Abstract: A method for transmitting at least one tool presetting data set of a machining tool that is stored on an, in particular electronic, storage medium, at least one tool measuring data set of the machining tool that is stored on an, in particular electronic, storage medium and/or at least one tool processing data set of the machining tool that is stored on an, in particular electronic, storage medium to a machine tool that is controlled via Computerized Numerical Control [CNC machine tool], with a data communication unit, wherein in a tool delivery step at least the machining tool is delivered to the CNC machine tool and wherein in a tool identification step the delivered machining tool is identified via a tool identification unit, which is in particular allocated to the CNC machine tool, the method including a read-out step, which is in particular situated temporally after the tool identification step, in which at least the tool presetting data set of the machining tool, the tool measuring data set of the machin

Abstract: The invention relates to a press plate 1 or endless belt comprising a body with a stamping surface 2 and at least one external surface 4 which is provided not for stamping, wherein the press plate 1 or endless belt is equipped with an RFID transponder 6 which has a memory. A data record which identifies the press plate 1 or endless belt or use and/or manufacturing data of the press plate 1 or endless belt is stored in the memory. The acquisition of use and/or manufacturing data permits the storage of a precise history of a press plate 1 or endless belt and wireless transmission of this history to a receiver. On the basis of the use data, billing can be carried out which depends not only on the duration of use but also on the press strokes actually carried out.

Abstract: A laser machine (1), in particular for drilling, cutting, welding or engraving, comprising at least one laser light source (3,4,5) for generating a laser beam (9) and an optical system (6) to guide and/or manipulate the laser beam (9), whereby the optical system (6) comprises at least one tool (23), in particular an optical lens (24) or a nozzle, which is attached to an interchangeable tool holder (12). It is provided that a guiding system (16) for the tool holder (12) is configured such that the tool holder (12) can only be slid sideways into or out of a tool bay (10) provided by the laser machine (1), the guiding system (16) comprising an operable locking system (37) for restraining the movement of the tool holder (12) in the tool bay (10).

Abstract: A path display apparatus includes a first position command acquiring unit that acquires first position command for motors, a first position feedback acquiring unit that acquires first position feedback of each of the motors, a correction data acquiring unit that acquires correction data generated for each of the motors, a second position command calculating unit that subtracts the correction data from the first position command to calculate a second position command, a second position feedback calculating unit that subtracts the correction data from the first position feedback to calculate second position feedback, a command path display unit that displays a command path of the tip point of the tool, based on the second position command; and a feedback path display unit that displays a feedback path of the tip point of the tool, based on the second position feedback.

Abstract: A press machine die unit replacing device for replacing die units in a press machine may include a die unit storage device controllably rotatably disposed on a position adjacent to a press machine and having various types of replacement die units that are placed thereon, and a transferring mechanism that is capable of transferring the die units between the die unit storage device and the press machine. The die units selected by controllable rotation of the die unit storage device are capable of being carried in or discharged from the press machine via the transferring mechanism.

Abstract: In a press forming machine, a material inserted between at least one pair of oppositely positioned dies can be pressed by the at least one pair of dies, so that a work can be formed from the material. When the at least one pair of dies is replaced, the at least one pair of dies can be replaced while the material or the work is held between the at least one pair of dies.

Abstract: The invention provides a spring product manufacturing line comprising: a manufacturing area 2 at which a formation device 50 attached to a base mount 52 plastically processes a spring material into a spring product; a formation device switching area 3 at which one formation device 50 is removed from the mount 52 and switched with another forming device 50; and a formation device transport line 4 that conveys a formation device 50 attached to a base mount 52 at the device switching area 3 to a manufacturing area 2; wherein the formation device 50 is provided with a plurality of formation units 54 that perform a bending process on the spring material by fluid pressure; the base mount 52 is provided with a pressure fluid line 62 that supplies pressure fluid to the formation units 54 provided at the formation device 50, and that is removably connected to each of the formation units 54; and the attachment or removal of the pressure fluid line 62 with respect to the formation device 50 is performed at the device sw

Abstract: The invention provides for the replacement of the cutting plate (15) and the press die (16) to be carried out automatically, specifically with the aid of a positioning device for positioning the stack of printed sheets (11) to be trimmed under the press die (16). In this way, the automatic conversion of the automatic three-knife trimmer for a format change is possible without a significant change to the automatic three-knife trimmer. Only the control system of the positioning device has to be changed and expanded. The positioning device (21) automatically ensures that the new press die (16) and the new cutting plate (15) are positioned exactly. In particular, the positioning of the die plate (19) under the format plate (18) can be carried out automatically by means of the positioning device with the required high accuracy, to be specific with higher accuracy than would be possible manually.

