As a metal forming process, the punch press is used for the highest volume production. Cycle times are often measured in parts per second. Highly skilled craftsmen are needed to design the die set and set-up the machine. However, once the machine is running an operator of low skill can oversee its continued operation. Often one operator will monitor several punch presses simultaneously making this one of the lowest cost metal manufacturing processes.

In a typical punch press operation, a strip of metal passes through the machine. The machine closes or clamps in succession. Each closure forms or cuts a part of the strip of metal which advances a predetermined fixed amount. For very simple components such as a metal disk the part may be cut and ejected in a single station. For more complex parts, several stations may be needed to form and cut the part. When multiple cutting stations are used the die is referred to as a progressive die because the part progresses from one station to the next taking on more of its final form at each step.

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