DIETARGET HELP FILE
CONTENTS
Quick Start Guide
Introduction
Getting Started
List of Estimates
Estimating a Die
Settings
Support
QUICK START GUIDE
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Enter https://dietarget.dieestimator.com in your browser address bar. Save the address to your shortcuts
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Log in with your username and password.
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Click the orange “+Create New Die Estimate” button in the upper right to create an estimate.
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Upload a 3D or .pdf file to the right portion of the screen. DieTarget accepts all popular 3D and .pdf file types.
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Enter data and make selections in the left portion of the screen. Measure values as needed in the right portion of the screen.
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Click the green “Create Target Die Estimate” button. A pop-up screen will appear with your die cost estimate.
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Refine, save, and create a new estimate, or view the estimate report in Adobe (.pdf) or Excel file (.csv)
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Click the blue “Settings” button to change settings and the “Estimates” button to see a list of estimates.
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Log out by selecting the username dropdown box in the upper right corner of the home page.
INTRODUCTION
WELCOME
Welcome to the DieTarget user community. DieTarget is designed for users who need consistent die cost estimates fast. Cost estimates can be created in about five minutes from your 3D part data, process drawing, or .pdf file. Minimal die knowledge is required to use DieTarget. DieTarget is ideal for buyers and engineers who need benchmark tooling costs fast for budgeting and production stamped part quotes.
DOCUMENT VERSION
This document is updated periodically. DieTarget is continually updated and improved therefore some descriptions in this document may not match the latest release of DieTarget.
ABOUT DIETARGET
DieTarget is a product of Tool Planners, Inc. It is a web-based software application designed specifically to estimate the cost of metal stamping dies. DieTarget is designed for speed, ease of use, and consistency in die cost estimating. Estimates are built using extensive die calculations, tables, and settings to arrive at the best die cost estimate in the shortest amount of time. Values are based on industry average values we obtain from a select group of consenting users.
UNITS AND CURRENCY
DieTarget is offered in both imperial and metric versions. Users can choose from US Dollar or Euro currencies.
MULTI-USER DATABASE
DieTarget is a database application. Each Client has their own set of data. Clients can have one or many users for sharing estimates and settings.
SECURITY
Your data is securely stored and backed up on Amazon Web Services (AWS) servers. AWS servers have an extremely high uptime at over 99%. Your personal information, customers, and estimates are never shared or sold by Tool Planners, Inc. (Owner of DieTarget.) Access to your DieTarget data is controlled by you therefore you should take care to protect your password.
HOW DIETARGET WORKS
DieTarget is a fully automated version of the DieEstimator die cost estimating software application. Algorithms are used to convert part features into die features. DieEstimator is an exhaustive die cost estimating application with many tables, settings, algorithms, and formulas that are combined to build a detailed die cost estimate. If you desire more control of your die cost estimating, you are encouraged to explore upgrading to DieEstimator. You can learn more at www.dieestimator.com. If you upgrade to DieEstimator, your DieTarget estimates are not lost. They will be available in DieEstimator where you can see all the details of the estimates and settings used to create them.
APPLICATIONS
DieTarget has a wide range of uses depending on your as it relates to metal stamping and die cost estimating.
PART AND DIE TYPES
Die Target can estimate any metal stamping die for any production part.
DIETARGET USER ROLES
DieTarget is designed primarily for users who need budgetary die cost estimates fast. Examples of user roles include:
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Production stamped part cost estimator
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Purchasing professionals
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Stamping engineers and managers
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Die shops
USES FOR DIETARGET ESTIMATES
DieTarget has many uses depending on your role as a die cost estimator. Here are four common uses for DieTarget:
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Creating tooling budgets
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Estimating tooling cost for production part estimates.
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Verification of tooling quotes
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Producing budgetary die cost estimates
A major benefit for DieTarget users who outsource dies is the ability to obtain die cost without the delays and hassles of going out for tool shop quotes.
UPGRADING
A more detailed die cost estimating solution (DieEstimator) is available for users who want or need more detail and control.
GETTING STARTED
LICENSING
You will need a paid-up annual license for DieTarget. Licenses can be obtained at www.dieestimator.com
EQUIPMENT
DieTarget works on any internet-connected computer including mobile devices such as tablets and cell phones. For the best user experience, we recommend using a desktop or laptop computer and a mouse. DieTarget runs in all popular internet browsers. Note: DieTarget has been tested on Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari. Other browsers may also work but they have not been tested by us
SKILLS NEEDED
The only skill the user needs to successfully use DieTarget is the ability to describe the geometric features of a metal-stamped part. Extensive knowledge of dies or design is not needed to achieve good die-estimating results.
