USEFUL INFORMATION
This section provides additional information that is useful for our customers. If you are having trouble finding what you are looking for, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Checklist of Perforating Cost Influences
1. Material Type – Remember the least expensive material may not be the lowest cost; a higher strength alloy may allow reducing thickness. Keep hardness below 80 Rb.
2. Material Thickness – Thinner materials perforate easier and faster.
3. Hole shape and pattern – Round holes are the most economical, 60° staggered round hole pattern strongest and most versatile.
4. Hole size – Do not go below 1-to-1 ratio with sheet thickness. Stay at 2-to-1 or larger if possible.
5. Bar size – Do not go thinner than 1-to-1 ratio with sheet thickness.
6. Center distance – It controls feed rate and thereby the production rate. If possible, choose a pattern with longer center distance.
7. Open areas – Extreme open area proportions ten to increase distortion; if possible, stay under 70%. To calculate open area percentage see here.
8. Margins – Keep side margins to a minimun to reduce distortion. Use standard Unfinished End Margins if you can. See Unfinished End Margins vs. Finished End Margins here.
9. Blank areas – Consider the die pattern when locating them. Consult with your IPA metal supplier.
10. Stick to standards – Specify standard hole patterns, materials dimensions and tolerances whenever possible. Before specifying a “Special”, consult with your IPA metal supplier; he can work wonders with existing tooling.
11. Accept normal commercial burrs unless otherwise specified.
