Punch presses, also known as stamp presses, are large machines used in industrial manufacturing processes. The heavy-duty punch press machine is used to stamp out holes or shapes from sheet metal much faster and more accurately than a worker could do it manually.
Punch presses are used to create parts for a variety of products using many kinds of metal, including steel and aluminium. So, let’s take a new look at how they work and why it’s worth using them.
How do punch presses work?
An industrial stamping press relies on die sets to create the desired shapes out of sheet metal. The machine itself has a punch attached to a ram which drivess it down into the die, exerting enough force on the metal between to shear through. In some cases, rather than punching a hole, a stamp press can be used with just enough force to bend the metal around the die form.
There are several types of punch presses where the ram is driven differently. Mechanical stamp presses can be full revolution or partial revolution, meaning the crankshaft must complete the full rotation or the ram can be stopped partway through the rotation. Alternatively, a flywheel drive or hydraulic cylinder with a valve-controlled system can power the ram.
These traditional punch presses require manual operation, but the process can be streamlined with semi-automation using computer numerical controlled (CNC) punch presses. CNC punch presses still use a ram to power the punch, but it’s controlled by a computer and programmed to run automatically.
There can be dozens of tools within a CNC punch press turret which rotate as needed without having to manually change the punch. This increases the speed and precision, making high-volume production much more efficient.
What are the main benefits of using a punch press?
Punch presses are reliable, stable, and safe to use. They improve cost efficiency by reducing manual labour and waste materials due to the high accuracy and speed levels, especially when automated by a computer.
Besides punching out holes, stamp presses can perform a variety of effects on sheet metal, including:
- Bending
- Blanking
- Coining
- Drawing
- Embossing
- Flanging
- Riveting
- Trimming
Punch press machines are invaluable when it comes to producing large volumes of shaped components in a short time frame. A punch press can shape sheet metal to any specification.
The most common cut-outs a punch press is a used for producing are standard geometric shapes like circles, squares, and rectangles, but custom dies can be created for more complex shapes. They can be used on sheets of steel, aluminium, copper, brass, and metal alloys.
This versatility has led punch presses to become a staple for engineering and electronics, amongst many other industries. There are no doubt components created with a punch press in many of your home appliances.
Now you know what a punch press is, could punch and stamp presses help your business? If you are require large volumes of precision-cut metal parts, consider hiring a CNC punch press service.
