The Die Vault, LLC.
E-Mail: sales@dievalut.com
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
THE PROCESS
HISTORY
Fundamentally, the basics of minting have changed little over the past few thousand years. Although we use the most modern equipment possible, we are still careful to respect the heritage of the ancient coin-makers in our die-making process.
CONCEPT OR IDEA
Creating a coining die begins with the idea or concept for a coin, token, or medallion. A client has an idea and brings that idea to us. Our specialists then work to translate that idea into a workable art design that best fits the size and substance of the desired finished product.
ART & DESIGN
Once finalized, the artist sketches a rough draft for customer approval. Once approved, the sketch is imported into a 3D design software package to be brought to life utilizing the program’s sophisticated vector and relief tools.
SCULPUTURE & RELIEF
The resulting 3D file can be used for production and easily be processed in the software built into the laser engraving system. The file can also be archived and stored for future use.
ENGRAVING
We use laser digitizing technology to cut/engrave our coining dies, which is more precise and better than many alternative methods available today.
Utilizing data contained in the model produced by the artist/sculptor, the laser software creates a precise and detailed file of commands that guides the laser to cut the design in the file. This way, predefined edge angles for dies can be realized as easily as complex three-dimensional surface textures/structures on the surface of the coining die.
With 2.5D and 3D laser engraving, the surface of the die is removed to a certain depth in a software-controlled process. The material is evaporated layer by layer so that the desired structure gradually appears.
Near-perfect accuracy of 2 µm can be achieved with the laser engraver’s replaceable lens system. Conoscopic holography is a patented process and offers the greatest precision and repeatable accuracy over many applications.
The average laser engraving process for a 39mm coining die takes about 10-12 hours to complete.
FINISHING
The laser engraving process leaves a layer of vaporized material on the surface of the completed die. Under a microscope, several processes are completed to remove all of the laser slag and prepare the die surfaces to the desired state, including removing all small scratches and imperfections.
Circulating, uncirculated, and bullion coin dies are now ready to use in coin presses. Proof and other special finish coin dies receive further treatment.