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I'm looking for a D-punch/die set for SMA bulkhead cut-outs into 1mm thick plastic. Coax connector manufacturers don't seem to offer such tools (even though there are many manufacturers offering such widely used connectors)... I'm wondering if anything like this even exists ? Has anybody heard of anything that may be used for cutting out SMA coaxial holes into thin panels ?

toolic
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citizen
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  • Whether this is even possible will, very much, depend on the plastic. If it's something brittle like acrylic, it will just shatter. Many softer plastics probably won't cut cleanly. – SiHa Feb 01 '21 at 14:00
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    Laser cutting may be a possibility. –  Feb 01 '21 at 14:02

1 Answers1

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I'm wondering if anything like this even exists ? Has anybody heard of anything that may be used for cutting out SMA coaxial holes into thin panels ?

Try Duratool: -

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Also available from CTC, Greenlee and quite possibly several other sources.

It does look like Greenlee do these punches: -

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It may be that this is the very one you seek: -

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Available from here with the part number being Greenlee # 60077.

Andy aka
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    I have used square Greenlee punches on metal, but never plastic. Some plastics are too brittle to be punched. – Mattman944 Feb 01 '21 at 13:51
  • The pertinent question (that might lead to a suitable supplier) is this: Has anybody heard of anything that may be used for cutting out SMA coaxial holes into thin panels ? - Sure, metal punches may be problematic with some plastics but, it'll be the same guys making a plastic product who make the metal punches. – Andy aka Feb 01 '21 at 14:03
  • H, thanks for the suggestions. Il keep that one in mind. I should have been more specific about the "D". Its not as such for a D type connector, but more of a "D" shaped hole - round with a notch. SMA coaxial connectors have this recommended panel cut-out in the datasheets ... – citizen Feb 01 '21 at 16:06
  • Otherwise, I can confirm I'm not worried about the plastic being brittle... The material is more of a flex-board and pliable. Can be cut by a sharp knife ... Using a punch and die would just leave cleaner edges around the cut... – citizen Feb 01 '21 at 16:13
  • Have you tried visiting the three I mention in my answer to see if they do the punch style that you need? – Andy aka Feb 01 '21 at 16:14
  • I had a look at Greenlee as it's one that also came to mind. SMA coaxial may not be Duratool's cup of tea though ... – citizen Feb 01 '21 at 16:17
  • As a last resort I may just have them machined from brass as most shops would find this fairly easy to do and may cost even less ... – citizen Feb 01 '21 at 16:19
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    This kit from Greenlee certainly has a round D coax puncher in it. Look on pg7 (speciality knockouts). They seem to make three sizes so, contact Greenlee. – Andy aka Feb 01 '21 at 16:24
  • I'm gonna take look. There's no doubt it looks like they make great tools but am worried about the cost a little ... thanks again it may be a source of inspiration ... – citizen Feb 01 '21 at 16:28
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    @citizen if we are done here then I probably don't need to remind you how to give thanks properly on stack exchange. – Andy aka Feb 01 '21 at 16:32
  • I've got a quick reply from Greenlee this morning. Unfortunately they don't do punch & dies that small :-( I'll look at custom machining in "cheap and cheerful" steel given the final plastic is soft to cut. Thanks for the suggestions ... – citizen Feb 02 '21 at 11:19
  • @citizen if we are done here then I probably don't need to remind you how to give thanks properly on stack exchange. – Andy aka Feb 03 '21 at 12:53