Punching and nibbling - economical sheet metal processing for series and individual parts

What does punching and nibbling mean?

Punching is a separation process in which contours are cut out of the sheet metal using a tool consisting of a punch and die - ideal for recurring shapes and hole patterns.

Nibbling is a related process in which the contour is created by many small, overlapping strokes. This allows free forms and radii to be realised without having to produce a separate tool for each contour.

In modern sheet metal processing, punching and nibbling are combined on CNC machines to produce both standardised and individual geometries economically.

Advantages of CNC punching and nibbling

Economical for many openings and hole patterns

The process really comes into its own for parts with many holes, slots and cut-outs. Standard tools and optimised nesting ensure short cycle times and high material utilisation.

Flexible geometries through nibbling

The sheet metal remains stable and hardly warps thanks to the step-by-step cutting process. At the same time, complex contours, radii and free forms can be realised efficiently - without the need for new tools for each contour.

More than „just holes“ - forming and embossing

With suitable tools, additional processing is possible on the punching/nibbling machine, for example:

• Countersinking and thread moulding
• Gills, ventilation slots, beading
• Embossing and labelling
• Light forming and edging

As a result, many components are produced completely in a single clamping process.

Materials for punching & nibbling

We process typical sheet metal for mechanical engineering, metal construction and industry:

• Sheet steel - for frames, brackets, consoles, reinforcements and structural parts
• Stainless steel sheets - for corrosion-resistant applications or high optical and hygienic requirements
• Aluminium sheets - for lightweight yet stable constructions

We are happy to test other materials and special types of sheet metal on an individual basis.

Typical parts and applications

Our punched and nibbled sheet metal parts are used in many areas:

• Mechanical and plant engineering
  Covers, brackets, mounting plates, support plates, reinforcements
• Housing and switch cabinet construction
  Hole patterns for cut-outs, displays, operating elements, cable glands
• Ventilation and air conditioning technology
  Ventilation slots, hole patterns, mounting plates
• Conveying and handling technology
  Perforated plates, guide rails, cover and protective plates
• Metal and steel construction
  Connection plates, angles, connecting elements
• Furniture and shop fitting
  Visible parts, panels, perforated design components

We will be happy to check your drawings and develop a production-ready solution if required.

Quality and process reliability for punching and nibbling

For reliable series production, we rely on stable processes and controlled workflows:

• Trained specialists in programming and production
• Regular dimensional checks
• Documented tests for series and repeat parts
• Clearly defined workflows across all process steps

In this way, we ensure that your parts have identical dimensions, functions and surfaces with every order.

Punching and nibbling for customers in Germany, Austria and Switzerland

We regularly supply industrial companies in Germany and Austria and know the requirements for quality, delivery times and repeat parts.

Your advantages:

• Reliable delivery times and predictable logistics
• Flexible response to peak demand and call-off orders
• Optional: framework agreements and storage of recurring items

Also discover our other services, such as Development and construction.