APPLICATION COMPATIBILITY
No other application is required to estimate dies with DieTarget however for the most accurate blank estimate you should consider using a third-party program that will flatten and nest a 3D part model. You may already have such a program. If not, you should consider obtaining one. A full die design system is not required for die cost estimating.
LOGGING IN/OUT
LOGGING IN
Open your internet browser and enter https://app.dietarget.com/ in the address bar and press enter. A login screen will appear. Enter your username and password and click the login button.
DieTarget is a licensed application and permits only one instance of a user’s login. If the username is currently in use you will see a message giving you the option to log the other instance out or cancel and close DieTarget.
USERNAME
Your username is your email address. This information will be tagged on the estimates you perform in DieTarget.
PASSWORD
Your initial password is your email address. The password should be typed in all lowercase letters. You can change your password at any time by clicking on the Forgot your Password? link under the login button.
LEGAL
By logging in, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy. Click the respective link to read the document.
SOFTWARE VERSION
The current DieTarget version is displayed at the bottom of the login screen.
LOGGING OUT
Click “log-out” under the username to log out of DieTarget.
NAVIGATION
Getting around in DieTarget is simple. There are four main areas to become familiar with. They are the Header, Estimates List (home), Estimating view, and Settings.
HEADER
The header contains the DieTarget logo, Estimates and Settings buttons, Links to help, and user account information.
DIETARGET LOGO
Clicking the DieTarget logo in the upper left corner of the page will take you to your list of estimates.
ESTIMATES BUTTON
Clicking the “Estimates” button in the middle right of the page of the header opens the estimates page where all estimates are displayed in a list.
SETTINGS BUTTON
Clicking the “Settings” button in the middle right of the header opens the settings page. There are five tabs for production part sheet materials, die construction specifications, Tooling labor rates, profit goals, and customers.
USER ACCOUNT
The username and client are shown in the upper right corner of the header. Additional user account information is viewed by clicking on the user name. There is a change password and log-out option here.
ESTIMATES LIST VIEW
The estimate's view contains the Create New Estimate button and a list of your estimates.
CREATE A NEW ESTIMATE BUTTON
Click the “Create New Estimate” button in the upper right to create a new estimate. New estimates are added to the estimate list.
LIST OF ESTIMATES
The estimates page lists all estimates that have been created. Estimate details are opened by clicking on the thumbnail image or the estimate name link.
A search and filter box is available for quickly locating estimates. Enter all or part of the estimate information to display matching estimates.
The estimates list displays a thumbnail image of the uploaded file, Estimate Name, Customer, Part Name, Part Number, Die Type, Date, and Estimated amount.
Columns can be sorted up or down by alternately clicking on the header name.
A “delete” button is provided to remove any unwanted estimates. Estimates cannot be retrieved once they are deleted.
ESTIMATING A DIE
Opening an estimate displays the die estimate interface. There are two main sections on the screen. The left screen contains information used to perform the estimate. The right screen is used for opening and viewing 3D parts, process drawings, and .pdf files. DieTarget is compatible with the most common metal stamping part model file types including IGES, PRT, STL, STEP, PDF, and many more. There is a complete list of compatible file types at the end of this document.
INPUT PANE
The Input frame is where you enter data and make selections that create the die cost estimate. The input frame is divided into subgroups.
GENERAL INFORMATION GROUP
The General Information group describes your estimating project.
ESTIMATE NAME
Enter a name for the estimate. It can be named anything you like. This is a good place to enter your quote or project number along with a brief description of the part and die. We recommend you use a consistent method for naming estimates.
Example estimate name: Project X, Quote 1234, Acme Inc., widget, 2 out prog die
CUSTOMER - Select the customer for the current estimate. Customers can be added in Settings.
PART INFORMATION GROUP
The Part Information group describes the production part to be made by the die.
Part Name
Enter the name of the production part usually found on the part drawing. As an option, the part filename can be used here.
Part Number
Enter the part number if available in any combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.
