Abstract: A gang-punch pin apparatus for punching selected hole patterns in thin sheet materials such as greensheets is provided. The gang-punch pin apparatus uses program plates in the punch apparatus which plates are positioned intermediate the non-punching end of the punch pins and a clearance plate wherein punch pins not used for punching a particular layer of the MLC are retracted into during punching. At the other punch pin locations, the punch pins, upon activation of the punch apparatus by compressing an expandable chamber, usually by application of a force on the punch apparatus, are extended through the lower portion of the punch apparatus to form vias in a greensheet. A die apparatus is also provided for use with the punch assembly to form the vias and to remove the punched material (slugs) from the die apparatus. The gang punch-pin may be shorter than conventional pins and be made at a low cost because of the thin sheet metal plates preferably used to make the component parts of the punch and die apparatus.

Abstract: A gang punch tool assembly and method is provided for punching holes in a plurality of greensheets which are processed sequentially through the assembly. The punch mechanism is a gang punch cooperating with a corresponding die and the greensheet is automatically fed to the gang punch and die, the greensheet punched and then the punched greensheet removed from the punch area and another greensheet positioned for punching. Operation of the gang punch apparatus is efficient and effective and has a high greensheet throughput. A preferred gang punch uses a pressurizable air chamber for controlling punching of the greensheet without damage to the greensheets or gang punch mechanism.