A turret punch is a tool for sheet metal fabrication, capable of punching holes and cutting shapes. It has a turret and punch, with varying sizes and shapes. Most are computer-controlled and self-retracting, with hydraulics offering maximum flexibility. Specifications include force, speed, accuracy, and clamping systems. Turret descriptions and available tools are also helpful in comparing punch presses.
A turret punch is a tool used for industrial sheet metal fabrication. Capable of the basic operation of punching holes, modern punch presses are also capable of cutting elaborate shapes and creating limited three-dimensional shapes in sheet metal. Most turret punch presses are large computer-controlled machines, although smaller manual versions exist.
As the name suggests, the main components of a turret punch press are the turret and the punch. The turret is located in a C-frame or arch above the working area. Contains the punches and other tools that are used to shape the sheet metal. Individual punches vary in size and shape based on the desired manufacturing result. When in use, the punches slide up and down a drive mechanism
In basic operation, the turret, or sometimes a turret component, moves to bring the appropriate punch forward. The punch is rammed towards the work area, where it contacts the sheet metal. After the punch is pushed through the sheet, it slides into the corresponding die under the table. It is the punch and die set that controls hole shape or deformation.
The sheet metal is held in place within the turret punch press by a set of clamps. Brushes and rollers move the sheet metal clamped under the work turret between each punch. Most turret punch presses are self-retracting and are capable of removing pieces of punched sheet metal as the job progresses.
Most turret punch presses are computer numerically controlled (CNC). After a drawing for the finished sheet metal design is loaded into the computer, the punch press runs automatically. CNC control allows for increasingly complex designs, greater efficiency, greater accuracy, and greater flexibility regarding design changes.
The latest turret punch presses are hydraulically controlled. Hydraulics in combination with CNC control offer maximum flexibility in sheet metal design. The older machines, however, were mechanically controlled. Early turret punch presses were powered by steam-powered flywheels.
When comparing turret punch presses on the market, there are a number of commonly reported specifications that are helpful. For example, the force coefficient, usually described in tons, is a measure of how much force the punch can exert on the sheet metal. A commercial turret punch press will most commonly have a force rating of 30 tons.
Punching speed and punch accuracy are also commonly reported specifications when comparing punch presses. It is important for the user to know the maximum area and thickness of sheet metal that can be handled by the machine. Clamping systems for holding metal in place are generally described as being essential for smooth movement of the metal and minimizing unworkable edges.
Turret descriptions are also helpful when comparing punch presses, especially turret arc type and number of tooling stations. The punches and tools included and available are also usually listed for each press and will give perhaps the best idea of what the machine is capable of. If the machine is a CNC machine, the description will also include the software and software capabilities.
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