Nick Tarkany

Perforating is defined as a process of making a hole by removing a slug. During perforating in a stamping operation, a punch shears and breaks a slug out of the part material and then pushes the slug into a matrix (die bushing). The matrix hole is larger than the punch point. A clearance must be maintained constantly around the entire punch point.

Routine maintenance—grinding, using surface treatments, sharpening ejector pins, and minimizing potential grinding damage—can extend tool life and save you a lot of headaches.