An Atema Inc.

White Paper

742 N. LaSalle St.

Chicago, IL 60654
312.861.3000
www.atema.com

Guide To
The Definition and Understanding
Of Low Stress Die Stamp
In the Structural Steel Industry

By Terry E. Logan
Vice President
CQE, CQA, CMfgE, CWI, RAB, SSMBB
Date Feb 2012
Atema Inc. All rights reserved

Contents
Introduction.3
Problem statement3
Definitions4
Identification...5
Die Stamping Practice..5
Need for Low Stress Die Stamping...6
Die Stamp Sized Defined..6
Recommendations.7
Summary..8
References...9
Relevant Researched Documents.9

Date Feb 2012

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Introduction
Within the Structural Steel industry, the phrase low
stress die stamp has been used to identify how steel is
to be identified (marked) by means other than paint,
chalk, etc.
The intent of this White Paper is to provide a single
source for definition, and reference on what exactly a
low stress die stamp consists of.

Problem Statement
There are numerous references to the phrase low stress
die stamp in codes, contract requirement, state
specifications and even federal guidelines, yet very few
of these documents define or explain the tool criteria.
Research into AWS, AREMA or AASHTO documents
gives no guidance, which in turn creates confusion during
quality inspections, or purchase orders to suppliers who
are required to adhere to the requirement. Thus the user
is left in limbo on what the exact criteria is. This paper will
give guidance to the reader in the definition of low stress
die stamps.

Date Feb 2012

Page 3 of 9
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Definitions
Identification Marking
Identification marking consists of letters, numbers,
directional arrows or symbols intentionally added to metal
surfaces of components or components parts for
identification or instructional purposes. Marking can be
separated into two categories: permanent and temporary.
Permanent Marking
Permanent marking is marking which is intended to
remain integral with a component or component part for
purposes of permanent identification.
Temporary Marking
Temporary marking is marking which is intended to
remain integral with a component or component part for a
limited time only. Temporary marking may be applied for
identification, recording inspection information or
dimensional layout or control.
Low Stress Die Stamp
A low stress die stamp is defined as a round bottom
impression tool producing an indentation conforming to
tabulated dimensions.

Date Feb 2012

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Identification
The structural industry has always required surface
marking on components or component parts for purposes
of identification in steel making, fabrication, erection,
dimensional layout, quality classification or other needs
to complete projects.
Requirements for marking of raw materials have also
been vital in the industry as it serves to show critical
information in which traceability is established.
Temporary marking is generally used for short term
identification and is not permanently applied.
Permanent markings are used to allow for identification
during any time of the life cycle of the item. This allows
for traceability and item part number recognition at any
time.

Die Stamping Practice

Die stamping normally consists of a single letter or
number stamp, or in automated machinery, a single V
point style punch in consecutive punches to create a
letter or number. Both are applied by force to leave an
indentation into the steel.
The basic intent is a round bottom impression tool
producing an indentation to make a permanent marking
into the steel for identification purposes. The imprint in
the steel should be as light as is practical and still allow
for easy reading.

Date Feb 2012

Page 5 of 9
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Need for Low Stress Die Stamping

Die stamp impressions can cause stress concentrations
which may lead to fatigue cracking; this is a crucial
negative situation, especially for the structural steel
bridge industry. AWS has long stated that only low stress
stamps should be used in areas of bridge members
subject to tensile stress, as other die stamps may cause
the same fatigue cracking problem.

Die Stamp Sizes Defined

As noted before, die stamps consist of a single letter,
number, or a single V point style punch in consecutive
punches to create a letter or number. A low stress die
stamp needs to have a round bottom to produce an
indentation which will not create fatigue cracking. The
below table shows the radius of the die stamp tip for the
appropriate character size.
Character Size

Minimum tip
radius

1/16 inch
3/32
1/8
3/16
1/4
3/8
1/2

0.005 inch
.006
.007
.008
.010
.014
.020

Date Feb 2012

Nominal
impression width
for 0.010 inch
depth
0.020 inch
.021
.022
.026
.031
.042
.062

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Recommendations
Ordering Low Stress Dies
In order to assure the proper application of low stress die
stamp impressions, the process must begin at the die
stamp purchase order step. The following
recommendations are made when purchasing dies;

The company purchasing agent should include the

above table within the die stamp purchase order.

The purchase order should also include a request

for Certificate of Compliance (CoC) stating the
radius at the end of the die stamps are at the
minimum as noted for each size character.

Maintain the CoC on file for reference.

Verification of Low Stress Dies

There are several ways to verify the radius of a low
stress die stamp beyond the CoC provided by the stamp
supplier. These include

Measuring the radius with an optical comparator.

Use of a radius gage.

Use a die stamp on wood or steel and make an

impression. Then make a mold with clay, drywall
mud, etc. and measure the radius of the mold with
one of the above methods.
[Note: Another white paper on the
measurement instruction of these
techniques will be published.]

Date Feb 2012

Page 7 of 9
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Summary
The intent of this White Paper was to provide a single
source for definition, reference and sizes for low stress
die stamps.
As the structural steel industry advances to align with
other industries in advanced practices, the need for
clarification and classification of tooling (or methods)
needs to be published in order to eliminate confusion and
lack of consistency. Hence the reasoning for this
publication.
As will all projects or contracts, every party must agree
on the conditions and criteria for product, process and
application methods. Use of this white paper can assist in
making such specifications clearer.
The dimensional sizes referenced within this paper were
the results of research within the references noted
herein. There is never a time, paper or method which can
assure the radius sizes mentioned will fully prevent
detrimental situations. Yet the application and history of
the references, and practices within industry have proven
a high degree of certainty in the use of these
recommended low stress die stamp sizes.

Date Feb 2012

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References
MIL-STD-792F (SH)
19 May 2006
AASHTO/AWS D1.5M/D1.5:2010
An American National Standard
Bridge Welding Code
RDT Standard F 7-3T
Marking of Components and Parts
June 1975
U.S. Energy Research and Development Administration
Division of Reactor Research and Development
Relevant Researched Documents
Federal Highway DOT Spec 506
AREMA Letter Ballot No. 15-10-18
AISC Code of Standard Practice for Buildings and
Bridges
ASTM A6/6M

Date Feb 2012

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