Die Storage Blocks
Stamping dies are among the most expensive and most fragile assets in a metal fabrication shop. Setting a die directly on a concrete floor or bare steel rack risks scratching critical forming surfaces, damaging guide pins, and creating safety hazards for anyone working near heavy tooling. Die storage blocks solve this by providing a durable, compressible support layer between the die and whatever surface it rests on, protecting the tool from impact damage while also keeping it elevated and accessible for crane handling.
Our GMGDS polyurethane die storage blocks are manufactured from high-performance cast polyurethane built to hold up in the toughest shop floor environments. Available in three configurations, these compressible blocks absorb the shock of die placement, protect precision tooling surfaces from dings and scratches, and provide a stable, non-slip support platform. They resist oil, grease, cutting fluids, and the constant wear that comes with daily die changeovers.
Why Polyurethane Outperforms Steel and Wood for Die Storage
Traditional die storage methods often rely on steel supports, wood blocks, or bare shelving. Steel-on-steel contact can scratch die surfaces and damage cutting edges. Wood blocks split, absorb oil, and degrade over time. Neither material absorbs the impact energy when a heavy die is lowered into storage with an overhead crane.
Polyurethane die storage blocks compress under load to cushion the die during placement, then return to their original shape for the next use. The material resists tearing, abrasion, oil, and chemical exposure, which means these blocks hold up across thousands of die changes without cracking, splitting, or losing their load-bearing capacity. For tool-and-die managers focused on protecting costly tooling investments, polyurethane blocks also help reduce the noise and vibration that come with die handling in a busy stamping facility.
Three GMGDS Block Configurations
Our GMGDS urethane die blocks are available in three configurations to match different die sizes, weights, and storage setups. Each configuration uses the same high-durability polyurethane compound, ensuring consistent compression and rebound characteristics regardless of which block style your operation requires. The compressible design means blocks can remain in place even while the die is in use, eliminating the need to remove and reinstall them during every changeover.
All three configurations are stocked in standard sizes. For non-standard die footprints or custom load requirements, our team can manufacture blocks to your specific dimensions using our in-house mold making and machining capabilities.
Safety and Workflow Benefits
Stamping die storage solutions built around polyurethane blocks improve both safety and efficiency in the die room. Elevating dies off the floor on compressible blocks creates clearance for rigging chains and slings, which makes crane pickups faster and reduces the risk of pinch-point injuries during die handling. The non-marring surface protects finished die surfaces from the nicks and scratches that can lead to part-quality issues downstream.
For facilities that store dies on racks or shelving, die storage safety blocks prevent metal-to-metal contact between the die and the shelf, reducing vibration transfer and keeping adjacent tooling undamaged. In automotive, aerospace, and high-volume stamping operations where die condition directly impacts part quality, this level of protection pays for itself by extending the interval between die maintenance cycles.
Built for Heavy Stamping and Tooling Environments
Our die storage blocks are used by stamping plants, tool-and-die shops, and heavy manufacturing facilities across a range of industries, including automotive, aerospace, and general metal fabrication. They pair well with our broader line of Die-Thane tooling products, including urethane compression springs and polyurethane bumpers, giving your operation a complete polyurethane solution from press to storage. Explore our full catalog of stock polyurethane products for additional options.
Get a Quote on Die Storage Blocks
Polyurethane Products is a leading American manufacturer of die storage blocks and a full range of industrial polyurethane products. Our team can help you select the right block configuration for your tooling, or engineer a custom solution for non-standard applications.
Call us at 800-772-7072 or request a quote to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions About Die Storage Blocks
Die storage blocks are placed beneath stamping dies during storage and transport to protect the die's forming surfaces from damage. They elevate the die off the floor or shelf, cushion impact during crane placement, and provide stable support that prevents the tooling from shifting. They are standard equipment in stamping plants, tool-and-die shops, and any facility that handles heavy dies by crane.
Polyurethane compresses under load to absorb the impact of die placement, then rebounds to its original shape. Wood splits, absorbs oil, and degrades over time. Steel does not absorb impact at all, and creates metal-to-metal contact that scratches the die surfaces. Polyurethane also resists oil, grease, cutting fluids, and abrasion, which gives it a significantly longer service life than wood in an active stamping environment.
Our GMGDS die blocks come in three standard configurations to fit different die sizes and storage setups. Custom sizes and configurations are also available. Contact us with your die dimensions and weight requirements, and our team will recommend the right block for your application.
Yes. The compressible design of our polyurethane die storage blocks allows them to remain on the die during use, which eliminates the need to install and remove blocks during every die changeover. This saves time and reduces handling steps for your setup crew.
Die storage blocks are used across automotive stamping, aerospace manufacturing, appliance production, and general metal fabrication. Any operation that stores, transports, or stages stamping dies benefits from the impact protection and surface preservation that polyurethane blocks provide.
Yes. In addition to our standard GMGDS configurations, we offer custom polyurethane products manufactured to your exact size, shape, and load specifications. Our in-house molding and machining capabilities allow us to produce blocks for non-standard die footprints and specialty applications.
Have a Question?
You have questions, we have answers. Contact us today. Our skilled customer service specialists can help you make the right choice in polyurethane applications.