Abstract: A method for punching and straightening sheet metal in a punching machine includes the steps that a die is accommodated in a first tool holder of a punching machine, an upper tool part with a stamp is accommodated in a second tool holder, and a sheet metal is positioned between the stamp and the die at a location to be machined. The stamp comprises an end face at an end opposite to an accommodated end of the upper tool part, wherein a bevel has an angle and a height extending from a rim of the face to the end face. Then, a punching operation is performed by the stamp, wherein radial forces are simultaneously applied to the sheet metal during cutting so that an evenness of the sheet metal is maintained even at high grades of punching.