5 Simple Strategies to Ensure Success in Punching

Posted by Nancy on February 13th, 2020

Punching is a forming method, which is done to make holes in sheets, tubes, and extruded parts with the use of punch press. It is applicable to an extensive array of materials that are available in varied forms, metal/plastic sheet, vulcanized fibre, and paper.

Start-ups or small manufacturing business face difficulties in making holes in their manufactured sheets, pipes or other products. Follow the steps mentioned below if you want to have smooth punching experience in your metal based production business:

1. Comprehend all forming variables

You need to take all the potential variables into account if you are serious about bringing your drawing into real parts. The probable variables can be bend radii, material thickness, and punching limits. Be well aware of all these before you start making holes in various metal or plastic based products.

2. Prevent galling by minimizing heat generation

Galling can be a significant issue when sheet or punch metal are made using the same materials, or you have a rush for punch operations. As the machine presses to bend metal, the friction generates heat. And the contact between the same pieces of metals may create fuse, which is somewhat similar to welding and is unintended side effects. Here are a few steps that you can follow to reduce heat generation and friction:

•  Let the punching tools have rest between uses
•  Coat the tools and equipment you use for making holes
•  Use back taper
•  Utilize several punch heads for the distribution of generated heat

These tips can help you bring down friction and heat build-up, facilitating you to improve productivity and accuracy in parts.

3. Use laser cutting

You may come across a little bit of deformation around the edges of the hole if you use CNC machine for making holes in metal products, like sheets, tubes, and pipes. Further, using this machine for making basic holes can cause extra wear & tear. To avoid these issues, you should utilize a separate laser cutting machine. With this, you can avoid distortion, which takes place while shearing material, and save your heavy machines from simple works.

4. Reduce sheet/part shake

Fabrication or manufacturing workers often notice sheet/product shake when they emerge sheets/parts for punching or making holes. To reduce this, you can switch the sequence the process of making holes.

5. Manage slugs

Suction made during the deformation of the slug usually causes it to get stick to the face of the punch. To prevent slugging, you need to have cutting slots in the punch face, select a punch with a high point and use a die.

Conclusion

The tips mentioned above can help you a lot to have punching success. You can outsource some parts, like making holes, of your manufacturing business if you lack the necessary resources and reduce your operational cost. The professionals will serve you by offering customized solutions and executing your projects on or before the mentioned time. Besides, outsourcing will save the time that you can utilize in other business operational works.