Shut Height Calculator
Match your die closed height to the press shut height and adjust packing so the die runs at the correct setting.
Using this calculator responsibly
The Shut Height calculator is an engineering aid for checking a shop-floor estimate before a setup, quote, or process review. Enter values in the units shown, confirm material properties against the applicable specification, and keep a record of the assumptions used. Calculator output does not override machine capacity, tooling limits, part requirements, or a qualified engineer's approval.
Before using a result in production, repeat the calculation with the extreme values allowed by the print or process window. Check that the selected material, thickness, geometry, and safety factor reflect the actual job. If a result approaches a press, die, fastener, or machine limit, stop and verify it with the equipment manufacturer or responsible engineer.
Inputs and results
Read every field label before entering data and avoid mixing inch and metric values. A useful result should be traceable to the job number, revision, material certification, and machine or tooling record. Treat warnings, invalid ranges, and unusual outputs as reasons to inspect the inputs rather than as values to work around.
Shut height is the bed-to-ram distance at the bottom of the stroke. The die’s closed (shut) height must match it so the die fully forms the part without overloading the press.
Set the press shut-height adjustment, then fine-tune with parallels/packing so the die closes exactly at bottom dead center.
Formula: Die closed height = Press shut height (at bottom of stroke)
Worked example
- Press shut height is 18.000 in; the die closed height is 17.750 in.
- Add 0.250 in of parallels (or adjust the slide) so the die closes correctly.