Page 34 - MetalForming December 2012

Tooling Technology
Tooling Tips
to Promote Profitable Punching
Working with punch-press tooling need not be overly challenging. Knowing how to best use the four basic components of a tool setup —punch, die, stripper and holder—will make tooling easier to use and produce quality results.
BY RON WINDINGSTAD
To help ensure quality in your punching projects while simul- taneously driving out waste, fab- ricators should focus on three key areas of their CNC punch-press operations:
• Die clearance and press-station alignment;
• The condition and appearance of the slugs and punched sheets; and
• Basic preventive tool maintenance.
Die Clearance
and Turret Alignment
Top-performing tooling depends on correct die clearance and station align- ment. Die clearance is a function of
Ron Windingstad is product engineering manager, Mate Precision Tooling, Anoka, MN: 800/328-4492; www.mate.com.
Proper punching-tool use starts with careful handling and accurate placement in the turret.
the workpiece-material type and thick- ness. Incorrect die clearance results in slower press speeds, accelerated tool wear, punch-point galling and lower- quality finished parts.
A good lean work practice: Develop a standard die-clearance chart and train press operators to understand why it’s important to use the correct clearance (Fig. 1). This will help them understand any problems that occur due to incorrect clearance.
Turret-press uptime also will increase when operators maintain accurate station alignment. This ensures the punch enters the center of the die, resulting in even die clear- ance around the cutting edge and opti- mum tool life. Extremely accurate tool- ing products are available to help
Operators can use a specially designed alignment device to ensure proper tool alignment, which will help minimize tool wear and improve part quality.
32 MetalForming/December 2012
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