Sheet Metal Punching: Your Questions Answered

The punching press is one of the most advanced technologies in metal fabrication. Its wide-ranging applications have made it the Swiss army knife of manufacturing. Thanks to the latest tooling and machinery, you can use a punch press to:

• Punch holes in a thick perforation
• Cut large panels
• Bend high flanges
• Form complex shapes like embosses and louvers

But with so many applications, sheet metal punching is a widely misunderstood technology. As experienced punching specialists in Detroit, Michigan, we often get many questions from our clients about sheet metal punching.

And that is why today, we have assembled a blog post to answer these FAQs. You may also click here to learn more about our metal punching services at Cav Tool Inc. or get a free quote.

Q1. What is Sheet Metal Punching?

Punching is one of the most common processes in sheet metal processing and fabrication. Modern punching processes employ CNC machines and punching presses to create holes of any shape and size.

Q2. How Does It Work?

The metal piece is inserted in a punching press. One the one hand, you have the punch that passes through the sheet metal. On the other side of the sheet is the die that ensures accurate holes without breaking the metal.

Q3. What Materials Can Be Used For Punching?

Modern sheet metal punching techniques allow you to punch all kinds of metals, including:

• Iron
• Stainless Steel
• Aluminum
• Copper
• Brass
• Special Alloys

And since the punching press has enough force to fabricate metals, it can also be used to punch other materials, such as plastic.

Q4. Which Industries Can Use Punching Technology?

Metal punching is applicable to a wide range of industries, including:

• Engineering
• Pharmaceutical
• Automotive
• Manufacturing
• Electronics
• Textile
• Aviation

The more specific the application, the more customized the punches. Click here to place an order for custom punches in Detroit, Michigan.

Q5. Are Different Punches Required for Different Shapes?

 Not necessarily. Modern tooling technology allows you to create custom dies and molds to create shapes and holes of all sizes and designs. But you can also punch holes of your desired shape and size by using a combination of existing dies. If a combination doesn’t give you the desired results, you can order a specific mold. The possibilities are endless.

Q6. Are Punching Tools Durable?

Punching tools are durable as they are made from high-strength materials like tungsten carbide. On average, punching tools are useful for up to 600,000 strokes. A stroke refers to the punching action in a press. Of course, regular lubrication and cleaning will ensure an even longer life for dies and punching tools. Sharpening may also be required to provide power and precision when punching holes.

At Cav Tool Inc., we use state-of-the-art equipment for high-quality punching and tooling solutions. We also employ CNC punching machines that allow automated punching operations while making the process even more efficient.

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