Relating to the production of small openings in sheet material
a technology of sheet material and small opening, which is applied in the field of small opening production in sheet material, can solve the problems of increasing difficulty below this size, affecting the quality of sheet material, so as to reduce the size of the hole, prevent the outward radial spread of workpiece material, and reduce the effect of surface deformation
Inactive Publication Date: 2005-09-01
CINETIC LANDIS GRINDING LTD
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- Abstract
- Description
- Claims
- Application Information
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Benefits of technology
The present invention relates to a method for reducing the size of an oversize hole in a sheet material. The method involves forming an initial hole that is larger than the desired size, and then compressing the sheet material around the hole to reduce its size. This can be done using a press tool that is positioned over the hole and pressed into the sheet material. The compressive force applied by the press tool causes the sheet material to flow in a radial direction, resulting in a reduction in the diameter of the hole. The method can also involve machining the sheet material to remove any annular regions of increased thickness around the hole. The resulting hole has a smaller diameter than the initial hole, and the method can be used to control the size and shape of the hole.
Problems solved by technology
Mechanical drilling is an acceptable method for producing holes having a diameter of 50 μm or greater, but increasing difficulty is experienced below this size.
Other processes are available to produce smaller diameter holes, but these present difficulties related to process time, tooling costs etc.
Method used
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Embodiment Construction
[0051] In FIG. 1 a press tool body 10 is shown mounted above a fixed base plate 12 on which has been laid a workpiece of stainless steel sheet or foil 14 having a pre-drilled hole 16. The workpiece is positioned so that the hole 16 is central of the workpiece engaging part 18 of the press tool. Tool part 18 is circular in cross section and can be for example hydraulically moved in a downward sense (perhaps against a spring restoring force) relative to the body of the tool 10.
[0052] In FIG. 2A the workpiece is shown placed on an unyielding base plate 12, ready to be squeezed as the tool part 18 is moved downwardly to engage workpiece 14. Typically the tool part 18 has a flat underside 19 and is several times larger in diameter than the pre-formed holes 16, typically five times larger in diameter. The tool part 18 is positioned concentrically over the pre-formed hole 16.
[0053]FIG. 2B shows the effect on the workpiece 14 as the tool part 18 presses into the sheet material and the lat...
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Abstract
In order to form a tapered hole in sheet material, an oversize hole is first formed typically by drilling. The sheet material is then compressed or squeezed in the vicinity of the hole using a press tool to cause the material to flow in the direction of the hole to reduce the size of the hole. The compression produces a hole that tapers from both surfaces of the sheet material to the midpoint of the hole, and an annular region of increased thickness around the area subjected to compression. Machining may be used to remove any annular region of increased thickness so that the remaining sheet material has the same thickness. Further material may be removed by machining to reduce the thickness of the sheet material in the vicinity of the hole so the remaining opening tapers from one surface of the sheet to the other.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] Applicants claim the benefit of the following United Kingdom Patent Applications: Ser. No. 0329400.6, filed Dec. 19, 2003, and Ser. No. 0407370.6 filed Mar. 31, 2004. [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention concerns a method and apparatus by which very small openings can be formed in sheet material such as metal foil. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0004] Ink-jet printing heads require the formation of very small holes, usually arrays of such holes, in metal foil. [0005] Mechanical drilling is an acceptable method for producing holes having a diameter of 50 μm or greater, but increasing difficulty is experienced below this size. Other processes are available to produce smaller diameter holes, but these present difficulties related to process time, tooling costs etc. [0006] There is a specific requirement for a cost-effective process to manufacture holes in 50 μm thick stainless steel sheet, down to 18μm in diameter. [0007] It is al...
Claims
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IPC IPC(8): B21D28/00
CPCB21D33/00B21K23/00B23P15/16B21D28/00
Inventor PIERSE, MICHAEL GEORGE
Owner CINETIC LANDIS GRINDING LTD