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How to Calculate Metal Piercing Force

The only way to calculate metal piercing force, which is the force required to pierce sheet metal, is by using the mathematical equation F = P * T * PSI. F equals the force required to pierce sheet metal in pounds, P equals the perimeter of the area to be pierced in inches, T equals the sheet metal thickness in inches and PSI equals the sheer strength rating of the sheet metal in pounds per square inch.

Instructions

- 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.

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