Accelerate sheet-metal tooling with intelligent automation
NX Progressive Die Design (Progressive Die Wizard) rethinks how manufacturers engineer progressive dies. Built on the robust NX platform, it automates every stage of die development — from part analysis and blank creation to strip layout, die-base configuration and documentation. Instead of fragmented CAD tools and manual workflows, designers get a guided, highly automated process that captures expert knowledge, removes repetitive work and produces consistent, production-ready dies in a fraction of the usual time — from simple sheet-metal parts to complex multi-stage stampings.
Key benefits
- Faster die development — automates blank creation, unfolding, strip design, punch/die insert creation and BOM generation.
- Capture and reuse expert knowledge — best-practice rules let novices produce high-quality dies while experts work faster.
- Seamless updates & change management — full associativity automatically updates the blank, strip layout and die structures when the part changes.
- Reduce waste & improve material utilisation — blank nesting, scrap design and optimised strip layouts cut raw-material consumption.
- Improved, predictable die quality — manufacturability checks, force-centre calculation and 3D operation simulation get the die right the first time.
- Integrated design-to-manufacturing — NC programmers start earlier from the die geometry already built in NX, reducing lead time and downstream errors.
Core features
- Automated process design — sheet-metal feature recognition, accurate unfolding, intelligent blank layout, multiple strip designs and scrap/carrier-strip creation.
- Intelligent strip layout & 3D operation simulation — automated strip model with each forming stage, station-by-station rebending, force-centre calculation and visual simulation for early error detection.
- Die base & insert design — libraries for standard die bases and insert groups, automated punch/insert/relief/pocket creation, and full associativity to the strip layout.
- Standard parts & libraries — catalogues from leading suppliers, customisable component libraries, drag-and-drop placement and automatic BOM creation.
- Automated drafting & documentation — instant assembly drawings, section and detail views, with fully associative updates everywhere.
Why choose NX Progressive Die Design
NX combines advanced geometric modelling, knowledge-driven automation and seamless machining integration into one platform. Customers report faster die-design cycles, higher design quality, greater flexibility and a major reduction in rework and errors.