How to Calculate Metal Piercing Force
- 1). Measure the perimeter (P) of the area on the sheet metal that you intend to pierce by using a ruler.
- 2). Determine the thickness (T) of the sheet metal you want to pierce by using a ruler.
- 3). Obtain the sheet metal's PSI. Below are the PSI(s) of several common metals:
Brass: 20,000 lbs/in^2
Gun-Metal: 12,000 lbs/in^2
Cast Copper: 20,000 lbs/in^2
Bronze Aluminum: 50,000 lbs/in^2
Muntz Metal: 40,000 lbs/in^2 - 4). Plug the values obtained in Steps One, Two and Three into the equation from the Introduction and solve. Thus, given a perimeter of 1 inch, a thickness of 3 inches and a PSI of 20,000 lbs/in^2, the equation would be solved as follows:
F = 1 * 3 * 20,000
F = 60,000
Thus, the piercing force required to shear this metal is 60,000 pounds.