Sheet metal punching is a fundamental and widely used metal forming process employed to create perforations, shapes, and patterns in flat metal sheets. This technique is indispensable in manufacturing various products across industries, from intricate electronic components to structural elements in construction. The process involves the use of a punch press, equipped with a punch and die, to pierce through the metal sheet and create the desired hole or shape.

Central to sheet metal punching is the punch press, a powerful machine that applies force to the metal sheet through a punch and die set. The punch exerts pressure on the metal, causing it to deform and create perforations. The choice of punch and die, as well as the press force, determines the size, shape, and precision of each punch. This versatile process allows for the creation of holes, slots, and intricate patterns with high accuracy.

Sheet metal punching is renowned for its speed and efficiency, making it a cost-effective method for high-volume production while ensuring consistent quality across components.

Why Choose CNC Punching?
CNC punching is one of the many methods available for perforating materials, and it's especially well-suited for low-volume jobs or when unique patterns are required. At Hendrick, we offer fast and cost-effective solutions with our cutting-edge equipment, ensuring quick turnaround times.

Our CNC punch machines can do much more than just create perforations. Whether you need dimples, notches, countersinks, bores, embossing, or extrusions, Hendrick’s CNC punch equipment can handle a wide range of fabrication tasks. These capabilities can be used to enhance perforated materials or as part of a broader manufacturing process for finished products.

By combining CAD/CAM with CNC technology, we ensure exceptional accuracy and efficiency. Hendrick's CNC punching delivers precision down to 0.004”, and the ability to perform multiple operations simultaneously boosts both versatility and productivity.

With our extensive experience, advanced technology, and full customization options, Hendrick is the perfect partner for this and many other fabrication services. We specialize in punching stainless steel, aluminum, and steel, and can tailor our services to meet your specific needs.

How CNC Punching Works
The punching process involves positioning sheet metal between a punch and a die, typically made from hardened steel or tungsten carbide. As the machine applies pressure, it shears the metal to create holes of specific shapes and sizes. This technique can also be used to create embossed patterns or dimples when full perforation is not required.

What are the Uses of Metal Stamping?

Metal stamping involves using a punch and die to create custom-shaped holes in metal sheets or plates. This is a versatile and widely used method across almost every industry. Here are some common applications of metal stamping:

• Hole Creation

• Perforated Sheets

• Electrical and Electronics

• Automotive and Aerospace

• Signage and Advertising

• Furniture

Different Types of Metal Punches

• Ejector Punch:
  Also known as a chassis punch, this type of punch typically uses a small locating or guide hole to align the punch with the die. Operational force is applied by tightening a nut onto a stud that passes through the locating hole. Ejection refers to all the removed material (scrap) remaining in the tool, which must be manually unscrewed and cleared. This punch type often uses a progressive shear action, with the hole edges being curved to reduce the required operational force. As a result, it must travel farther, but it allows the punch to cut through heavier materials. Ejector punches can also be hydraulically operated through electric, manual, or CNC presses to reduce operational and clearance overhead.

• Flat Punch Press:
  In many CNC systems, the punching surface is flat, and the edges are square. These punch presses rely on precise positioning of the punch and die, along with greater force, to shear the scrap from the workpiece.

• Beveled Punch:
  This punch has a surface that is not perpendicular to the direction of the punch's motion. It helps in cutting thicker workpieces and reduces the initial force requirements. Beveled punches carry the risk of increased material deformation, as the cutting action applies asymmetric force to the workpiece.

• Compound Dies:
  These dies are used for a longer punching range with a single punching action, dividing the punching process into stages using a stepped tool. This allows for more complex shapes without requiring excessive force. These tools are more expensive than others, operate more slowly, but significantly extend the range and capabilities of the punch press.

• Progressive Dies:
  This method divides the stamping of more complex holes into different stages. The workpiece is indexed through a series of stamping operations, allowing for more complex shapes to be achieved step by step.