The Sheet Metal Punching Problem: How To Avoid Deformation

Sheet metal punching is a process you can use to create holes in metal sheets. It is often used in manufacturing and engineering applications. However, if not done correctly, the sheet metal can become deformed.

Cav tool will show you the ropes for sheet metal punching in this blog post.

What Equipment Should I Use?

There are different types of equipment for sheet metal punching available. Let’s first talk about the CNC punch press, a machine that uses punches and dies to cut holes in sheet metal.

You can use the punch press for various applications, such as creating flanges, notches, or other shapes in sheet metal.

Another standard tool is the CNC press brake, which uses a multi-universal top punch and a V-shaped bottom die for sheet bending. This type of equipment can process workpieces of a length of over 2 meters, marking them as versatile and powerful.

Common Issues in the Bending Process

Bending is a process that uses machines to deform the workpiece. The die provides the force required to bend the sheet metal while the punch presses the sheet metal into the V-shape of the die.

The main issue during this process is deformation with abrasion marks. Most factories resort to a protective film stuck on the plate surface to prevent this from happening.

However, if the bending force is large, it will cause the film to rupture, and the marks will appear on the sheet metal surface. Therefore, there will be a need for alternative solutions to prevent deformation.

Effective Solutions

The following are a few simple ways for preventing abrasion:

Polyurethane membrane:

Place this mouthful of a mat on the V-shaped die, where it will cushion between the sheet and mold, effectively blocking direct contact. The die will not be able to scratch the sheet metal.

Design an anti-indentation mold:

You can find many forms of anti-scratch molds, and here we’ll address 3:

1. Hard Rubber V-Shaped Mold: The rubber is relatively low on hardness, which will generate minor abrasion to the material.
2. Flip Bending V Die: The main motion uses rotary forming and turning. The core part is a turning bending block and turning pivot. The CNC press brake punches during processing and moves downward towards the workpiece, bending due to the rotating bending block. The workpiece surface rarely slips, ruling out abrasion.
3. Replaceable Rubber Strip Die: Open the gap on the traditional V-shaped die and mount a rubber strip on each side. These strips are flexible and softer than the workpiece material, so they will help deflect any abrasions when the die comes in contact with the workpiece.

Conclusion

Use our brief guide to avoid deformation during sheet metal punching. If you have any questions or need reliable tools in Detroit, MI, don’t hesitate to reach out to Cav tool. We’re always happy to help.

Get your free custom quote now!

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