How Does Sheet Metal Punching Work?
The process behind the sheet metal punching machine is very simple. The machine has punches that pass through the sheet metal and supporting dies on the other side of the metal piece. Apart from supporting the sheet metal, dies prevent the metal from breaking and ensure the machine punches accurate and error-free holes.
Modern punching machines offer:
- High rigidity – the adoption of heat treatment and steel plate welding options increase the physical strength of the machine. As such, it can work for long without deforming.
- Novel design that protects the environment – advanced technology, low energy consumption, less pollution, and low noise make it environmentally friendly.
- Safe and reliable operation – modern machines use brakes, ensuring accurate positioning and easy operation.
- High precision punching – most parts of punching machines, including the gear, crankshaft, and transmission shaft, are heat treated to increase their wear resistance. They meet long-term stability, high precision, and stability standards.
- Automated punching – punching machines have automated feeding devices, feed error detection systems, pre-break devices, and other features that enable automated stamp production. Besides increasing efficiency, this significantly saves on labor costs.
- Seamless slider adjustment mechanism – the machine has electric and manual slider adjustment options, making it reliable, convenient, and 0.1m precise.
Sheet metal punching machines are mainly used in stamp-processing electronics, computers, furniture, metal parts, motor vehicles, household appliances, and communication devices.
Calculating the Punching Force
With the basics laid out, you can easily understand what sheet metal punching machines measure. Punching machines ideally measure the punching force, which describes the force required to punch holes in metal sheets. Calculating the punching force is important for fabricators and other relevant manufacturers. Failing to determine the force of your sheet metal punching machine is costly and can stop the entire production.
Fortunately, calculating the punching force is very simple.
The punching force or PF = Surface Area x Shear Strength
In the equation, the surface area represents the cross-sectional area of the punched metal, while the shear strength differs depending on the material being punched. The surface area is calculated by multiplying the perimeter and thickness of the material. Therefore:
Punching Force (PF) = Perimeter x Thickness x Shear Strength
Common sheet metals that can be used for stamp punching include stainless steel, iron, copper, brass, and special alloys.
Punching Machines Classifications
While punching machines have the same functionality, they are classified as follows:
1. According to the Driving Force
Punching machines can either be mechanical or hydraulic based on the slider driving force. Most stamping processes for ordinary sheet metals use mechanical punching machines. Hydraulic punch machines use oil or water to provide the pressure punch. Most hydraulic punching machines use oil. Water punching machines are designed for giant machines and special machinery.
2. According to Slider Driven Mechanism
The mechanism behind the slider-driven mechanism is quite complicated. However, sheet metal machine classifications based on this parameter include crank press, crankless press, knuckle press, friction press, rack press, screw press, cam press, and link press.
3. According to Slider Movement
Sheet metal punching machines are classified into single, double, and three-action stamps based on the direction of slider movement. Double and three-action punching machines are mainly used to extend materials, such as car parts.
How Long Can Punching Machine Dies Last?
Most punching tools have a lifespan of between 400,000 and 600,000 strokes. However, you can increase the lifespan of your punching machine by adhering to maintenance procedures, such as regular cleaning and lubrication. You should also periodically check the punch and die. Metal Ready offers high-quality punching machines that last a long time.
Conclusion
The flexibility of sheet metal punching machines has made them suitable for various fields. They are beneficial in the automotive, electronics, engineering, manufacturing, textile, and pharmaceutical industries. The cue to successful punching is ensuring you use the right material and correct power settings. You should also learn various creative ways of achieving different holes and shapes without necessarily investing in specific molds. For more information regarding punching machines, please do not hesitate to contact us.
