Punching small holes in stainless?

[astro_al]

Howdy all, I need to punch about 200 holes in 0.8 or 1mm thick stainless sheet (316 or 304). The holes need to be about 2.5mm diameter - maybe 3mm will do if it helps.

They will all be in the same position on identical pieces of stainless. What tool can I use to help me get the job done quick? I figure some kind of powered press - pneumatic or hydraulic or something with a suitable punch tool will be the best solution, but I don't know anything about them.

I see lots of 'Hare' presses on ebay - what's the deal with those, usually about 7.5 tonne - are they suitable?

Anyone know the required tonnage for that operation? Or can suggest a source for the actual punch tool?

Any suggestions? Cheers, Al.

 

[Hitch]

Something like a fly press, fitted with a punch and die tool would be more than adequate.

Tonnage wise just over 1/2 a ton. Not a lot.

3mm hole (d), 1mm think material (t), strength (s) of 60kg/mm2...

d x 3.142
x t
x s

=force in kg required.

566kg.


Something like a Roper Witney/Greenlee hand punch might do the trick, if you have enough clearance on the throat....not sure on how well they punch stainless. Anyone used one on stainless? Wont be the fastest way. 200 holes isnt a lot. A simple jig could be made im sure.

 

[scott0031]

Hi Al,

Really need a bit more detail on exactly what you need to do

overall size of the material. ie length x width.
How many you will need to do in total. ie total pieces with the 200 holes in.
Repeat amounts if any.

Sometimes its prohibitive to go down the press tool route unless you have quantity to do. The cost of the tooling to do a neat and accurate job wont be cheap. The bigger the punch size the better, breakages are likely to occur the smaller the hole and the thicker the material. The hare type presses are the type you will be needing to look at... there are many types and forms out there. Again depending on the amount and size of these you have to do will dictate the press bolster size and tonnage.

I can certainly give you all the info you need if you can answer the above questions.


Kind regards,

Scott (ward eng)

 

[JayRS4]

I would have thought a jig and punch in a small fly press would have done it ok. Tooling sometimes comes up on the horrible auction site. I can`t imagine much force would be needed for that thickness, how big ii the piece of stainless though (ie, how bigger throat would it need)

 

[the snooper]

if the holes are around the edges machine mart sell a hole punch hole may be a little bigger then you wan though see it here

 

[dannyweld]

why cant you get a cobalt drill bit and drill.

 

[Arsonista]

You need a fly press or a Whitney punch if the holes are up to about 2'' from the edge. If you don't fancy it, PM me and I'll give you the name of a sheet metal co. in Hampshire.

 

[astro_al]

Thanks guys. I dug out an old Roper-Whitney hand punch I'd picked up somewhere along the way and gave it a try - magic! That'll do nicely! Nice and accurate and super-fast through 1.4mm mild steel and 1.0mm stainless (testing the 3/32 size punch & die).

I had totally forgotten I had one until I saw the pic and thought it looked familiar!

Can't remember where I got it, but I'm glad I did!

Cheers, Al.