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.