In sheet metal forming, the term "forming" refers to a process based on the plastic deformation of metals. At room temperature, a set of molds installed on a press machine is used to apply pressure to the sheet metal material, causing it to separate or undergo plastic deformation, thereby obtaining parts with specific shapes, dimensions, and properties.

Pressing falls under the category of pressure processing. With the development of techniques and technologies, in the pressing process, heating the materials is also often used for processing. Therefore, "at room temperature" is merely a relative concept. Pressing die molds are indispensable process equipment in the pressing process. Without advanced mold technology, advanced pressing processes cannot be realized.

A stamping die refers to the process equipment used to separate or undergo plastic deformation of metal or non-metal sheet materials or profiles through pressure application, thereby obtaining the finished product (product). From the perspective of the production operation process, the stamping die is not the final product. The qualification of the stamping die is not usually judged (or accepted) based on itself, but is determined by the qualification of the finished products (products) produced by the stamping die.

In modern industrial production, various molds are widely used for product manufacturing. Molds are important production equipment in industries such as casting, forging, stamping, plastics, rubber, glass, powder metallurgy, and ceramics. The design and manufacturing level of molds largely reflect and represent the comprehensive manufacturing capabilities and levels of a country's mechanical industry. Stamping molds account for approximately 50% of the total output value in the mold industry. Especially in products such as automobiles, home appliances, instruments, meters, and daily household hardware, stamping part molds account for a larger proportion.