Claims:We Claim:

1. A system (100) for punching a sheet metal (30), the system (100) comprising:
a frame;
a die (6), supported on the frame, the die (6) is configured to support the sheet metal (30) for punching, wherein the die (6) is defined with a provision to accommodate a first electrode (8) and a first insulator isolating the first electrode (8) and the die (6); and
a punch (13), movably supported on the frame, the punch (13) comprises a tool (14) which is configured to punch a portion of the sheet metal (30) through the die (6), wherein the punch (13) is defined with a provision to accommodate the tool (14), a second electrode (17) in contact with the tool (14) and a second insulator isolating the tool (14) and the punch (13);
wherein the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) are selectively energized upon contact of the punch (13) and the die (6) with the sheet metal (30) to electrically charge a localized region of the portion of the sheet metal (30) to be punched.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) electrically charge the localized region of the portion of the sheet metal (30) through the die (6) and the punch (13) to increase a hole expansion ratio of the sheet metal (30).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first and the second insulators are configured to insulate the localized region upon contact of the punch (13) and the die (6) with the sheet metal (30).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the punch (13) is configured to displace relative to the die (6).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrode (8) is connected to an outer surface of the die (6).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the localized region is defined by a contact portion of the punch (13) and a mouth of the die (6) on either sides of the sheet metal (30).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first electrode (8) is connected to at least one contact pin (25) disposed within the provision defined in the die (6).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the localized region is defined by the contact portion of the tool (14) of the punch (13) and the at least one contact pin (25) disposed within the provision defined in the die (6) on either side of the sheet metal (30).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one contact pin (25) is disposed on a third insulator (26) isolating the at least one contact pin (25).

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the at least one contact pin (25) is biased by a resilient member (27) and extends out of the provision defined in the die (6).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one contact pin (25) on contact with the sheet metal (30) retracts into the provision of the die (6) and rests flush with the mouth of the die (6).

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tool (14) is a punching tool configured to punch an aperture through the sheet metal (30).

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) is connected to at least one of a positive and a negative terminal of a power source.

14. A method of operating the system (100) as claimed in claim 1, for punching sheet metal (30), the method comprising:
positioning, the sheet metal (30) over a die (6) supported on a frame, wherein the die (6) is defined with a provision to accommodate a first electrode (8) and a first insulator isolating the first electrode (8) and the die (6);
operating, a punch (13) movably supported on the frame relative to the die (6), the punch (13) comprises a tool (14) configured to punch a portion of the sheet metal (30) through the die (6), wherein the punch (13) is defined with a provision to accommodate the tool (14), a second electrode (17) in contact with the tool (14) and a second insulator isolating the tool (14) and the punch (13); and
inducing, an electric charge on a localized region of the portion of the sheet metal (30) to be punched by selectively energizing the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) upon contact of the punch (13) and the die (6) with the sheet metal (30).

15. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) electrically charge the localized region of the portion of the sheet metal (30) through the die (6) and the punch (13) to increase a hole expansion ratio of the sheet metal (30).

16. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein electric charge is supplied in pulses to the sheet metal (30) at the localized region.

17. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the punch (13) is configured to displace relative to the die (6).

18. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first electrode (8) is connected to an outer surface of the die (6).

19. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the localized region is defined by a contact portion of the tool (14) of the punch (13) and a mouth of the die (6) on either side of the sheet metal (30).

20. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first electrode (8) is connected to at least one contact pin (25) disposed within the provision defined in the die (6).

21. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the localized region is defined by the contact portion of the tool (14) of the punch (13) and the at least one contact pin (25) disposed within the provision defined in the die (6) on either side of the sheet metal (30).

22. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) are selectively de-energized before completion of the punching operation.
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure, in general, relates to sheet metal working. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a machine and punching operation being performed on a sheet metal thereof. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a system for punching the sheet metal and a method of operating the system thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, manufacturing industries utilize different types of manufacturing and/or metal working processes for forming and processing of various sheet metal. During metal working, physiological properties of the sheet metal may be affected due to various parameters such as temperature, stress, strain, and the like. Conventionally, metal working processes such as punching, blanking, cutting are employed to attain a desired configuration of the sheet metal. However, such technologies are limited to physical tolerances such as a hole expansion ratio or stretch flangeability of the sheet metal which when exceeded may result in failure of the sheet metal in the form such as, but not limited to, cracks, bulge and/or shearing.