PART REVISION
If you track the revision level, add it at the end of the part number above
PART TYPE
Select the part type option that best describes your metal-formed part. Choices include:
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Flat - Select if the die produces a flat part or a developed blank that is used in subsequent processes. Examples of flat parts include rectangular blanks, developed blanks, and nested blanks.
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Cut and bend - Select if the part is cut and bent into the final shape. Do not select if the part has a contour. Examples include relatively simple formed brackets that require no trimming after Forms may include extrusions, gussets, and embosses. The part may have formed or cut features that require cam operations.
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Complex shape developed - Select if the part is a drawn part or part with complex formed contours and edges that can be formed to the desired accuracy without trimming. Examples include complex brackets with 3D shapes. The part may have a variety of metal-formed features.
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Complex shape trimmed - Select if the part is a drawn or part with complex contours that must be trimmed after forming to achieve the desired accuracy. Examples include drawn shells and crush-formed shape brackets.
MATERIAL TYPE
Select the raw material that the production part is made from. You can add, modify and delete sheet materials in the Setting>Sheet tab.
MATERIAL THICKNESS
Enter or measure the material thickness of the part. You can also enter a formula in the field if you need to convert from metric to imperial or imperial to metric. Make sure you enter the correct material thickness based on the unit-of-measure version of DieTarget you are using. Imperial = inches, Metric = mm.
PROCESS INFORMATION GROUP
The process information group describes the stamping process used to make the part. You can use DieTarget to quickly compare various process options.
CALCULATE MEASUREMENTS BUTTON
Clicking the “Calculate Measurements” button automatically creates a bounding box for the part that automatically populates the blank size, part depth, and blank perimeter. For more accurate estimates use commercially available flat and nesting application software.
DIE TYPE
Select the type of die to estimate. Refer to the image below: Types of dies include:
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Progressive die – A progressive die has more than one station and the strip carries the part from station to station. They are most often automatically fed. This type of die is used for high-production parts.
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Transfer die – A transfer die has more than one station and can either coil or blank fed. The part is fed through the die by use of a transfer system. The transfer system may be located on the die or the press. This type of die is used for high-production parts where the part does not have a good attachment point or where material utilization is of the most importance. Use this type of die if the transfer die includes blanking.
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Transfer die (offline blanking) – Same as above but blanking is performed in a separate die. in this type of die. Blanks are fed into the first station of the die by some means of automation.
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Line dies – Line dies have one or more stations. They may be manually or automatically fed. They are also referred to as stage dies. There may be more than one station per die. One or more dies may be placed in a press operation. This type of die is often used for low-production parts.
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Tandem dies – Tandem dies are a type of Line die where there is one station per die and one die per press.
CARRY TYPE
Select a Carry type if the die is progressive. The Die Type and Carry type are used to estimate the number of pilots needed in the die. Select one of the following carrier types:
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Single edge
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Center
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Double edge
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Frame
Note: If you are not sure which carrier to select, follow these guidelines.
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Use Single or Center if the part Length and width are approximately equal.
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Use Double edge carry for parts where the width is much greater than the length.
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For drawn parts use Frame carry.
PART or COIL WIDTH
Enter, measure, or calculate the estimated part or coil width. For an approximation, use the “Calculate Measurements” button to capture the dimension from the uploaded file. This is the front-to-back width of the incoming material as if you are facing the die. If it is a coil or strip-fed die it is the width of the coil or strip. If it is blank-fed, enter the blank width in the front-to-back direction as viewed from the front of the press. This value can also be obtained by clicking the “Calculate Measurements” button.
PART or FEED LENGTH
Enter, measure, or calculate the estimated part, coil, or blank width. For an approximation, use the “Calculate Measurements” button to capture the dimension from the uploaded file. This is the left-to-right dimension of the blank or progression of the die. Use the measure button to capture the dimension from the uploaded file. In progressive dies, this is also called the “step.” This is the front-to-back direction as if you are facing the die. This value can also be obtained by clicking the “Calculate Measurements” button.
SWAP MEASUREMENTS BUTTON
To swap the Part or Coil Width with the Part or Feed Length use the swap button located between the to fields.
PART HEIGHT (FORMED HEIGHT)
Enter, measure, or calculate the overall height of the part to be made. For an approximation, use the “calculate measurements” button to capture the dimension from the uploaded file. The is the vertical part dimension as viewed in the die. The value can also be obtained by clicking the “calculate measurements” button.
