I'm a die designer and I have worked in the metal stamping and tool & die industries since 1969.I have been operating my own design office: “APT GIKEN” here in central Japan for the last 27 years. (A.P.T. is short for Advanced Press Technology.) I am also a technical adviser for more than ten different metal stamping companies across the country.　In addition, I regularly conduct technical conferences, seminars and workshops. I think the metal stamping industry faces many difficult challenges at present: the world economic crisis, the transfer of production to Asian countries, and skills shortages in crucial areas. What products or process can you suggest as a stamping company or tool maker in these circumstances? I think we should suggest some solutions to make a breakthrough this sluggish. One solution I and the companies I advise in Japan are currently working hard on is conversion from machining to metal stamping.