what is steel rule die mold?

A die is a specialized tool used in manufacturing industries to cut or shape material using a press. Like molds, dies are generally customized to the item they are used to create. Products made with dies range from simple paper[paper?:paper sample maker cutting machine] clips to complex pieces used in advanced technology.
 
The main components for Die Toolsets are:
Die block - This is the main part that all the other parts are attached to.
Punch plate - This part holds and supports the different punches in place.
Blank punch - This part along with the Blank Die produces the blanked part.
Pierce punch - This part along with the Pierce Die removes parts from the blanked finished part.
Stripper plate - This is used to hold the material down on the Blank/ Pierce Die and strip the material off the punches.
Pilot - This is used to keep the material being worked on in position.
Guide / Back gage / Finger stop - These parts are all used to make sure that the material being worked on always goes in the same position, within the die, as the last one.
Setting (Stop) Block - This part is used to control the depth that the punch goes into the die.