Generally, to improve the formability of sheet metal, electrically assisted forming or manufacturing is employed which is a metal working process that includes application of high-density electric pulses during metal working. Application of electric pulses during metal working reduces working load and also spring-back in the sheet metal, which is referred to as “electroplastic effect”. The electroplastic effect induced in the sheet metal may increase the hole expansion ratio or stretch flangeability of the sheet metal.

Usage of such electric pulses in metal working processes is well known. Such a metal working process involves application of high-density electric current, where the sheet metal is connected with electrical terminals and electrical current is passed throughout the length of the sheet metal. Even though application of high-density electric current reduces the working load on the sheet metal, the electrical current drastically increases temperature of the sheet metal. The heat on the sheet metal may cause problems such as alteration of properties of the metal, which may result in undesirable metal working results.

Moreover, as whole of the sheet metal is subjected to electric current, a high supply of electric power for metal working is required. Such high supply of electric current escalates the costs of metal working process. Further, as supply of electric current increases for metal working, a dangerous working environment is created around the sheet metal.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the conventional mechanisms.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a system and a method as claimed and additional advantages are provided through the system and the method as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a system for punching a sheet metal is disclosed. The system includes a frame and a die supported on the frame. The die is configured to support the sheet metal for punching, where the die is defined with a provision to accommodate a first electrode and a first insulator isolating the first electrode and the die. Further, a punch is movably supported on the frame. The punch includes a tool which is configured to punch a portion of the sheet metal through the die, where the punch is defined with a provision to accommodate the tool, a second electrode in contact with the tool and a second insulator isolating the tool and the punch. The first electrode and the second electrode are selectively energized upon contact of the punch and the die with the sheet metal to electrically charge a localized region of the portion of the sheet metal to be punched.

In an embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode electrically charge the localized region of the portion of the sheet metal through the die and the punch to increase a hole expansion ratio of the sheet metal.
In an embodiment, the first and the second insulators are configured to insulate the localized region upon contact of the punch and the die with the sheet metal.
In an embodiment, the punch is configured to displace relative to the die.
In an embodiment, the first electrode is connected to an outer surface of the die.
In an embodiment, the localized region is defined by a contact portion of the punch and a mouth of the die on either side of the sheet metal.
In an embodiment, the first electrode is connected to at least one contact pin disposed within the provision defined in the die.
In an embodiment, the localized region is defined by the contact portion of the tool of the punch and the at least one contact pin disposed within the provision defined in the die on either side of the sheet metal.
In an embodiment, the at least one contact pin is disposed on a third insulator isolating the at least one contact pin.
In an embodiment, the at least one contact pin is biased by a resilient member and extends out of the provision defined in the die.
In an embodiment, the at least one contact pin on contact with the sheet metal retracts into the provision of the die and rests flush with the mouth of the die.
In an embodiment, the tool is a punching tool configured to punch an aperture through the sheet metal.
In an embodiment, each of the first electrode and the second electrode is connected to at least one of a positive and a negative terminal of a power source.
In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure a method of operating the system for punching sheet metal is disclosed. The method includes positioning the sheet metal over a die supported on a frame, where the die is defined with a provision to accommodate a first electrode and a first insulator isolating the first electrode and the die. Further, a punch is movably supported on the frame and is operated relative to the die, where the punch is configured to punch a portion of the sheet metal through the die and is defined with a provision to accommodate the tool, a second electrode in contact with the tool and a second insulator isolating the tool and the punch. Furthermore, an electric charge is induced on a localized region of the portion of the sheet metal to be punched by selectively energizing the first electrode and the second electrode upon contact of the punch and the die with the sheet metal.
In an embodiment, electric charge is supplied in pulses to the sheet metal at the localized region.
In an embodiment, the first electrode and the second electrode are selectively de-energized before completion of the punching operation.
The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic view of a system for punching a sheet metal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a punch and a die, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figures 3a to 3f illustrates a schematic views of contact pin disposed within a provision defined in the die in different positions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Figure 4 is a flow chart of a method of operating the system of Figure 1, for punching the sheet metal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the system and method illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, the conception and specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying other systems, devices, mechanisms, assemblies, methods, and processes for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that, such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristics of the disclosure, to its system, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusions, such that a mechanism, an assembly, or a device that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.

In accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure, a system for punching a sheet metal is disclosed. The system includes a frame and a die supported on the frame. The die is configured to support the sheet metal for punching, where the die is defined with a provision to accommodate a first electrode and a first insulator isolating the first electrode and the die. Further, a punch is movably supported on the frame. The punch includes a tool which is configured to punch a portion of the sheet metal through the die, where the punch is defined with a provision to accommodate the tool, a second electrode in contact with the tool and a second insulator isolating the tool and the punch. The first electrode and the second electrode are selectively energized upon contact of the punch and the die with the sheet metal to electrically charge a localized region of the portion of the sheet metal to be punched. As, the first electrode and the second electrode electrically charge the localized region of the portion of the sheet metal through the die and the punch, a hole expansion ratio of the sheet metal is increased during punching operation.

The present disclosure also provides a method of operating the system for punching sheet metal. The method includes positioning the sheet metal over the die supported on the frame, where the die is defined with a provision to accommodate the first electrode and the first insulator isolating the first electrode and the die. Further, the punch is movably supported on the frame and is operated relative to the die, where the punch is configured to punch the portion of the sheet metal through the die and is defined with the provision to accommodate the tool, the second electrode in contact with the tool and the second insulator isolating the tool and the punch. Furthermore, the electric charge is induced on the localized region of the portion of the sheet metal to be punched by selectively energizing the first electrode and the second electrode upon contact of the punch and the die with the sheet metal.
The system and the method enable punching of the sheet metal with increased hole expansion ratio with limited usage of electric current.

Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 and 4.

Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment which illustrates a system (100) for punching a sheet metal (30). The sheet metal (30) may be subjected to a punching operation by the system (100) to form the sheet metal (30) in a required configuration, which in the exemplary embodiment is a hole or a through aperture in the sheet metal (30). The sheet metal (30) may also be subjected to metal working processes for forming other configurations including, but not limited to, a cut section, a bend, and any other configuration the sheet metal (30) may be capable being machined. The system (100) includes a frame, having a bottom support plate (22) configured to support a bottom plate (1) and a top plate (29) positioned opposite to the bottom plate (1) and away from the bottom plate (1). Further, at least two pillars (4) may be disposed between the bottom plate (1) and the top plate (29) to retain the bottom plate (1) and the top plate (29) in a position that may allow axial alignment between the bottom plate (1) and the top plate (29). Further, a die back plate (2) may be provisioned on the bottom plate (1) and may be configured to support a die (6). The die (6) supported on the frame and may be configured to support the sheet metal (30) for punching or punching operation. Further, the die (6) may be defined with a provision to accommodate a first electrode (8), which may be configured to selectively supply electrical current to a portion of the die (6). In an embodiment, the first electrode (8) may be connected to an outer surface of the die (6) [as seen in Figure 2]. Furthermore, the provision of the die (6) may be adapted to accommodate a first insulator which is configured to isolate the first electrode (8) and the die (6) from a surrounding of the system (100).

In an embodiment, the first insulator may include a die bottom insulator (3), which may be configured to provide electrical insulation to the bottom surface of the die (6). Further, the first insulator may include a die ring insulator (7) may be provided around the outer surface of the die (6) and may be configured to provide electrical insulation around the outer surface of the die (6). Additionally, a die top plate insulator (21) may be a part of the first insulator and may be provisioned around a mouth of the die (6). The die top plate insulator (21) may provide insulation at the mouth of the die (6) and to a contact portion of the die (6) with a lower surface of the sheet metal (30) supported on the die (6).

A punch (13) may be movably supported on the frame. In an embodiment, the punch (13) may be supported on a punch holder plate (10) provisioned on the top plate (29) and may be configured to displace relative to the die (6). The punch (13) includes a tool (14) which may be configured to punch a portion of the sheet metal (30) through the die (6). Further, the punch (13) may be defined with a provision to accommodate the tool (14) and a second electrode (17) in contact with the punch (13). In an embodiment, the second electrode (17) may be in contact with the tool (14) accommodated in the provision of the punch (13). Furthermore, a second insulator may be accommodated in the provision of the punch (13) such that the second insulator isolates the tool (14) and the punch (13) from the surrounding of the system (100).

