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Finishing operation in manufacturing circular punches

We manufacture circular punches from stainless steel tubing. The sizes vary from 0.5mm to 8 mm in diameter. We want to make the sharpest punch possible. We need your suggestions for the finishing operation so that we can make a burr free punch that is very smooth but also very sharp.

Sury Shoney
- Waukesha, Wisconsin

I think you may want to rephrase your question. Sharpness does not necessarily relate to a better quality punch cut. I just had a conversation with him about micro polishing cuting edges. His article will appear in about 4 to 6 months. I think you will also see a similar answer by me from a couple of weeks ago about reamers, saying the same thing. Anyway to answer your question, micropolishing seems to help remove stresses in metal and produces better over all results. Again, it is surprising that the refinment of a cutting edge has such an effect on sharpness. My thinking is if you want sharpness grinding or lapping is the way to go.

AF Kenton
Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

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