Physical Storage of Dies

[akalaray]

We have Hundreds of dies. I'm having a very hard time Trying to keep them in order (Job Numbers)
Someone must have a better way of Archiving them. Please share!

[pdan]

By job number sounds pretty bulletproof.
They may have different physical sizes to accomodate, but a large, medium and small bin or rack to use, sorted by job number should work...

[Alith7]

we're going through that now. we just gutted a rebuilt all the shelving in our die room and are currently going through and cataloging everything one die at a time into a spreadsheet. (if you have access to google docs, there is a VERY handy "forms" tool for the spreadsheets where you can create a custom form, fill it out and submit and it fills in the row of a spreadsheet)

basically, it comes down to taking the time to figure out a cataloging system, matching that data up with a digital file and/or a binder with printouts, and the key part MAINTAINING IT.

It's time consuming and daunting from the start, but once it's in place, it will be a huge help!

If you want more particulars, or anything, just send me a message.

[chevalier]

Barcode tagging is how I would do it.

[zoran]

Although our dies have docket number on them, we have the actual numbering system for dies that is primary.
Each new die gets assigned unique number under which it is catalogued, this number is than recorded in docket system as well.
Either way, simple spread sheet an/or binder with laser printout of all dies does the job.
You sure can develop any kind of system to keep track of dies, but the best is always to keep it simple.

[M&M Displays]

We have 500-600. Ours are stored on large racks by job number. The board is thick enough to write on with a sharpie. Our die cutters use 3 x 5 index cards which is filed by customer, job number and date. They even draw a small picture of the die. Works for us, don't over think it.