Joe Jancsurak
Associate Editor

Respect the Punch

Expert encourages metal formers to think outside of the box when it comes to punch presses. Tooling options provide a world of possibilities.

Lance-and-form tooling enables these connective forms that eliminate welding, spot welding or other expensive fastening methods.

“There’s a misconception that a laser cutter and a press brake are always the better choice than a punch press, and that one day I will be out of a job,” she says half-jokingly. “What metal formers need to realize is that the precision stroke of a CNC punch press with the right tooling makes it the better choice for a range of forming operations. Take for example a perforated pattern; the punch press outperforms the laser. And when it comes to complex forms, precision tooling and stroke control enables a turret press to function effectively as a less costly mini press brake.”

Clockwise from right: Half shear, scratch and louver tools provide unique sheet-forming solutions.

Erler continues: “The most important CNC punching innovations are the value-added operations within the punch press: scribing, making connectors, bending, etc. Anything normally done post- punching reduces handling and production costs. Metal formers must see their CNC machines as more than hole punchers and think outside of the box. Don’t assume that secondary operations can’t be performed in a punch press, because they can.”

Erler offers the following examples of today’s punch-press tools, and their functions and benefits.

Coin

Function: Produces accurate, precise countersinks.

Benefits: Takes just seconds and little effort to produce countersinks. The old-fashioned method of carrying the parts from the punch to a machine to drill the countersink requires considerably more time and unnecessary effort.

Hemming

Function: Accomplishes handhold/rollover hems, with the first operation being a form-up extrusion. The second tool rolls the wall of the extrusion over to form a safe edge.

Benefits: No grommets or inserts required.

Zip Tech

Function: Provides innovative fastening solutions by creating a series of interconnected snaps.

Benefits: Eliminates welding, spot welding or other expensive fastening methods and produces an unbreakable joint even when dissimilar materials are joined.

Lance and Form

Function: Doubles as a connector. Recent innovations create a series of interconnected steps.

Benefits: Eliminates welding or other expensive fastening methods, producing an unbreakable joint even in dissimilar materials.