Accurate holes,
punched in the workshop.

Using up to 70 tonnes of hydraulic force, MAH Steel provides industrial steel punching services for accurate hole creation in steel plates up to 20mm thick. This process is ideal for high-volume steel fabrication where consistency and repeatable hole patterns are required.

Steel punching is commonly used in workshop fabrication where multiple identical holes are needed for structural connections, brackets, and assembly work. Punching can be part of a complete fabrication package, alongside steel beam drilling, CNC steel profiling, welding and steel connection design.

Our hydraulic punching equipment delivers up to 70 tonnes of force. This enables clean, consistent hole formation with minimal distortion to the surrounding material. We select the most suitable method based on the steel type, thickness, and final application to ensure the best result for each project.

Standard bolt holes for connections
Repeat hole patterns for batches
Plates, beams and assemblies
Hydraulic punching in the workshop

Where punching
is used.

Repeated holes in plates and fabricated components, for the connections that bring the steel together on site.

A row of small steel plates with bolt holes lying along the flange of a steel beam in the workshop

Plates, cleats and brackets

Repeated fixing positions across connection plates, brackets and cleats, so matching parts are punched the same way.

Used for structural connections, brackets and assembly work

A stack of grey steel plates, each with the same pattern of round holes, lying together

Repeat hole patterns

Consistent hole layouts across multiple matching components, from one plate pattern to a batch.

Used for batch production of matching plates

A long steel beam with a plate at its end on stands in a large fabrication workshop

Beams and assemblies

Fabrication work for beams, plates and assemblies, with the holes in the plates that fix them to the rest of the frame.

Used for beams, plates and fabricated assemblies

The end of a steel beam with an end plate drilled with bolt holes and numbered in yellow paint, in the MAH Steel workshop

Plates for beam ends and splices

Matching hole patterns in the plates that join beams, so bolted connections line up on site.

Used for bolted connections between beams

Steel punching
capabilities.

We use hydraulic punching systems to carry out a range of fabrication work, including:

A long steel splice plate with two rows of bolt holes standing on timber blocks on a pallet in the workshop

Standard bolt hole punching

Standard bolt hole punching for structural connections. Each hole is positioned accurately to ensure correct alignment during assembly and installation.

Repetitive hole patterns for batch production

Multiple-hole patterns for connection plates and brackets, repeated across a batch. Steel punching is commonly used for connection plates and brackets because it allows for repeatable hole production across multiple pieces, which keeps hole positions consistent.

Slotted and shaped openings

Slotted holes for adjustment on site, and shaped openings for specialist fittings. Whether a shaped opening is suitable depends on the detail, so tell us what the part is for.

Plate steel punching up to 20mm thickness

Plate steel punching up to 20mm thickness, using up to 70 tonnes of hydraulic force. Steel punching is typically used on mild steel plates, flat bars, and thinner structural sections, where clean, consistent holes can be produced without compromising the strength of the component.

Fabrication work for beams, plates and assemblies

Punched components go on into structural steel fabrication, welding and finishing as the package needs, then to site with delivery. See also steel connection design and our connections.

Punching or drilling?

Steel punching is best suited for repetitive hole patterns and high-volume production. Drilling is typically used for one-off or variable hole placement, and is the better route for thicker steel and high-precision work. MAH offers both, and we select the most suitable method based on the steel type, thickness, and final application. See steel beam drilling.

Where we work

We provide steel punching services across Kent, London, Essex, Surrey, East Sussex and West Sussex, supporting structural steel fabricators, contractors, and builders. See all the areas we cover.

From drawing to punched steel.

Punching is one stage in a longer fabrication sequence. Which stages apply depends on the steel, the drawings and the services agreed with MAH.

Review

Check the plates, hole sizes and positions against the approved drawings.

Choose the method

Match punching or drilling to the steel type, thickness and final application.

Punch

Punch the holes and slots in the plates, repeating the pattern across the batch.

Check and carry on

Check the holes and plates against the drawings, then carry on with welding, finishing and delivery.

Punching is one part
of the job.

Punching sits alongside fabrication, drilling, cutting, welding and connection design, each with its own service page.

A galvanised steel beam with stiffener plates and a shelving plate on workshop stands

Structural steel fabricationBeams, plates, cranked members and frames made to approved drawings.

A steel beam end plate with six drilled bolt holes and a job number marked in yellow paint, in a MAH Steel yard

Steel beam drillingDrilled holes in beams, plates and connections, with magnetic base drills.

A MAH Steel operator measuring a steel section on the workshop saw line

CNC steel profilingCNC profiling and laser cutting of plates and sections, with drilling, milling, scribing and marking for fabrication-ready steel.

A fabricated steel beam end with a drilled connection plate in the workshop

Steel connection designCranked beams, splice connections and plates for the joints between steel members.

A welder in a protective mask working on the end plate of a large steel beam in the MAH Steel workshop

Steel weldingMIG, TIG and gas welding for structural steelwork, railings, gates and repairs.

Explore all MAH services

Punching on real MAH projects.

Published MAH case studies where punching is named in the work, and a frame with bolted connection plates, with the actual locations and links to the projects.

North London

2 structural splices in North London

Two structural splices and shelving plates, with the drilling done on mag drills and a hole punch machine, then welded, primed and lifted…

View project

Brighton, East Sussex

Steel for loft conversion in Brighton

Fabricated steel for a Brighton loft conversion, with punching listed in the services provided alongside cutting, drilling and welding…

View project

Ashford, Kent TN25

Structural steel frame in Ashford, Kent

A steel frame in Ashford with bolted connection plates and flat-bar bracing, with the plates and hole positions checked against the Tekla…

View project

See all MAH Steel projects

Steel punching questions and answers.

Steel punching is commonly used in fabrication to create consistent openings in steel components for bolting, assembly, and structural detailing. This section explains our steel punching services, covering how the process works, where it is typically applied, material considerations, and how punched elements are integrated into wider fabrication and installation workflows.

What types of steel can be punched during fabrication?

Steel punching is typically used on mild steel plates, flat bars, and thinner structural sections. It is well suited to materials where clean, consistent holes can be produced efficiently without compromising the strength of the component.

What types of holes can be created using steel punching?

Steel punching can produce a variety of hole types, including round holes for standard bolts, slotted holes for adjustment on site, and multiple-hole patterns for connection plates and brackets. This flexibility makes it ideal for repetitive structural components.

Why is steel punching used for connection plates and brackets?

Steel punching is commonly used for connection plates and brackets because it allows for fast, repeatable hole production across multiple pieces. This ensures consistency in hole positioning, which is essential for accurate bolted connections during installation.

What is the difference between steel punching and steel drilling?

Steel drilling removes material using rotating drill bits to create clean, accurate holes, making it ideal for thicker steel and high-precision work. Steel punching, on the other hand, uses force to press holes through thinner material and is typically faster for high-volume production.

What do you need to price punching work?

Send the drawings, the plate material and thickness, the hole sizes and positions if they are set, the quantities, and whether other fabrication is needed. The team can advise what else is useful.

See all our FAQs

Have plates or components that need punching?

Send MAH the drawings and details. We can advise on punching or drilling and on any related fabrication, delivery or installation, and quote for it all together.

Get a quote Or call 01322 276948

Steel plate punching services in London and Kent.

Accurate holes,
punched in the workshop.