Abstract: The present invention provides a die plate and a mold clamping apparatus equipped with the die plate for a die casting machine and so on capable of reducing dimensions of die length as small as possible. A fixed die plate FXPL and a moving die plate MVPL of a mold clamping apparatus on a base BS place a versatile main mold inside, respectively. A pair of insert dies FINS and MINS is carried in to a mold opened space without disturbing tie bars TBU or TBD located in an upper portion or a side portion. The pair of insert dies are separated and fastened to each of the versatile main mold. The die length becomes zero or very small when the moving die plate positions at a mold closing position, and as the result dimension of the mold clamping apparatus in the direction of mold opening and closing can be shortened. Also, particularly the moving die plate can be avoided to tilt.

Abstract: A quick change system for quench press tooling is disclosed. The system including an upper adapter subassembly, an inner bottom adapter, and an outer bottom adapter, the upper adapter subassembly configured for attachment to a machine and the bottom adapters configured for mechanical attachment to the tooling of the machine. The upper adapter assembly further including an inner top adapter having a plurality of notches radially along the outer diameter of the inner top adapter, an inner collar having a plurality of radially inwardly extending tabs at top and bottom ends of the inner collar, a ring shaped holding plate having a series of bolt holes, an outer top adapter in communication with the holding plate, having a notched outwardly extending flange lip, and an outer collar having an outwardly extending lip at a top end and a sidewall extending perpendicularly downward.

Abstract: The invention relates to an exchangeable tool having a tool body with a receiving end for holding the tool in a receiving structure, wherein a connector is arranged in the tool body for providing a substantially non-rotatable connection with a manipulator for manipulating the tool into and out from the receiving structure, to a combination of such tool with a manipulator for manipulating the tool into and out from a receiving structure, and to a method for manipulating such tool into and out from a receiving structure.

Abstract: The invention discloses an oscillatingly driven machine tool, having an oscillatory drive for driving a drive shaft about its longitudinal axis, having a flange provided on the drive shaft against which an oscillatory tool can be clamped by spring force via a counter flange, and having a displacing mechanism for displacing the counter flange between a working position in which the oscillatory tool is clamped by a spring between the flange and the counter flange and a released position in which the counter flange can be detached from the flange.

Abstract: There is provided a counter-rotating spindle transmission. More specifically, in one embodiment, there is provided a punching machine comprising a tool bearing configured to mate with a punching tool, a rotary/lifting drive coupled to the tool bearing to move the tool bearing axially along a tool bearing lifting axis and to rotate the tool bearing about the lifting axis, the rotary/lifting drive comprising a first motor coupled to drive a first spindle transmission coupled to the tool bearing, a second motor coupled to drive a second spindle transmission coupled to the tool bearing, and a drive controller configured to independently and simultaneously drive both the first and second motors selectively in a common rotary sense and in a contra-rotary sense, to jointly move the tool bearing both axially and rotationally.

Abstract: A trimming apparatus and method that can create plural trim shapes using one press die. The trimming apparatus includes a conveying device for conveying a pallet having a workpiece disposed thereon, a trimming device having a press die for trimming the workpiece in a trimming process area, a positioning device for determining the relative position of the press die with respect to the pallet and a position switching device provided in the positioning device to change operable to change the position of the press die with respect to the pallet in the trimming process area.

Abstract: A machine tool comprises a main body having a plurality of parts and an NC apparatus connected to the main body. The NC apparatus includes a display means for displaying a part information about the plurality of parts constituting the main body, a memory means for memorizing the part information, and a control means for controlling the display means and the memory means. The part information includes the ID number, names, types and attachment positions of the parts. The control means displays either the ID numbers and the attachment positions of the parts or the ID numbers, the names, and the types of the parts on the display means selectively.

