Patent ID: 7997114

Claim:
A method comprising: providing a sheet having a first layer comprised of a first material, a second layer comprised of a second material, and a third layer comprised of a third material, wherein the second material is harder than the first material and the third material; wherein the first layer is of a uniform first thickness, the second layer is of a uniform second thickness, and the third layer is of a uniform third thickness; wherein the second layer is between the first layer and the third layer; providing a die component characterized by a leading surface that is generally concave; wherein the leading surface includes a central portion, a leading edge, and a peripheral portion interconnecting the central portion and the leading edge; and wherein the central portion and the peripheral portion define an angle therebetween that is less than 175 degrees; and causing the leading surface of the die component to contact the uniform first thickness of the first layer such that the leading edge of the die component applies pressure to the first layer prior to puncturing through the uniform first thickness of the first layer, through the uniform second thickness of the second layer, and through the uniform third thickness of the third layer of the sheet thereby to cut a part from the sheet.