PART FEATURES GROUP
BLANK OR PART PERIMETER
Enter, measure, or calculate the perimeter of the part or blank. The information is used to calculate blanking and trimming in the die. The value can also be obtained by clicking the “calculate measurements” button.
SMALL HOLES (<1.5IN OR 32MM)
Enter or count the number of small holes in the part that are less than 1.5 inches or 32 mm. This size hole is typically made by commercially available punches and dies.
LENGTH OF ALL BENDS
Enter the total length of all bends on the part. This includes both straight and irregular (wiped) bends.
BENDS AND FLANGES
Enter the total number of separate bends on the part
EMBOSS PERIMETER
Enter the total length of all emboss perimeters.
EMBOSSES
Enter the total number of separate bends on the part
EXTRUSION OR SIZED HOLES
Enter the total number of holes that are extruded or sized.
COINED FEATURES
Enter the total number of features (flats, edges, around holes) that are extruded or sized. Examples of coining include flattening around holes and along edges to remove the burr.
GUSSETS (DARTS)
Enter the total number of bend gussets (darts). Gussetts (darts) strengthen the bend.
MARKINGS OR STAMPS
Enter the total number of markings or stamps (stencils.) markings or stamps examples include part numbers, manufacturers identification, lot number, or die cavity identification.
CLUSTERED HOLES
Clustered holes are a group of closely spaced holes in a pattern. Holes produced this way typically cost less than punching holes individually.
FEATURES REQUIRING CAM
Enter the number of features that require cams operations. These are features that are created after forming and may include hole punching, trimming, or forming operations. If you are not sure, do not use a cam.
PRICING GROUP
The last step is to select the basis for estimating the die cost. This section includes three selections that have the greatest effect on the die cost estimate.
DIE CONSTRUCTION SPEC
Select a die construction specification (die spec) to be used for the die. Die specs are a set of options that determine the quality of the die. To see the detail of the die spec, go to settings>die specs tab. Die specs can be created, edited, and deleted in settings>die specs.
DIE BUILD LABOR RATE
Select a labor rate to use in calculating labor costs. Keep in mind this is a tooling labor rate. labor rates have the largest effect of any selection on total die cost. The labor rate may be based on your shop rate, a supplier’s rate, or regional rates. Labor rates can be created, edited, and deleted in settings>labor rates.
PROFIT
Select a profit percentage to use in calculating the price estimate. the profit percentage is used to calculate the markup that is used on both labor and material. To view the profit percentage, go to settings. profit for material and labor can be the same or different in Dietarget. Profits can also be set to zero if desired. like labor, profit percentage significantly affects the final estimate. Labor rates can be created, edited, and deleted in settings.
PARTS PER STROKE
DieTarget quickly estimates the cost of dies that produce more than one part per stroke. There are two choices for entering values in DieTarget. Values can be entered for a single part or they can be entered for the actual die process.
ENTER VALUES FROM PART DATA
Select this radio button if the values above were entered using the part geometry as the basis for estimating. If a value of more than one is entered in the parts per stroke field, DieTarget will automatically modify the estimate and estimate the die based on the parts per stroke quantity.
ENTER VALUES BASED ON THE ACTUAL PROCESS
Select this radio button if the values for a multi-out die were entered using the actual process drawing. When this selection is used, DieTarget disables the Apply Parts per Stroke button preventing automatic modification of the entered values.
PARTS PER STROKE
Enter the number of production parts that the die will make with each stroke of the press.
APPLY PARTS PER STROKE
The Apply Parts Per Stroke button executes the automation to estimate a die as a multi-out. If the radio button for Values entered based on the actual process is selected, this function is disabled.
CREATE ESTIMATE
Click the Create Estimate button to estimate the die cost. A popup will appear showing the die cost estimate.
REFINE ESTIMATE BUTTON
The Refine Estimate button returns the user to the estimating page.
SAVE AND CREATE NEW ESTIMATE BUTTON
The Save and Create New Estimate button opens a new estimate without the necessity to return to the estimate list.
VIEW REPORT (PDF)
DieTarget produces a report with additional information about the die that is useful for further planning and estimating of production part cost. PDF reports can be saved and printed.
VIEW REPORT (CSV)
DieTarget produces and downloads a .CSV report. CSV stands for comma-separated values. This type of report is compatible with Microsoft Excel and other applications. By default, the report will automatically open in Microsoft Excel after downloading. The report has two columns and can be used to produce additional reports.
