Punch?? or What??

[ShayArnett]

I need to make some of these parts, bearing is just there for size reference. Roughly 1 inch long and 3/4 inch wide and 1/16th thick. 3 inline holes 2 different sizes and the outer profile, tight tolerances not necessary. Would a punch be the best way to make these? Where can I find some info on what material to make a punch out of and the process, clearances needed between halfs, etc.

[ctate2000]

Punching is fastest way. The information you need is in Machinery's handbook. If you only need a few try shearing. Then poke holes in with a two flute emill. Bandsaw and jig will work if you lack a shear. Drill will work if you use a plate to support the material while drilling. Making a decent punch and die will may take longer than making a couple hundred the hard way.

[ViperTX]

How many of these do you need to make??

[mxtras]

To make punching really cost effective I think your volume needs to be maybe around 1000 pcs. or so (this is with you making the die set, not someone else) - lots of variables and I am no expert but I have looked into it for some of the parts for my product. Your parts are thin so I don't think your dies would have to be all that monsterous.

I would suggest having them laser cut. This looks like maybe a $2 laser cut part in lots of maybe 20 or 50 depending on the material and subsequent finishing ops....and the shop's pricing, of course.

Scott

[ShayArnett]

Finish can be whatever, they are currently cut with tin snips and sanded slightly around the edges. I would like to make my own punch if for no other reason than something to do. Production will ramp up to 1000's but I would say 500 max at a time for now. I don't want to make a big multi-part die for running 1000's a minute, I would just like to make a single part die for a fun weekend project and make producing this part easier at the same time.

[InspirationTool]

Waterjet, laser, or plasma, with vibratory or rotary tumbling afterwards. You should be able to get these for under $1.50 each, maybe as low as $.50 each.

-Jeff

[ctate2000]

Machinery's handbook. Have fun.

[Keith B]

To produce this part with one hit is not possible. To punch this part would require that the the holes be punched first and then the profile. As mxtras and InsperationTool have said, you are better off jobbing out to a CNC laser or punch shop.

Keith

[metalworkz]

Hello ShayArnett,
You could fabricate a punch and die but you should look at what you will use to punch the part with if you had the die set? If you have a small punch with enough tonage to punch this part then you could go ahead with the punch and die for it. Perhaps a single station punch set up for the round hole diameter tooling set with stops for the different holes would be punched first in the suitable blank size and then the blanking die set would punch the part out of the same blank so that the hole pattern from the first operation is correct on the final parts. The holes could be drilled with a drill fixture but that will take more time than punching. If you don't have a punch press or kick press you will be needing one before you need the punch and die. Not impossible but there is some cost involved in getting the basic set up ready.
Regards,