Punching
Punching is a manufacturing process in which flat parts or thermoformed parts are produced from sheet material. A press or a impact tool and a special cutting tool are used for this. The process begins with the placement of the sheet material on the working surface of the press. The cutting tool, which is precisely matched to the desired contours of the part, is then pressed against the material under high pressure.
The central cutting process used in punching is known as shear cutting. This process is based on the material being separated between two sharp-edged tools by a shearing movement. The shearing movement generates a high shear stress that cuts the material at the cutting edges. The result is clean and precise cut edges that correspond exactly to the specified shapes and dimensions.
Punching offers numerous advantages, including high efficiency, repeat accuracy and the ability to produce complex shapes quickly and cost-effectively. It is frequently used in mass production, as it makes it possible to produce large quantities of identical parts in a short time. It is also suitable for a wide range of materials, including metals, plastics and composite materials.