Common Challenges in Punching Hard Metals and How to Overcome Them

Punching metals isn’t an easy process. When it comes to hard metals, punching is even harder. You need a reliable punch that doesn’t distort the metal and offers clean and accurate punches.

Metals such as stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium, iron, and other alloys pose certain challenges in punching.

Understanding these challenges and adopting the right techniques is essential for achieving precision and efficiency. Some of the common challenges and the best methods of metal punching in Albuquerque have been discussed in the blog below.

Challenges in Punching Hard Metals

Here are the key challenges in punching hard metals:

Tool Wear and Tear

Metal punching tools have a ram that punches hard into the metal and punches a hole into it. During punching hard metals, the ram gets damaged. As hard metals are abrasive, the tools bear the brunt of the hardness and need replacement quite frequently.

High Force Requirements

Hard metals require a harder force to punch these metals. Thus, hydraulic and mechanical press punches are preferred choices. If you are a DIY enthusiast planning to use a manual punch for hard metal punching, drop the idea. Instead, find a professional for metal punching in Albuquerque for your safety.

Material Distortion

If the right tools aren’t used, punching hard tools can result in warping, burr formation, cracking, etc. It might compromise the final product.

Heat Generation

The metal punching process generates heat, affecting the metal and the tool. It affects the integrity of the workpiece and the machine.

Strategies to Overcome These Challenges

Here are the strategies to overcome the challenges discussed above:

Invest in Quality Tooling

Before investing in tools, you must determine your needs.

• How often do you work on metals?
• What type of metals do you work with?
• What is the degree of precision required in your work?

If you work with hard metals regularly, you should invest in high-quality machines. Use punching tools made from high-speed steel (HSS) or carbide, which offer excellent hardness and wear resistance.

To ensure consistent performance, keep your tools and equipment in good condition.

Optimize Machine Settings

You cannot punch all metals at the same speed. You should adjust the speed and pressure of the machine as per the material hardness. Material thickness and size of the punch should be considered as well.

CNC machines are a great option for investment to obtain accurate and precise results on hard metals.

Apply Lubricants and Coolants

In hard metal punching, the ram shears through the metal and creates a hole. It causes friction and generates heat. When the metal and the tool heat excessively, it affects the integrity of the tool and the metal. Thus, always use coolants and lubricants, to minimize friction and reduce heat. Coolants can prevent overheating and prolong the tool’s and the workpiece’s life.

Implement Pre-Heating

Implement pre-heating when working on extremely hard metals, such as iron, carbon steel, titanium, etc. It makes the material malleable and makes punching easier.

Choose Appropriate Die Clearance

Inappropriate die clearance can warp the metal. Thus, leave at least 15-20% of the material thickness as die clearance space for hard metals.

Metal Punching at New Mexico Metals LLC

Expertise in metal punching comes from experience, using the right tools, and knowledge about multiple metals.

We are here to discuss about best metal punching in Albuquerque. We will also discuss how we achieve perfection.

At New Mexico Metals LLC, we use GEKA Bendicrop 60S Universal Ironworker. This machine has a punching capacity of 67 tons, which allows hole punching up to 1 ½” diameter in a 3/8” thick carbon steel plate and 1 ¼” diameter in a ½” thick carbon steel plate.

It offers angle and Rod/Bar shearing using 93 tons, which will cut up-to 4” X 4” X ½” Carbon Steel Angles, up to 1 ½” diameter Carbon Steel Round Bar, and up to 1 ½” Carbon Steel Square Bar.

Despite the metal’s hardness, we can punch it.

We offer our services for retail, wholesale, and even on a smaller scale for DIYers. New Mexico Metals LLC is here for you, no matter how small or large your project is.

Final Words

If you also find punching hard metals challenging, this blog will help you. You can also contact us at New Mexico Metals LLC for quality metal punching in Albuquerque.