A novel laboratory blanking apparatus for the experimental identification of blanking parameters

High-quality blanking depends on several blanking parameters that are difficult to investigate with industrial blanking presses. In this research, a novel laboratory blanking apparatus that allows quasi-static and dynamic blanking at different blanking speeds is presented. With a clear focus on the dynamics of the blanking process, the inertial correction of the punch force, the surface velocity and the surface temperature of sheet-metal are researched. In addition, measurements of the punch–die misalignment and the punch–die inclination-angle are discussed. The apparatus is also able to perform a partial penetration of the punch to a selected depth with an accuracy of better than 10 μm. The apparatus was shown to offer us a new insight into the blanking process that can increase our understanding and therefore result in better numerical models and better products.