To increase the cutting quality and to improve the operation of a press, in particular in punching high-strength martensitic materials or when punching thick sheet metal, a sheet metal holding device is provided for securely clamping the respective workpiece during the punching operation. The clamping force is increased to 40% or more of the ram force. The force exerted by the sheet metal holding device during the penetration of the workpiece can be further increased. The increase in the clamping force preferably takes place in a controlled manner as a function of the press angle.