Importance

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Abstract

A punch element is mounted for sliding movement in the guide sleeve or casing with the punch point at its lower end for forming or punching a workpiece. A stripper element is located at the lower end of the guide sleeve which defines the casing of the punch assembly, and the stripper element has an opening aligned with the punch point through which the punch point passes to engage the workpiece. A matrix placement chamber is provided within the casing between the punch point and the guide sleeve so as to at least partially surround the punch point and at least one flexible lubrication matrix body is contained in the matrix placement chamber inside the housing. The matrix which is enclosed entirely within the casing of the unitary punch assembly in which the punch reciprocates comprises an integral porous elastic multi-cellular polymeric body containing a multiplicity of hollow communicating cells adapted to hold a lubricant in fluid communication with the sidewalls of at least the point of the punch and in a preferred form completely surrounds the punch point. The lubrication matrix can also hold a cleaning agent or an abrasive in particulate form.

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First Claim