poinçonner

Poinçonner is a French verb that translates to "to punch" or "to stamp" in English. It refers to the act of making a hole or impression in a material using a tool called a poinçon, which is a punch or die. This action can be performed on various materials, including paper, metal, leather, and fabric.

In the context of metalworking, poinçonner describes the process of using a punch and die set to create holes or shapes in sheet metal. This is a common manufacturing technique used in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction. The size and shape of the hole or impression are determined by the design of the poinçon.

In the realm of paper and document handling, poinçonner refers to the act of punching holes in paper, typically for binding purposes. This is often done with a hole punch, which is a type of manual or electric poinçon. It can also refer to stamping or embossing a mark onto a document to authenticate it or indicate its status, such as a date stamp or a seal.

The term poinçonner can also be used more broadly to describe any action that involves creating a distinct mark or impression. For example, an artist might poinçonner a design onto a piece of clay, or a shoemaker might poinçonner decorative patterns onto leather. The core concept remains the creation of a defined mark or perforation through the application of force with a specialized tool.