The rising cost of carbide, premium tool steels, and other raw materials has changed the economics of punch tooling. What has traditionally been considered a consumable is increasingly treated as a long-term investment. Now more than ever, fabricators are looking for ways to extend tool life, reduce downtime, and improve return on investment (ROI).
However, supply chain uncertainty and fluctuating material availability have made replacing worn tools more expensive, and in some cases, less predictable. Most punch tooling suppliers have enough material and product on hand to meet customers' needs, but for some of the more unique operations, fabricators have already begun to see longer lead times and significant price increases for specialized tools.
Read the full article in Canadian Fabricating & Welding