Device for punching an opening into a lightweight metal sheet and a method for performing the same

A device for punching an opening into a lightweight metal sheet having at least two metallic outer layers and at least one non-metallic inner core layer disposed between said metallic outer layers, the device comprising:

• a quill having a heat source integrated therewith;
• a punch coupled to said quill and configured to be heated by said heat source;
• a flat matrix disposed opposite said quill in a first direction of movement, and configured to support said lightweight metal sheet, wherein said flat matrix comprises a continuous opening configured to extract a portion of the lightweight metal sheet displaced during movement of said punch;
• a means for moving said punch in the first direction relative to said lightweight metal sheet, said quill, punch, and means for moving said punch forming a punching device;
• wherein said punch comprises at least a punching region and a stamping region at least partially surrounding said punching region in a peripheral manner;
• and
• wherein the stamping region deforms and brings a portion of the at least two metallic outer layers surrounding the punching region into contact.