Punches
Punches do the cutting and forming in press tools. Edge life, shank accuracy and coating decide how many strokes a tool runs between regrinds.
What are punches?
A punch is a hardened cutting or forming pin held in the punch plate of a press tool. Working with a matching die button, it pierces, blanks or forms sheet material each press stroke. Punches are consumable precision parts — bought repeatedly across a tool's life.
Typical materials
Typically SKD11 (D2 equivalent) cold-work tool steel, SKH51 high-speed steel for tougher duty, and carbide for very high volume production. TiCN and similar coatings reduce galling and extend regrind intervals.
Types of punches
Straight punches
Constant-diameter body with a cylindrical head — general piercing work.
Shoulder (shank) punches
Reduced working point on a stronger shank for small hole diameters.
Jector punches
Built-in spring-loaded ejector pin prevents slugs pulling back up with the punch.
Punches with center hole
Air-relief hole through the punch face to stop slug vacuum adhesion.
Coated punches (TiCN etc.)
Hard coatings extend edge life in high-volume or stainless work.
How to select punches
- Point diameter and shank diameter with required tolerance.
- Overall length and head style to suit the punch plate.
- Material and coating for the sheet material and production volume.
- Jector or center-hole options where slug pulling is a problem.
- Matching die button clearance for the sheet thickness.
Not sure? Send what you have — a part number, drawing or photo — and our engineering team will confirm the selection.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a jector punch?
- A jector punch has a small spring-loaded pin in its face that pushes the cut slug into the die, preventing the slug from riding back up with the punch — a common cause of double-hits and tool damage.
- Which punch material should I choose?
- SKD11 suits general press work; SKH51 gives more toughness for interrupted or heavier cuts; carbide and coated punches pay off in high-volume production where regrind downtime matters.
- Can JIDOKA supply punches to my drawing or existing part number?
- Yes — send the drawing, specification or the part number you currently buy through the Request a Quote or Find an Alternative form and our team will review and quote it.
Related components
Button Dies
Button dies are the hardened female counterparts to punches — the slug passes through them each stroke. Correct clearance and land geometry control burr height and edge life.
Ejector Pins
Ejector pins push the finished part off the core when a plastic mould or die opens. They cycle millions of times against heat and friction, so material, hardness and fit decide tool life.
Locating Pins
Locating pins fix a workpiece in a repeatable position on a jig or fixture. The round-plus-diamond pair is the standard method of constraining a part without over-constraint.
Need punches?
Tell us the specification, quantity and application — or just send the drawing.