In blanking operation clearance is provided on the punch.

Blanking is a metal cutting process in which a flat shape is cut out from a sheet of metal. In this process, a punch is used to create the desired shape by exerting pressure on the sheet of metal against a die. The punch and die have corresponding shapes, with the punch being the male component and the die being the female component.

Clearance refers to the gap or space between the punch and die. It is necessary to have clearance in blanking operations to ensure that the punch can easily enter and exit the die without causing any damage to the tooling or the workpiece.

The clearance is provided on the punch rather than the die for several reasons:

1. Tool Life: Providing clearance on the punch helps to prolong the life of the tooling. As the punch enters the die, friction and wear occur between the punch and die surfaces. By providing clearance on the punch, the wear is concentrated on the punch, which is typically easier and less expensive to replace than the die.

2. Ease of Maintenance: If clearance was provided on the die, it would require disassembling the die assembly to adjust or replace the clearance components. This can be time-consuming and may disrupt the production process. By providing clearance on the punch, adjustments can be made easily without disassembling the die.

3. Flexibility: By providing clearance on the punch, it allows for flexibility in the design and use of the die. Different punches with varying clearances can be used with the same die to accommodate different material thicknesses or to achieve different clearances for specific applications.

4. Precision: Providing clearance on the punch allows for better control and precision in the cutting process. The clearance can be adjusted to ensure clean and accurate cuts, minimizing burrs or deformation on the workpiece.

In conclusion, clearance is provided on the punch in blanking operations to prolong tool life, ease maintenance, provide flexibility, and ensure precision in the cutting process.