Flexible punching method using an elastic tool instead of a metal punch

Micro-scaled Products Development via Microforming

“…2.55. The similar experimental results of the increase of surface roughness with the increasing amount of deformation and grain size can also be found in other studies using steels and aluminum alloys [72,73]. Grain deformation mechanisms have a close relationship with surface roughening.…”

Experimental and Numerical Simulation Research on Micro-Gears Fabrication by Laser Shock Punching Process

“…Apparently, it takes more time for the workpiece to be shocked with lower energy to complete the whole punching process: it only needs 330 ns to punch the micro-gear out completely under high energy, while the time increases to 480 ns under low energy. This is because the absorbed laser density I0 will be smaller when lower energy is employed, causing smaller shock pressure according to Equation (10). As a result, the speed of deformation is relatively slower.…”

“…This technique used the intense laser beam as the micro punch rather than a traditional punch in order to solve the difficulty of complex punch-to-die alignment and punch fabrication in the process of micro punching to a great extent. Afterwards, Liu et al [9] improved this technology, in which polyurethane soft film acted as a medium of transmitting impact pressure [7,10]. Cooperated with a machined mold, arrays of square holes were machined successfully on the Al foil of 20 µm in the thickness.…”

Microforming Processes

“…4.31. Similar punching approach in macroforming can also be found in other prior arts [72,73]. This forming approach is actually like the rubber pad forming process in which the deformable punch pushes the material into die cavity.…”