MEASURE PANE
DieTarget includes a region where part and process design files can be opened and analyzed. Features and measurements can be obtained from the file.
UPLOAD FILE
The Upload file button opens a dialog box where the user can select a file to import. DieTarget can open ninety (90) different file types including .pdf files. A progress bar and counter display the status of the upload process. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, it can take several seconds to upload the file.
MEASUREMENT CONTROLS
A ribbon and view control will appear in the Measure Region after the file is uploaded.
Ribbon
The Ribbon includes three main areas.
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The leftmost group includes orbit, pan, zoom, first-person, and camera interactions. First-person has several settings for how the image is viewed.
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The center group includes section analysis, measure, and explode model controls.
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The right-most section includes controls for the model browser, layer management, properties, settings, and full-screen mode.
All controls are selected and deselected by clicking the icon.
There is a control cube in the upper right of the measuring screen for quick manipulation of the image.
Mouse controls can also be used to manipulate the image.
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Hold the left mouse down to rotate the image
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Use the scroll button to zoom in and out
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Use the left mouse button to reposition the image.
SETTINGS
The setting portion of DieTarget is where you personalize DieTarget. You can create, modify and delete values that affect the die cost estimate.
SHEET TAB
The sheet tab contains a list of production part sheet materials. Sheet materials determine forces in the die that affect die forces for cutting and forming. Cutting and forming forces affect the cost of spring pads including strippers, pads, and binders. The primary value is the strength of the material. It is not necessary for die estimating to list all sheet types available in the industry. The list that comes with DieTarget should be adequate for most die cost estimates. Sheet types can be added, modified, and deleted when the material type link is clicked.
DIE SPECS
Die spec is an abbreviated name for die design and construction specification. Die specs are a set of options that determine the quality of the die. Die specs have a significant effect on the die cost. If you are not familiar with die construction options, it is recommended you use:
• A Class dies for high production parts typically more than 100k parts per year volumes.
• B Class dies for low to medium production volume parts less than 100k parts per year volume.
Note: there are Die Specs for both plate and cast-type die construction.
Die specs can be assigned to a specific customer in the “Customers” tab.
Die specs can be added, modified, and deleted.
LABOR RATES
Labor Rates are used to calculate the labor cost estimate to design and build the die. Keep in mind this is a tooling labor rate. Labor rates have the largest effect of any selection on total die cost. The labor rate may be based on your shop rate, a supplier’s rate, or regional rates. Labor rates can be created, edited, and deleted in Settings>Labor Rates. A radio button is provided for selecting a default rate. Labor rates for various regions are preloaded to DieTarget. Click the Labor rate link to open a dialogue screen. Labor rates can be added, modified, and deleted.
PROFIT
Profits are used to calculate the additional cost that is added to the final labor and material estimate. The profit percentage is used to calculate the markup that is used for both labor and material. Profit for material and labor can be the same or different in DieTarget. Profits can also be set to zero if desired. Like labor, profit percentage significantly affects the final estimate. Labor rates can be created, edited, and deleted in Settings. A radio button is provided for selecting a default profit used. Click the Profit link to open a dialogue screen. Profits can be added, modified, and deleted.
CUSTOMERS
The customer is who the die is being estimated for. This may be an external company or an internal department. The customer may be confidential. To edit a customer’s information, click the Customer link to open a dialogue screen. Customers can be added, modified, and deleted. In addition to the customer’s contact information, cost estimate adjustments can be added as a percent adjustment. The percent adjustment is applied to the final estimate after the profit is applied. A default die specs can also be assigned to the customer to make estimating faster. The Customer's name will show on the final report.
SUPPORT
EMAIL SUPPORT
Additional help and support can be obtained at https://www.dieestimator.com/support
PHONE SUPPORT
All DieTarget customers are given our support line phone number at the time of purchase.
LOCATION:
Tool Planners, Inc.
Hendersonville, TN 37075
USA
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
If you need additional software training or want to learn more about die cost estimating, please visit us at www.dieestimator.com for a complete list of software, training, services, and educational offerings.
OUR MISSION
Our mission is to help our clients be more successful by providing the best die-cost estimating software, training, and education solutions available.
Thank you,
The DieTarget Team
Appendix
Compatible filetypes