In sheet metal, this question always creates some confusion. What is the difference between punching blanking and piercing? Punching blanking and piercing are sheet metal shearing operations to modify existing blank. Similar machines but different punch and die are used to perform these operations. In this article, we will discuss how blanking punching, and piercing operations are different from one another.
We suggest you also read this article on Sheet Metal Design Guidelines.
Blanking
As shown in the below image, blanking is a sheet metal cutting process that is used to manufacture an enclosed sheet metal part from a large piece of sheet metal by the application of high shear force. As a result of the blanking process, the blank part is a finished product.
For example, when sheet metal cutting is done using a blanking tool. Cut material is a finished part whereas the remaining sheet metal stock material is scrap. Plane washers, small gears, small automotive components are manufactured using blanking operations.
Punching
As explained in the below image, Punching is a type of sheet metal cutting process where scrap material is removed from the larger pieces of sheet metal stock by the application of high shearing force. In other words, a combination of punching operations in various sizes and shapes (rectangular and circular) are used to manufacture finished sheet metal parts.
As a result of punching the larger piece of sheet metal is a finished part and the removed material is scrap. Punching operation is used to manufacture large sheet metal parts such as cabinets, enclosures, car body parts, etc.
Piercing
As explained in the below image, Piercing is a type of sheet metal punching operation that is used to create an extruded hole or slot in a sheet metal workpiece. In other words, the piercing operation is a combination of cutting and forming operations.
As a result of the applied force from a piercing tool, sheet metal starts tearing and produces an extruded hole or slot. Piercing is mostly done in sheet metal parts to increase the threading area for self-tapping screws.
To sum up, Punching blanking and piercing are sheet metal shearing operations to modify existing blank. Same machines but different tools are used to perform these operations.
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As per you blanking is correct but the thing is difference between piercing and punching. piercing is the operation which makes different shapes pockets in the blanked component and punching is to create only circular pockets.