Inch Regular Punch Blanks

This inch regular punch blank is used in punch press tooling where a machinist starts from a standardized blank and builds custom punch components for production stamping lines.

• Industrial stamping of sheet-metal parts: The blank format enables efficient turning/milling into the required punch profile, helping maintain consistent tool geometry across runs.
• Automotive and appliance connector housings (tab/slot blanking): Selecting the appropriate steel option (M2 for tougher cutting performance or A2 for balanced wear resistance) supports long cycle life in intermittent blanking operations.
• General fabrication dies and intermediate tooling: The inch shank diameter range (12–100 in) and long availability (L: 150–700 in) allow fitment with varying press heights and guides.

Because the blank is offered in A2 or M2, it’s suited to applications that need reliable blanking performance while still allowing cost-effective machining into custom punch shapes.

These punch blanks are available in A2 or M2 tooling steel, both commonly selected for punch press and blanking use due to their ability to hold cutting edges under repeated impact and abrasive contact.

• A2 tooling steel: Typically used when a balanced combination of wear resistance and toughness is desired. Compared with higher alloy grades, it generally offers good toughness for interrupted cutting.
• M2 tooling steel: Often selected for higher red-hardness and wear resistance, supporting longer service life in more demanding blanking conditions.

Heat treatment is usually performed to achieve a quenched and tempered punch-to-service condition (tooling steels are commonly hardened and tempered rather than left pre-hardened). Exact target hardness (HRC) depends on the selected grade and your performance requirements, and should be confirmed with your shop’s heat treat spec.

Correct sizing ensures the punch blank can be machined into your final punch without violating press alignment, guide fit, or stripping clearances. Start by matching the shank diameter D (12–100 in) to your punch holder, guide bushing, or die set requirements.

• Choose D: Select a blank where the shank diameter falls within 12–100 in for secure engagement and consistent alignment.
• Choose L: Ensure overall length L (150–700 in) provides enough stick-out after machining for tool retention, clearance, and any intended shoulders.
• Allowance for finishing: Plan for machining stock on diameter and length so the final ground/finished dimensions meet cavity/core interface requirements and press fit targets.

These dimensions are provided as variable ranges, so D and L are configurable within the stated bounds. Final tolerances should be set to your toolholder and guide fit standards (tight fits for alignment, looser fits where thermal growth or debris clearance is needed).