In an embodiment, the second insulator may include a punch ring insulator (11) that may be provisioned around the outer surface of the punch (13) and may be configured to provide electrical insulation at the outer surface of the punch (13). Further, the second insulator may include a punch top insulator (12) which may be disposed between the punch (13) and the top plate (29). Additionally, the second insulator may include a stripper insulator (15), provisioned around the tool (14) of the punch (13) and may be configured to provide electrical insulation to around the tool (14) and around a contact portion of the tool (14) with a top surface of the sheet metal (30).

Now referring to Figure 2 which illustrates punch (13) and die (6) for punching the sheet metal (30). The first electrode (8) connected to the outer surface of the die (6) and the second electrode (17) accommodated by the punch (13), may be selectively energized when the punch (13) and the die (6) contact the sheet metal (30). i.e., the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) are energized when the punch (13) comes in contact with the sheet metal (30) upon displacing towards the die (6). Upon energizing of the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17), a localized region of the portion of the sheet metal (30) may be electrically charged for punching. The localized region may be defined by a contact portion of the punch (13) and the die (6) on either side of the sheet metal (30). In an embodiment, the localized region may be defined by a contact portion of the tool (14) of the punch (13) and the mouth of the die (6) on either side of the sheet metal (30). Further, the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) may electrically charge the localized region of the portion of the sheet metal (30) through the die (6) and the punch (13) to increase a hole expansion ratio of the sheet metal (30). Furthermore, upon electrically charging the localized region of the sheet metal (30), the tool (14) pierces through the localized region to define a hole as per requirements in the sheet metal (30).

Further, the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) are selectively de-energized before completion of the punching operation. For example, the electric charge supplied to the die (6) and the punch (13) to charge the localized region of the sheet metal (30) may be halted momentarily before the punching operation may be concluded such that, minimum amount of the electric charge may be utilized.

In an embodiment, each of the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) may be connected to at least one of a positive and a negative terminal of a power source to electrically charge the localized region of the sheet metal (30). For example, the first electrode (8) may be connected to the positive terminal and the second electrode (17) may be connected to the negative terminal of the power source. Further, in another embodiment, the first electrode (8) may be connected to the negative terminal and the second electrode (17) may be connected to the positive terminal of the power source.

Referring back to Figure 1, the first insulator isolating the first electrode (8) and the die (6), in conjunction with the second insulator isolating the tool (14) and the punch (13), may be configured to insulate the localized region on the sheet metal (30) upon contact of the die (6) and the punch (13) with the sheet metal (30). Such configuration of the localized region may isolate surrounding portion of the sheet metal (30) around the localized portion from receiving the electric charge. Further, as the electric charge is supplied at the localized region upon contact of the punch (13) and the die (6) with the sheet metal (30) and also as the localized region of the sheet metal (30) is insulated by the first and the second insulators, amount of the electric charge required for increasing hole expansion ratio of the sheet metal may be minimized.

Referring now to Figures 3a-3f which illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the first electrode (8) configured in the die (17) in the form of at least one contact pin (25). The at least one contact pin (25) is disposed within the provision in the die (6) and may be connected to the first electrode (8). Further, the at least one contact pin (25) may be disposed on a third insulator (26) that may be configured to isolate the at least one contact pin (25) within the provision. Further, the at least one contact pin (25) may extend out of the provision defined in the die (6), for example, the at least one contact pin (25) may be configured to extend out of the mouth of the die (6) [as seen in Figure 3a]. The at least one contact pin (25) may be biased by a resilient member (27) to extend from the mouth of the die (6). The resilient member (27) may be connected to the third insulator (26) to bias the at least one contact pin (25) as the at least one contact pin (25) is disposed on the third insulator (26). Additionally, as the sheet metal (30) is supported on the die (6), the at least one contact pin (25) extending from the mouth of the die (6) may contact the sheet metal (30) and retract into the provision of the die (6) such that a tip of the at least one contact pin (25) may flush with the mouth of the die (6) [as seen in Figure 3b]. Furthermore, as the tip of the at least one contact pin (25) may contact the sheet metal (30), the first electrode (8) may be configured to energize the at least one contact pin (25). When the at least one contact pin (25) is energized, the localized region of the portion of the sheet metal (30) may be defined by the contact portion of the tool (14) of the punch (13) and the at least one contact pin (25) on either side of the sheet metal (30) [as seen in Figure 3c].

