Reikäleikkauslaite

Reikäleikkauslaite, often translated as a hole punch or perforator, is a mechanical device used to create holes in a sheet of material, typically paper. Its primary function is to prepare documents for binding, such as in ring binders or filing systems. The basic design involves one or more hollow cylindrical punches that are pressed down through the material. This action cleanly cuts out a circular section, leaving a hole.

Most common reikäleikkauslaite designs are manual, operated by a lever that lowers the punch(es). Some have a single punch for creating one hole, while others, commonly known as multi-hole punchers, feature multiple punches to create several holes simultaneously. The number of holes and their spacing are standardized in many regions to ensure compatibility with common filing systems.

Industrial or automated reikäleikkauslaite devices exist for high-volume paper processing. These machines can be integrated into larger production lines or operate as standalone units, achieving much higher speeds and precision. The materials handled by reikäleikkauslaite are not limited to paper; specialized versions can be designed to punch holes in plastics, thin metals, or other flexible materials, though the term is most frequently associated with office and document preparation tools. The design ensures that the material removed is small and easily discarded, leaving behind neat, functional holes.