Page 26 - MetalForming March 2020

Fabrication: CNC Punching
power than standard 30-ton mechan- ical TTPs and 74 percent less power than older 30-ton hydraulic TTPs, and run 43 percent faster than their pred- ecessor mechanical TPPs.
Adjustable-Ram, Setup Advantages
Servo-controlled rams make CNC punching machines extremely accu- rate, enabling adjustment of ram posi-
tion in 0.001-in. increments, according to Angel.
“This is critical for tool setups and unique tasks,” he says. “For example, using bending tools and a rocker-arm- type device, such precision adjustment allows creation of small tabs. By adjust- ing ram position, CNC punching machines can produce these tabs at any angle to 90 deg., and slightly greater.”
Countersinking and embossing tools also benefit from ram-position adjustment and electronic shimming.
“Many times,” Angel says, “the same tool can work across a variety of mate- rial thicknesses, with electronic shim- ming allowing for multiple adjustments without removing the tool. And, each adjustment can be saved and used automatically based on supplied mate- rial information.”
Servo-controlled CNC punching machines on the shop floor open up the ability to use tools such as those mentioned above, which replace cost- ly and time-consuming secondary operations.
Introduction of these tools arose chiefly through the introduction of hydraulic ram drives.
“The wheels and scribing tools work due to ram-position control,” Angel offers. “The ram descends on the mate- rial, and the X and Y axes can travel while the ram stays down. While the hydraulics could do that, servos per- form such functions much better, with more consistency and accuracy. This eases component fitup as these parts move into assembly operations—much easier for manufacturers faced with such tasks.”
As mentioned, ram positioning accuracy also pays big dividends in setup—a traditional challenge in punching machine operations.
“Setup time used to be a big prob- lem,” Angel says. “The accuracy of servo drives alleviates that. Fabricators now experience much more green-light time on their machines.”
Save Big on Energy, Maintenance Costs
“Today’s full servo-controlled CNC punching machines run at a much lower cost than the original mechan- ical machines and hydraulic machines, with minimal overall main- tenance requirements as compared to previous models,” Angel says. “This, along with the reliability of servo drives, restores machine longevity to traditional expectations.”
The main energy savings in servo-
COMPLETE SYSTEMS
Saving You Time and Money!
With our unique approach to system integration and dedication to customer satisfaction, PFA makes Quick Die Change as easy tobuyasitistouse.
HYDRAULIC DIE LIFTERS
PNEUMATIC DIE LIFTERS
MECHANICAL DIE LIFTERS
INLINE ROLLERS
BALL ROLLERS
INLINE ROLLERS
LEDGE CLAMPS
BALL ROLLERS
CYLINDER NUT CLAMPS
REMOVABLE
MECHANICAL CLAMPS
1/4 TURN QUICK SET CLAMPS
SPRING LOADED
HYDRAULIC POWER UNITS
MANUAL & ELECTRIC VALVE UNITS
signed & e in USA
HYDRAULIC CLAMPS
LEDGE CLAMPS
ADJUSTABLE ROCKER CLAMPS
BOLSTER EXTENSIONS
SWING-AWAY
WITH SLOT EXTENSIONS
LIFT-OFF
De Mad
24
MetalForming/March 2020
www.metalformingmagazine.com
DETACHABLE
(262) 250-4410
pfa-inc.com
©2020PFA,Inc. AllRightsReserved.