Punch and method for piercing holes with a retention structure

摘要

A punch including a shearing edge formed on an outer periphery of the punch, a cutting edge formed on the distal end of the punch and at least two ramp surfaces provided between the shearing and cutting edges. Each of the ramp surfaces extend at an angle from the distal end to a recessed portion of the shearing edge. The shearing edge, cutting edge and ramp surfaces cooperate to partially form a hole in a part and retain a slug in the hole. A method of forming a hole and a slug control system for a hydro-piercing operation is disclosed.

主权项

1. A punch for a hydro-forming tool comprising:
a shearing edge formed on an outer periphery of the punch that is partially recessed from a distal end of the punch; a cutting edge formed inboard of the shearing edge, wherein the cutting edge is disposed at the distal end of the punch; and at least two ramp surfaces provided between the shearing edge and the cutting edge, wherein each ramp surface extends about a portion of a periphery of the punch and extends at an angle from the distal end to a recessed portion of the shearing edge, wherein the distal end includes a central portion and at least two outer portions extending outwardly from the central portion to a periphery of the punch, each of the outer portions including a cut-off face extending between the cutting edge disposed on the outer portion and the ramp surface proximate the recessed portion of the shearing edge.