Abstract: There is provided a cart for transporting dies, molds, and similar objects. The cart includes a lift mechanism for raising and lowering a support surface to the height of the surface onto which or from which the die will be moved. The support surface includes a transfer mechanism for coupling to the die, either with an electromagnet or a suction device, to thereby slide the die as desired without damaging critical components on the exterior of the die. The cart also includes a motorized drive wheel assembly which provides a drive force in a forward or backward direction to assist the operator in moving a die that has been transferred onto the cart. The cart is powered by one or more rechargeable batteries. The cart enables a single operator to safely and conveniently remove, insert, and transport dies or other similar objects.

Abstract: A device for moving objects (4), such as die tools or molds, to and from the table (2) of a press (1) comprises a bar (24) being vertically movable, by means of inflating a bag (10), from a first position in which an upper surface (26) of the bar (24) is located below the upper surface (16) of the table (2) to a second position in which the upper surface (26) of the bar (24) is located above the upper surface (16) of the table (2). The bar (24) is adapted to slide horizontally in its longitudinal direction and is provided with gear teeth (28). A gear wheel (32), engaging the gear teeth (28) of the bar (24), is adapted to move the bar (24) in the horizontal direction along the slot (14) when the bar (24) is in its second position and thus to move an object (4) resting on the upper surface (26) of the bar (24).

Abstract: In a cube space having high rigidity, the following members are provided: a die holder (103) which can be pulled out forward, a punch holder (47) fixed to a separate bridge structure, a striker which can be positioned in an XY plane for selecting a desired punch P, a striker supporting frame (59) which can be positioned in the XY plane for selecting a desired punch P and which can slide in a horizontal direction, and a clamp device (232) having clamp arms (233) which are provided with a vertically movable ram (37) and which can enter between the punch holder (47) and the die holder (103) and which hold the opposed ends of the workpiece W. Therefore, it is possible to constitute a punch press (1) which is suitable for precise machining of a thin plate and in which tools can easily be exchanged.

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing press assembly for the processing of sheet material through punching and forming operations having a plurality of tool assemblies of which each, in turn, group and support a plurality of processing tools. Each tool assembly has a punch magazine, a die block, and a stripper plate for processing the sheet material in the manner of a Class A die. A sheet material positioning assembly clamps the sheet material and positions it within a two-axis plane adjacent the tool assemblies. A punching head assembly, supported by the sheet material positioning assembly, positions a punching head adjacent the grouped tool supports.

Abstract: A production system for manufacturing a workpiece comprises an index system including a plurality of index devices removably mounted on the workpiece at known longitudinally spaced locations therealong, and a longitudinally extending index member releasably engaged with at least two of the index devices such that a position and orientation of the index member are fixed relative to the workpiece by the index devices, the index member having position-indicating features distributed therealong. The production system further comprises a machine module mounted for longitudinal movement along the index member and operable to perform an operation, the machine module being operable to detect the position-indicating features on the index member and thereby determine a position of the machine module relative to the workpiece.

Abstract: A bending press system provided with a bending press (1) with at least one bending station to mount a plurality of divided tools and, tool housing devices (65, 123) to house divided metals to be used on the bending press and, tool exchange devices (61, 143) which mount said divided tools on the bending station, in which are provided a first memory means (403) which stores housed positions of each divided tool housed in the housing devices and a second memory means (405) which stores the bending line length of the bent part, the flange length and the bending angle of the bent product and, a first computation means (407) which, based on the bending line length, flange length, bending angle, computes the tool (cross section shape) type and the length of the bending station, and a second computation means (409) which, based on the tool type and length of the bending station computes the arrangement of each divided tool on the bending station, and an NC control means (411) which controls the tool exchange device s

Abstract: An exchanging device is proposed for the parts-specific accessories and especially for the suction crossarm in a press, press line, multiple-die press for large parts or the like in order to make possible a good accessability of the press area, the exchanging device in the parked position is below the passable covering.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for aircraft wing panels and the like includes one or more positioners movable along a bed above which the panel is supported, each positioner carrying a tool-supporting frame on which assembly tools are mounted for performing assembly operations on the panel. The tool-supporting frame is releasable from the positioner, and the apparatus includes a frame changer that travels to the positioner, removes the tool-supporting frame, installs a replacement frame into the positioner, and carries the removed frame to a remote service station where servicing operations are performed on the frame.

Abstract: An exchanging device is proposed for the parts-specific accessories and especially for the suction crossarm in a press, press line, multiple-die press for large parts or the like in order to make possible a good accessability of the press area, the exchanging device in the parked position is below the passable covering.

