At ACRA Machinery, we recognise that notching remains an essential process for many metalworking projects. Notching is performed on the edges of the sheet metal to remove unwanted pieces from the perimeter, creating a uniquely shaped workpiece that is ready for further sheet metal processes. Notching can be used to create many complex shapes depending on the punch and die tool and can be performed on aluminium, stainless steel, high-carbon steel, titanium and alloys.

 

How notching differs from punching

Punching uses force to push the die through the metal and leave behind a shape outline in the workpiece that is the same size. Steel notching is very similar as it also uses force and dies to pierce and shear the sheet metal, but instead of producing a hole, notching removes shapes and excess material from the edge of the workpiece.

This can make the next step of fabrication easier by removing material that would be awkward for a bend, fold or curve, eliminating the risk of bulges or awkward, overlapping material at the join seams and edges. This process of cutting an edge or multiple edges turns the workpiece into a more feasible shape for assembly and is useful for shearing corners to create edges that join neatly into trays, boxes and brackets.

 

Notching options

Notching is typically performed with a turret punch press, laser cutter or corner notcher. Many different notches are available to allow you to smoothly fold or conjoin your pieces of metal and all notching angles should be carefully considered to ensure a perfect join for your project. Some notching methods include:

  • Straight notch or slit: Straight cuts made from the edge to where it is to be bent, to create a fold flap in the metal workpiece.
  • Square notch: Removes a square from the corner of the workpiece allowing for better joins with no metal overlap when the sheet is bent into a rectangular box.
  • Slant notch: Cuts the sheet metal corners at an angle of 45 degrees to make the sheet metals sides meet at right angles when bent.
  • V notch: This cuts a V shape into the edge of the sheet metal and is the perfect process for a job with a 90° bend and inside flange.
  • Wire notch: The wire notch is used on work that has wired edges to prevent the edge from overlapping at the seam.
  • Tube notch: Notching can also be helpful for hollow metal workpieces including removing material from one or both ends of a tube or removing material from the side of the tube for an easier bend without material overlap.

 

The function of the corner notcher

A corner notcher is a specialist machine that can easily create a new corner on the workpiece using a V-shaped blade. It can be used for a corner bend with two sides that can be folded together to form a tray shape or box without seam overlap. It functions similarly to a sheet metal guillotine, with a steel blade on the top and bottom that meet to shear unwanted material from the corners of the sheet metal. If you’ve noticed that the edges and joints of your sheet metal have unsightly bulges, a corner notcher may be a useful addition to your factory floor.

If you’re interested in creating the right angles for your next project, the Durma Corner Notcher cuts angles from 30°through to 140° with a cutting capacity of 4-6mm, leaving you with a perfectly shaped workpiece. With premium components, a small footprint for your factory floor and a convenient foot switch, it is a quality choice for every sheet metal manufacturer. The Durma Corner Notcher is a durable machine creating the specific workpiece shape required for your project to improve the accuracy of folding and other fabrication processes.

 

In need of sheet metal machinery?

ACRA Machinery stocks a diverse range of quality new and used machinery including the premium Durma Corner Notcher.

To learn more about our products or the maintenance services we can provide to Melbourne sheet metal manufacturers, please contact us by filling out our enquiry form or by calling 03 9794 6675.