Improvement of ultra-fine piercing by vacuum system

Abstract

A new ultra-fine piercing process utilizing SiC fiber as a punch was proposed and micro holes of 14 /spl mu/m diameter were successfully pierced for three kinds of metal foils 8 to 15 /spl mu/m in thickness. In this paper, process refinement to assure the stability of piercing action and good tool life are discussed. As a result of applying a vacuum system, it is confirmed that tool life is rather improved for aluminum and beryllium copper foils and also good quality is maintained after 1000 heats.