Abstract: A punching machine has a punch holder driven under the influence of a first control device and a second control device for adjusting a die holder in height relative to a supporting face for sheet type material to be worked. There are measuring devices producing a first data signal representing the height of the die to be used, a second data signal representing the height of the punch to be used and a third data signal representing the thickness of the material to be worked.

Abstract: A machine tool, in particular a machine for working with punches and dies parts formed from sheet material, comprises an essentially C-shaped frame made up of two parallel-connected, essentially C-shaped frame parts. The first frame part is designed to absorb the reaction forces from forces exerted by tools placed between the arms of the C-shaped parts. The second frame part is designed to hold the tools in a desired position relative to each other. The two C-shaped frame parts near the ends of the arms thereof are connected to each other only by means of a hinge joint between the bottom arm of the first C-shaped frame part and the neighboring bottom arm of the second C-shaped frame part, and a connecting element which at one side is hingedly connected to the top arm of the first C-shaped frame part by means of a hinge joint and at the other side is connected to the top arm of the second C-shaped frame part.