Shimmy Die Trim Tooling
Burr-Free & High-Precision
Shimmy Trimming.
Eliminate burrs. Reduce secondary operations. Increase throughput.
Brehm® Shimmy™ Dies provide superior speed and accuracy for trimming stamped / drawn parts.
High-production die designed for efficient, repeatable performance in demanding applications. Shimmy Dies are highly versatile, use the same base die for new parts by simply ordering new adapters, significantly reducing cost compared to building a new die.
Tolerances are approximately ±0.001″.
High Production
Up to 1,350 trims per hour
Precision Trimming
Consistent tolerances to ±0.001″ for tight, repeatable part quality
Cost-effective
Use the same basic die with adapters for new parts – save money and time
Burr-free Results
Clean, smooth trims with no burrs, distortions or die marks
Why Use Shimmy Dies in the Deep Draw Process?
In high-volume deep draw manufacturing, the most difficult stage is often the final trim. Because deep drawing stretches metal into three-dimensional shapes (like cans, shells, or housings), traditional vertical trimming often leaves distorted edges or requires expensive cam-action tooling.
Our shimmy die solutions solve common deep draw challenges:
Complex Flange Trimming
Easily handle irregular or non-planar trim lines on cylindrical, square, or rectangular deep drawn shells.
Burr-Free Results
By utilizing a horizontal “shimmy” motion, the die shears the metal cleanly, significantly reducing the need for manual deburring.
Varying Wall Thickness
Deep drawing can cause “thinning” near the top of the part. Our dies are adjustable to ensure a perfect cut regardless of material flow variations.
Reduced Setup Time
Easier adjustments and fewer complex components allow for quicker changeovers between part variations.
Advantages
High Production
Process up to 1,350 rounds per hour. Ideal for large, irregularly shaped parts and high volume demands.
efficient
One-stroke trimming handles notches, curves, irregular shapes, and more with precision and speed.
Production savings
Use same basic die for new parts. Simply adapt it with different tooling adapters to accommodate changing production needs.
No Burrs
Clean, smooth trims free of burrs, distortions, or die marks – reducing the need for secondary finishing.
Easy Integration
Seamlessly integrate into your metal stamping operations for a smooth and efficient workflow.
LONG PRODUCTION LIFE
Maximize the lifespan of your dies with easy sharpening and consistent, reliable performance.
Shimmy Trim Die Assembly
As the press ram descends, the pressure pads engage the die plate, driving both the die and the part downward in a controlled vertical motion. Simultaneously, a series of cams actuate the die components horizontally from four directions, guiding the material toward the punch.
This synchronized movement shears the scrap from the inside outward, producing a clean edge with virtually no external burr.
After trimming, both the finished part and scrap are efficiently ejected from the die using an air-assisted system.
This trimming method delivers a precise sheared edge while maintaining 100% material thickness at the trim line. Dimensional tolerances – particularly overall height from the inside of the part – can typically be held within a few thousandths of an inch.
See How the Brehm Shimmy Die Operates
Ideal For
PRISMATIC & CYLINDRICAL BATTERY CELL HOUSING
MOTOR HOUSING COVERS
CHASSIS
FRAME RAILS
SUPPORT RAILS
TITANIUM HOUSINGS
MEDICAL PARTS
CROSS-MEMBERS
GET IN TOUCH
Our team is ready to help you find the right solution for your needs.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (937) 253-6194
70+ years of Expertise
made IN USA
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED
GLOBAL INSTALLATIONS & SUPPORT
FAQ: Shimmy Dies in Deep Draw Production
What is a shimmy die and how does it work for deep drawn parts?
A Shimmy Die is a specialized trimming tool that uses a horizontal “shimmy” motion to shear metal from the inside out. Unlike standard vertical presses that cut downward, a shimmy die moves laterally in four directions. This allows it to trim the excess “fringe” or “flash” off a deep drawn shell or cup in a single press stroke, leaving a perfectly square, burr-free edge.
Why is a shimmy die better than pinch trimming for deep drawing?
Pinch trimming often leaves a sharp, tapered edge or a slight “roll” on the part because it relies on vertical compression. Shimmy dies provide a true horizontal shear, which maintains a 90-degree edge squareness and consistent wall thickness. Additionally, shimmy dies are significantly more durable for high-volume runs, as they don’t suffer the same “rounding” wear that pinch-trimming steels do.
Can shimmy dies handle square or irregular deep drawn shapes?
Shimmy dies are highly effective for square, rectangular, and even complex elliptical deep drawn components. Because the “shimmy” action can be customized to the part’s geometry, it can trim corners and flat sides with the same precision as a round diameter.
What are the material thickness limits for shimmy die trimming?
Shimmy dies are incredibly versatile and can typically handle materials ranging from 0.005″ to 0.250″ (0.127mm to 6.35mm), depending on the press capacity and the shear strength of the metal. They are commonly used for stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and high-strength alloys used in deep draw applications.
How does using a shimmy die reduce overall production costs?
The primary cost saving comes from eliminating secondary operations. Traditionally, deep drawn parts might require a separate lathe trim, CNC operation, or manual deburring to achieve a finished edge. A shimmy die completes this work inside the stamping press at high speeds, reducing labor costs, shortening lead times, and lowering the total cost-per-part.
