PUNCHES and PUNCHING MACHINES

Punches are tools or machines (equipment) used to cut materials such as metal, plastic, paper, or cardboard into specific shapes or patterns. The punching process is widely used in manufacturing to produce precise parts used in various applications, such as the automotive, mechanical engineering, electronics, or packaging industries. With single-cut punching, a single cut is performed in a single operation. In progressive punching, however, the material passes through multiple stations of a machine, with each station performing a further cut or forming operation.

A punching device equipped with a punching tool contains either a punching knife (a hole cutter) or a punch and die, and is also called a hole punch. When a punching knife is used, a lever punch is usually used. However, when a punch and die are used, the punching device is more complex, as the punch and die must be precisely coordinated. A punching tool with a punch and die can be optimally integrated into a toggle press. Punching tools, including punching dies and punching tools, are essential components of hole punches. A roller punch allows multiple blanks to be punched simultaneously, corresponding to the punching shape. Such punching devices are ideal for implementing cost-effective and customized punching projects. Sample punches are used in the production of test specimens, such as tensile specimens or tear propagation specimens.