Punching is still a viable process as long as you understand the restrictions.  FR-4 is difficult because of the high glass content.  You might try contacting Wand Tool for information.  According to their website (www.wandtool.com) they're still in the business of making PCB punch tools.

Don Vischulis

-----Original Message-----
>From: Gerry Gagnon <[log in to unmask]>
>Sent: Mar 16, 2006 8:20 PM
>To: [log in to unmask]
>Subject: [TN] Die Punching PWBs as opposed to drilling and NC routing
>
>Hi All,
>
>With a product base consisting of large volumes of low technology
>products, there is always pressure for lower cost ways to do things.
>Recently, die punching has been brought up as a means of lowering the cost
>of these types of products.
>
>I remember die punching from the "old days" and am not overly thrilled
>with those memories, however, I can't seem to remember why die punching
>lost out to NC drilling & routing over time.
>
>I'm talking about punching Fr4 with PTH, not XXXP, or CEM-X based NPTH
>products.
>
>Is there a resurgence in die punching or is what I'm hearing about
>potential cost reduction all a bunch of hogwash?
>
>Where does one find information about die punching PWBs nowadays?
>
>Gerry
>
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the BODY (NOT the subject field): SIGNOFF Technet
To temporarily halt or (re-start) delivery of Technet send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet NOMAIL or (MAIL)
To receive ONE mailing per day of all the posts: send e-mail to [log in to unmask]: SET Technet Digest
Search the archives of previous posts at: http://listserv.ipc.org/archives
Please visit IPC web site http://www.ipc.org/contentpage.asp?Pageid=4.3.16 for additional information, or contact Keach Sasamori at [log in to unmask] or 847-615-7100 ext.2815
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