Precise punched parts for one-offs, small batches and demanding components – cut-outs, hole patterns and profiles to drawing, combined on request with bending, welding and further operations.
Punching sheet metal – fast, precise and repeatable
Punching works profiles and cut-outs out of the sheet with tooling – fast, repeatable and especially suited to parts with numerous holes, openings or recurring geometries. Our focus is not anonymous mass production but demanding parts, small batches and custom work, where matching the individual operations to one another is what counts. Typical punched parts:
Enclosure and panelling parts
Mounting plates
Front panels
Sheets with hole patterns
Ventilation and functional openings
Brackets and consoles
Parts for machinery and plant
Components for welded assemblies
Customer-specific special parts
Punching stainless steel
When punching stainless steel, material properties, sheet thickness, tooling and geometry have to match – and with more complex parts the design determines how economically and to what quality a punched part is produced. We look beyond the single opening: if the part is then to be bent, welded or surface-finished, those steps enter the production plan from the outset. The result is punched stainless steel parts prepared for what comes next and reliable to process into finished components and assemblies.
Punching aluminium
Aluminium can also be punched economically and precisely – though the specific properties of the material must be taken into account, particularly where the part is then formed, welded or used as a visible component. We make punched aluminium parts to customer specification and, on request, combine punching with the follow-on processes required – producing lightweight enclosures, covers, mounting elements and structural components entirely in house.
Punched parts for small batches and custom work
Punching is often associated with very large quantities. Modern sheet metal technology, however, makes it attractive for small batches and recurring special parts as well – particularly where standard tooling is used or different operations are combined flexibly. We therefore ask not only whether a part can be punched, but whether punching is the technically and economically suitable process for its geometry and quantity – depending on the task, laser cutting may be the better choice, or the two may complement each other within one production strategy.
Punching or laser cutting?
Not every sheet metal part should be made the same way. Laser cutting offers great freedom with complex profiles and changing geometries and suits one-offs and small quantities particularly well. Punching plays to its strengths with recurring profiles, hole patterns and higher processing speeds. Which is the better route depends on, among other things:
Batch size
Sheet thickness
Material
Geometry
Number and type of cut-outs
Required tolerances
Required edge quality
Subsequent operations
At stainlesstec you do not have to make that decision in advance. We look at the part and choose the right route together with you.
Ideally we receive technical drawings or suitable CAD data – for custom work we can also start from an existing design or a specific brief. Production planning already takes account of what happens to the part next:
Hole patterns and cut-outs
Position, size and spacing of the features have to suit the material and the process.
Bending and forming
If a punched part is to be bent, cut-outs, bend lines and material behaviour have to be considered together.
Welded structures
Production-friendly profiles simplify locating and joining the components that follow.
Surfaces
For visible parts, the later surface requirements enter the production plan from the start.
Punching as part of our sheet metal work
On request we supply not just the punched blank but take the part through to the finished component or assembly.
That reduces the interfaces between different suppliers – and design and sequence are aligned with the intended end result from the outset. With small batches and technically demanding custom work, that can be decisive.
Technical capabilities
Materials
Stainless steel and aluminium.
Production
Individual parts, small batches and recurring runs.
Processing
Hole patterns, cut-outs and a variety of profiles.
Further processing
Bending, welding, machining and surface finishing.
Data basis
Technical drawings and suitable CAD or production data.
Send us your drawing or CAD data by email – together with material, batch size and your requirements. We will come back to you with a sound assessment.
