Key to Successful Punching

There are factors to consider when it comes to successful punching and today we’re going to enumerate some of them. Successful punching depends on the quality and feature of your punching tools. With these, we can maximise productivity and the efficiency of the fabrication operation one step at a time.

Tool Design

There are four essential parts of tool design namely the punch, die, stripper and the tool holder system. Successful punching depends on these parts and relies with the features of the components.

Punch

During the process of punching, the punch encounters both compressive and tensile forces. As the punch connects with the surface of the material, it applies pressure until it overcomes the material’s tensile strength. The material fractures releasing the comprehensive forces on the punch and producing a hole within the material.

Successful punching depends on the features and design of the tool that mitigates the forces during the process of punching. Using quality steel made tools with metallurgic process can endure the extreme process.

Stripper

Performs two important functions; it holds the work material against the die as the punch penetrates and retracts and the second function is to hold the punch tip as it punches the hole in the material.

Die

It requires efficient fit between the punch and die. A good alignment of the punch and die ensures the safety and efficiency of the process. Another thing to remember is the clearance; difference between dimensions of the punch and die. Die clearance around the punch’s peripherals is important along corners. As clearance increases with the material’s thickness, so does the radius. With proper radius the quality of improves the strength and the quality of work when it comes to punching.

Proper Maintenance

Proper tool maintenance also contributes to successful punching. With proper lubrication, sharpening using grinding equipment and regular maintenance of the punch press to ensure the turret alignment will really make things different when it comes to punching.

Tooling manufacturers designs tooling for maximum longevity. Maximising the interval between the regrinds with the use of high-quality tools, near polished punch flanks and back taper helps the machines up-time and improving the part quality.