This type of low cost tool was invented in the Minneapolis area in the 1950's and was originally referred to as "pancake tools" or "soft tools".  They are now more commonly referred to as "short run tools".  The main advantages of short run tools are low cost, fast development and quick tool set up.  These tools typically cost between $200 and $1,000.  Total tooling for most parts is less than $1,000 and is usually about 1/10th the cost of progressive tooling.  The low cost is due to two reasons: 1) the tools have no die holder of their own and 2) the tools are made from alloy steel instead of more expensive tool steel.

DIE HOLDER – we have special die holders that are premounted into several of the punch presses.  These die holders are designed to quickly attach the stack of plates that make up a short run tool.  Die holders are expensive because they use lots of steel for rigidity.  Short run die holders at K-Tek are designed to be universal and are part of our capital equipment and not charged to the customer.

DIE MATERIAL – Even while using lower cost die materials, K-Tek guarantees short run tools for the life of the part.  Most short run tools are good for over 100,000 pieces, and replacement tooling can be produced in a matter of hours.  Short run tools do not in any way sacrifice part quality, tolerances or features. 

LIMITATIONS - The limitations to short run tooling are as follows: our standard die holders will hold a maximum die set of 10" X 10", maximum part thickness is .1875”,and hand transfer of parts between
operations is labor intensive. 

WORK CELLS – K-Tek designed an innovative method of using “work cells” to group operations on a single part together in one area.  This allows us to concentrate our efforts to achieve the highest standards in quality and turnover.

PROGRESSIVE TOOLING - We also offer long run, progressive tooling. This type of tooling combines multiple operations into one tool. Strips of material are advanced through the stages of the tool to produce a complete part. Progressive tools save on material handling and therefore create a less expensive part. Progressive tools are more expensive to produce and are usually justified through higher volumes.