be lifted off the stack by means of the manipulator for subsequent manipulation after processing of the workpiece the covering can be removed from the workpiece this may be done manually by an operator or may also be carried out in an automated manner by means of a removal unit of the mechanical arrangement a second mechanical arrangement 24 for handling a perforated metal sheet 1 is illustrated in fig4 parts that correspond to parts in fig1 2 a to 2 c and 3 bear the same reference numerals even if they are shown in slightly modified form the mechanical arrangement 24 comprises a feed device 25 for example a feed device arranged downstream of a punching machine for feeding perforated metal sheets 1 a stacking device 26 for stacking the perforated metal sheets 1 a manipulator 14 and a processing device 15 the stacking device 26 has a depositing device 27 for depositing the fed perforated metal sheets 1 on the stack 12 a stack 28 of paper liners 29 serving as coverings which is arranged beside the stack 12 of perforated metal sheets 1 and a pushing device 30 with a driven roller 31 for moving the uppermost paper liner 29 onto the stack 12 the sequence of the method.