Perforation refers to a punching process, whereby numerous holes are made in a sheet of material in a single stamping motion. Perforation uses two tools to achieve this effect - a die underneath the workpiece, with holes that mirror the positioning of the holes to be punched, whilst a punch overhead acts as an inverted version of the die. When the punch is brought down upon the workpiece with force, it marries up with the die underneath, removing the material from the workpiece in between.
Whilst perforation is generally reserved for thinner sheets of material, some machines can cater for material up to 25mm thick. Perforation can be performed on a wide range of metals, including aluminium, stainless steel, mild steel and copper.
Used to produce
A number of holes in a sheet of material up to 25mm thick.
Materials
Perforation can be performed on a wide range of metals, including aluminium, stainless steel, mild steel and copper.
Advantages
Fast method of producing a large number of holes in a sheet of material.
Can accommodate a wide range of materials.
Disadvantages
May not be suitable for thicker materials.
In some instances, specialist tooling may be required, which can prove expensive.