The invention relates to a jaw pair for punching out holes or recesses, preferably in sheet metal parts, the jaw pair being connectable to a device (23) to be operated preferably hydraulically and being designed, for example, as a pivoting jaw pair, wherein a punch (8) is formed on one jaw and a punching opening (6) is formed on the other jaw. To provide an advantageous jaw pair for punching out holes or recesses, preferably in sheet metal parts, it is proposed that a stripper part (10) which is situated outside of an outer contour of the punch (8) in the punching direction is formed in the jaw having the punch (8) and is movable in relation to the punch (8).

Apparatuses and methods for cutting a sample piece, having a shape and an outer dimension, out of a porous substrate, comprising: a puncher having an outermost dimension at a punch head; a stripping sleeve; a die having an innermost dimension that is larger than the outermost dimension of the punch head; and a fixture that holds the die in a fixed position relative to the puncher and stripping sleeve.

A two-piece guide pin for metal forming dies includes a guide pin body formed from a cut length of an elongate, solid bar of stock having a cylindrical shape and a hard and smooth finished exterior surface with an outside diameter selected for close reception and reciprocal motion in an associated die bore. An alignment member is formed on a first end of the guide pin body. A guide pin head is formed from a cut length of an elongate, solid bar of stock having an outside diameter that is substantially greater than that of the guide pin body, and is rigidly connected with the second end of the guide pin body in a generally concentric relationship to define an enlarged head that positively limits travel between an associated die shoe and die pad.

Apparatuses and methods for cutting a sample piece, having a shape and an outer dimension, out of a porous substrate, comprising: a puncher having an outermost dimension at a punch head; a stripping sleeve; a die having an innermost dimension that is larger than the outermost dimension of the punch head; and a fixture that holds the die in a fixed position relative to the puncher and stripping sleeve.