Further, after completion of the punching operation, the punch (13) may be displaced away from the die (6) and the portion of the sheet metal (30) punched may be removed from the provision of the die as the at least one contact pin (25) is biased to extend out of the mouth of the die [as seen in Figures 3d and 3f].

In an embodiment, the tool (14) accommodated in the punch may be including, but not limited to, a punching tool, blanking tool, and any other tool employed for metal working process.

In an embodiment, the electric charge may be supplied in the form of pulses to the sheet metal (30) at the localized region.

Referring now to Figure 4 which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a flow chart of a method of operating the system (100) for punching the sheet metal (30).

The order in which the method is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.

At block 401, a sheet metal (30) may be positioned in the system (100). The sheet metal (30) may be positioned over the die (6) which may be supported on the frame. The die (6) may be defined with the provision to accommodate the first electrode (8) which may be configured to selectively supply electrical current to the die (6). Further, the first electrode (8) may be connected to the outer surface of the die (6) [as seen in Figure 2] or to at least one contact pin (25) disposed within the die (6). Furthermore, the provision of the die (6) may be adapted to accommodate a first insulator which is configured to isolate the first electrode (8) and the die (6) from a surrounding of the system (100).

In an embodiment, the at least one contact pin (25) may be disposed on a third insulator (26) that may be configured to isolate the at least one contact pin (25) within the provision and the at least one contact pin (25) may extend out of the provision defined in the die (6) [as seen in Figure 3a]. Further, when the sheet metal (30) is supported on the die (6), the at least one contact pin (25) extending from the die (6) may contact the sheet metal (30) and retract into the provision of the die (6) such that a tip of the at least one contact pin (25) may rest flush with the mouth of the die (6) [as seen in Figure 3b].

At block 402, the punch (13) which is movably supported in the frame is operated to contact the sheet metal (30) on the die (6). The punch (13) includes the tool (14) configured to punch (13) a portion of the sheet metal (30) through the die (6), where the punch (13) may be defined with the provision to accommodate the tool (14), the second electrode (17) in contact with the tool (14) and the second insulator isolating the tool (14), may be operated. Upon operation, the punch (13) may be displaced towards the die (6) and contact the sheet metal (30) supported on the die (6) before punching through the sheet metal (30).

At block 403, the electric charge may be induced on the localized region of the portion of the sheet metal (30) to be punched by selectively energizing the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) upon contact of the punch (13) and the die (6) with the sheet metal (30). The localized region may be defined by the contact portion of the tool (14) of the punch (13) and a mouth of the die (6) or the at least one contact pin (25) on either side of the sheet metal (30). Further, by energizing the localized region, the hole expansion ratio of the sheet metal (30) at the localized region may be increased and the sheet metal (30) may be punched by the punch (13) to define the hole of required dimensions.

In an embodiment, the system (100) may be operated by a control unit, where the control unit may be configured to control operations such as the displacement of the punch (13), selectively energizing and de-energizing of the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) based on contact of the punch (13) and the die (6) with the sheet metal (30). Further, the system (100) may be manually operated by and operator by individually controlling the displacement of the punch (13), selectively energizing and de-energizing of the first electrode (8) and the second electrode (17) based on contact of the punch (13) and the die (6) with the sheet metal (30).

In an embodiment, the system (100) increases the hole expansion ratio of the sheet metal (30) which results in enabling the punching of holes with larger dimensions without failure of the sheet metal (30).

In an embodiment, system (100) increases the hole expansion ratio or stretch flangeability of the sheet metal (30) with minimum electric charge. The system (100) enables a cost-effective setup for electrically assisted manufacturing.

In an embodiment, the system (100) reduces the heat generation in the punching operation.

In an embodiment, the system (100) creates a safe working environment to the operators in the surrounding of the sheet metal (30) as the energized region of the sheet metal (30) is insulated.

Equivalents:
With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 System
1 Bottom plate
2 Die back plate
3 Die bottom insulator
4 Pillar
6 Die
7 Die ring insulator
8 First electrode
10 Punch holder plate
11 Punch ring insulator
12 Punch top insulator
13 Punch
14 Tool
15 Stripper insulator
17 Second electrode
21 Die top plate insulator
22 Bottom support plate
25 Contact pin
26 Third insulator
27 Resilient member
29 Top plate
30 Sheet metal