Patent ID: 6266865
Filing Date: 2001-07-31
Classification: B26F,Y10T

Abstract:
A method of forming a hole in a composite plate comprising the steps of:(a) providing a composite plate having a first skin, a second skin and a core of resilient material between said first and second skins;(b) providing a punching apparatus having a punch;(c) advancing said punch through said first skin of said composite plate to break said first skin and form a first skin slug and to depress said first skin slug into said core, thereby compressing said core;(d) withdrawing said punch from said composite plate;(e) advancing said punch through said second skin to break said second skin and form a second skin slug;(f) further advancing said punch through said core to break a portion of said core until said first skin slug, said portion of said core, and said second skin slug are ejected from said composite plate to form a hole through said composite plate; and(g) withdrawing said punch from said composite plate.