Application
Trimming & Notching
Trimming & Notching Press Applications
A subset of shearing, trimming and notching applications involve the removal of material from the edges or perimeter of a workpiece, typically applied to either sheet metal or tubing. While trimming applies to the removal of material with the main goal of reducing the size of the workpiece for workability or trimming down to the final dimensions, notching involves removing shapes or patterns from the perimeter of a workpiece or tube.
What is Notching?
While notching can be performed as the end goal for the piece, in many cases, notching is used to set the piece up for a secondary application. Notching can be performed to allow two pieces to sit together in a certain way, or to create a closer fit between the two pieces that will be joined either by a press joining application or welding. Whereas trimming typically involves cutting material straight down, notching is sometimes performed at an angle, to make bending and moving the material easier or for a better fit when folding or joining to another piece in a V-shape or T-shape composition.
Types of Notches to Sheet or Tube Material
Different types of notching can be performed to accomplish separate end goals for the workpiece. Here are a few examples of notching styles:
Sheet Metal Notching
Straight Notch
Straight cuts can be taken from the edge of material at specific fold points with the intent of creating flaps that extend out on each side.
Square Notch
Squares are removed from one or more corners, allowing for joins without overlap, particularly when sheet metal is bent into a box shape.
Slant Notch
Corners can be notched at 45° angles so that right angles are created when the two sides meet when folded together.
V Notch
V notches involve taking an angled V shape from the edge of a workpiece at the midpoint of one side. This sets the sides up to meet at a 90° angle when folded.
Wire Notching
Wire notching prevents material with wired edging from overlapping at the seam when folded or brought around edge to edge.
Tube Notching
Tube Notching
A cylindrical or square metal tube can be notched at the ends to create a proper fit when joining at an angle or for a cross-join in preparation for welding together.
Angled notches can be taken from a midpoint of the tube to create the ability for the tube to be folded into itself, creating a clean 90° angle with no overlap.
Air Hydraulics Presses for Trimming and Notching:
- A-Series Adjustable Air Press
(1200-5000 lb) - AP-Series Black and Webster Air Press
(150-1900 lb) - AH-Series Hydropneumatic Press
(4-50 ton)
- C-Series Air-Hydraulics Press
(2.5-15 ton) - SH-Series Compact Hydraulic Press
(2.5-15 ton)
Trimming and Notching with Press Machinery
Both trimming and notching can be performed with a factory press. For both applications, the punch and die tooling will be of critical importance, but once the ideal configuration is set, a press is a great option for quick, repeatable trimming or notching. The speed with which these applications can be completed largely depends on the loading process and whether the material is fed automatically or positioned manually by an operator. For notching that is performed as a setup for a secondary process, following the pattern as designed and notching in the correct place is critical. In these cases, automating the loading process is often the best way to ensure accurate and consistent press notching each time.
If you are searching for a press for a trimming or notching application, we can help you select the best press for your specific needs and set it up with the correct tooling and configuration for a quick, reliable and repeatable trimming or notching operation.
Interested in presses for trimming and notching applications?