Sheet metal punching: steel and aluminum
Sheet metal punching is one of metalworking’s most widely used mechanical processing techniques. It creates holes, cuts, or special shapes in sheet metal. The punching process involves the use of punches and dies, which apply pressure to the sheets, perforating them or forming three-dimensional shapes while meticulously adhering to project specifications.
Since this is a particularly efficient technology for producing mechanical components for electronics, Elmec invests in punching processes, ensuring the availability of state-of-the-art machinery and specialized technicians dedicated to this work.
Applications of punching on metal materials
Understanding the meaning of punching makes it easy to grasp its primary applications. This technique is widely employed in various industrial sectors, including:
- Automotive
- Construction
- Metalworking
- Electronics
At elmec, we specifically use it to produce mechanical structures that support electronic installations, enhancing both their durability and functionality. We carry out punching on steel and aluminum sheets to create enclosures, heat sinks, housings, panels, and other components, ensuring dimensional precision and compliance with project or prototype requirements.
The resulting products are destined for various sectors, such as:
- Automation
- HMI systems
- Domotics
- Rail transport
- Lighting
Advanced technologies for sheet metal punching
Our cutting machines can perform CO2 laser punching and fiber laser punching, and we can combine the two processes to exploit their advantages and expand our application possibilities. Among the benefits of punching is the ability to work on sheets of different thicknesses (from 0.5 mm to 10 mm) without ever losing accuracy or precision.
Materials suitable for punching
Steel punching
Processing steel to create holes and intricate designs results in durable and robust sheets, particularly resistant to oxidation and corrosion, especially when stainless steel is used. Punched steel sheets are typically employed in environments where electronic installations will be exposed to significant environmental and mechanical stresses, as well as to moisture, water, and other external factors.
Aluminum punching
Using aluminum, a highly versatile material, for the production of mechanical components for electronics allows for the creation of lightweight, corrosion-resistant elements with specific designs and unique shapes. Robust and corrosion-resistant (a characteristic derived from the natural oxide layer on its surface), aluminum is an ecological and recyclable material, as well as aesthetically elegant.
Elmec’s production ecosystem
Sheet metal punching is one of the key processes in the production of metal components for electronics, along with bending, surface finishing, and fastener application.
Our core processes also include extrusion and CNC milling, carried out using ten vertical and horizontal CNC centers with 3, 4, and 5 axes. This extensive range of machinery enables us to create fully customized products in every detail, meeting the needs of clients operating in diverse sectors.
Our internal technologies and team expertise are further complemented by trusted external partnerships, extending our production capabilities to include auxiliary processes and surface finishes. This allows us to position ourselves as a reliable, certified single point of reference for the development of advanced electronic systems with diverse applications.
Are you looking for a trusted partner to create mechanical enclosures perfectly suited to your electronics? Contact our technicians and share your project with us!
We’ll be happy to start working on it together to achieve the results you have in mind.