Punching is a metal fabricating process that removes a scrap slug from the metal workpiece each time a punch enters the punching die. This process leaves a hole in the metal workpiece. Characteristics of the punching process include: its ability to produce economical holes in both strip and sheet metal during medium or high production processes. The ability to produce holes of varying shapes - quickly. The punching process forces a steel punch, made of hardened steel, into and through a workpiece. The punch diameter determines the size of the hole created in the workpiece.