We all have memories of when we would make reports for college – punching holes in the papers and putting them in a file for better presentation. The machine we used is the rudimentary version of the turret punching machine.
A turret punching machine, aka, a CNC turret punch press uses punch presses to act as dies and makes holes in the parent material. Let’s get to know the turret punching machine in depth.
What is a Turret Punching Machine?
A turret punching machine is also called a CNC turret punch press commonly. It uses Computer Automation to punch holes in different shapes and sizes in the parent metal or material.
The turrets work together with dies to form the hole in the metal at the desired spots. These can be circular, square, hexagons, or any other shape required.
Structure of Turret Punching Machine
Before we understand how a CNC Turret Punching Machine works, let us understand its parts and its structure.
- The Turrets
A CNC turret punch press has two turrets: lower and upper. These are essentially tool holders, which hold the tools in place. They move and rotate as per the programming in the CNC system.
- Clamp
This part keeps the parent material in place and moves it along to get to the specific area that has to be punched.
- Striker
The striker is the part of the machine which makes the punch on the workpiece. It moves in a vertical direction to make the punch.
- Turret Key
The key keeps the angular tools in position for rotational direction.
- Die Holder
As the name suggests, it holds the die and is set on the lower turret.
- Die
This is the most important part of the turret punching machine. It determines the shape of the hole punched.
- Lifter
Holds all the upper tools and lifts them after each punch as the material is moved to its next position or changed.
How a Turret Punching Machine works
In the simplest of terms, a Turret Punching Machine pushes the punch to make a hole in the parent metal. With CNC technology, a lot of the work is automated. All that needs to be done is to feed the software with the right instructions.
To understand the step-by-step working of the turret punching machine,
- The machine moves the material according to the CNC instructions, along both the vertical and horizontal planes
- The punch is pushed on the material via the hydraulic force or servo electric force of the striker
- The impression or hole is punched
This process continues till the material is done or the program in the CNC system has ended.
Advantages of a Turret Punching Machine
- Quick and easy process
- Cost-efficient
- Efficient and effective for mass production
- May be quicker than laser cutters for some cut-outs
- Can be manipulated easily for versatile use
When Should You Use a Turret Punching Machine?
The ideal use of a turret punching machine is when you need identical shapes across the material. It outshines stamping when it comes to efficiency and tolerance in the finished product.
The JFY Turret Punching Machine provides a great price-performance ratio with high efficiency. Phillips India offers the MTE CNC series of Turret Punching Machines from JFY, along with a wide range of Turret Punching Machines. Get in touch to know more.