and a dimensional report.
What should a first-piece approval include?
Measurement of all critical characteristics from the control plan, burr height, visual inspection, correct material and lot, calibrated gauges identified on the record and a sign-off by quality or the designated approver before the run proceeds.
How often should I do the full checklist?
Run the full list at new die tryout and after major repair. At each routine setup, at least do the die, material, sensor and first-piece groups. The rate run is required whenever the quoted speed has not been proven on that die.
Does this replace a PPAP or AS9102 report?
No. It supports daily setup and release. Customer submissions such as PPAP or AS9102 first article reports are separate documents with their own required content.
If setup data and first-piece results are kept on paper, we can help move them into your ERP or MES quality records, with the die, lot and operator linked.
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