Abstract: The emboss module of the present invention provides for automatic die and bolster conversion. The emboss module includes a frame, a die changer sub-assembly and a bolster sub-assembly. The die changer sub-assembly includes rotatable die changers for automatically registering dies therein, and the bolster sub-assembly includes counters and panels for receiving the sheet of material and the die. Both the die changer and bolster sub-assemblies are adapted for use with emboss and foil dies and counters. Accordingly, a more efficient and scalable emboss system and method for automatically changing dies and bolsters is described herein.

Abstract: A orientation device including two turrets, carrying a plurality of punch-die pairs, are rotatable to carry a punch-die pair to a work station and, simultaneously, another punch-die pair to a changeover station. A magazine of punch-die pairs comprises at least one pair of discs joined to each other and carrying a series of punch-die pairs. The discs are selectively rotated to take a predetermined new punch-die pair to a collection station. At least one exchange arm is rotated by a corresponding servomotor and carries at least one gripper element, axially and radially moveable with respect to the arm, independently of each other.

Abstract: A tool holder assembly to hold and orient punches in numerically controlled punch presses which utilize automatic tool changers. The holder positions and orients round and shaped standard insert punches to ensure proper alignment with mating dies during operation. The tool holder comprising a body and a base with indexing pins which provide secure and unique positioning of the insert punch. Application of this invention allows maximum tool life by ensuring proper tool orientation and reduces operation costs by allowing use of standard, low cost, insert punches.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for rapidly replacing a tool set included in a bodymaker are disclosed. A bodymaker is used in connection with tin box manufacture and typically includes a mandrel and a set of forming wings disposed above the mandrel and specifically designed for a particular shape of mandrel so that a planar bland disposed above the mandrel can be formed therearound by the forming wings. A support plate mounted on a totally and translatable axially of the mandrel on guide means is rolled into place adjacent the tool set, and the support plate is moved towards the free ends of the tools within the set and connected within the bodymaker. As the support plate approaches the free ends of the tools, latch means provided on the support plate in front of a suitably shaped recess are deflected laterally by a plug formation provided at least on the mandrel.

Abstract: An assembly apparatus for aircraft wing panels and the like includes one or more positioners movable along a bed above which the panel is supported, each positioner carrying a tool-supporting frame on which assembly tools are mounted for performing assembly operations on the panel. The tool-supporting frame is releasable from the positioner, and the apparatus includes a frame changer that travels to the positioner, removes the tool-supporting frame, installs a replacement frame into the positioner, and carries the removed frame to a remote service station where servicing operations are performed on the frame.

Abstract: A press for the installation of inserts on thin metallic or plastic rolled sections by cold plastic deformation of the rolled sections, comprising a structure (2, 3) bearing a punch (8) and an insert-bearing turret anvil (15) arranged in a substantially axial alignment in a working position thereof, and actuator means (4, 6, 7) within the structure for controlling the sliding of the punch toward the turret anvil. The turret anvil is mounted on a carriage (14) sliding with respect to the structure between the working position, wherein the carriage is completely inserted in the structure, and a loading position, wherein the carriage protrudes therefrom. The distance between the punch and the turret anvil is sufficient to allow the interposition of the thin metallic or plastic rolled sections therebetween, without the risk of accident for the operator and making easier the press loading operations.

Abstract: A device for removing eyelets, in particular stainless steel eyelets, from textile or plastics sheets is provided. Eyelets in textiles or plastics sheets, for example in lorry tarpaulins, wear through in the course of their use and thus have as a rule a significantly shorter service life than the textile or plastics sheet. Thus, it is usual and economically worthwhile to replace the worn-through eyelets with new ones, in order thus to be able to exploit the total service life of the textile or plastics sheet. The removal of eyelets previously has been effected as a rule by hand, which is time consuming and uneconomical. Thus, there is provided a device for removing eyelets, in particular stainless steel eyelets, from textile or plastics sheets, having a claw head for pressing a beading of the eyelet in the direction of the eyelet center point or in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A punching-bending machine is disclosed for manufacturing different workpieces which is outfitted with at least one exchangeable machining module provided with punching-bending tools which can be driven mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically, wherein the machining module is received by a portal having at least one side wall and a transverse member which can be connected thereto, wherein bearing devices are provided for supporting the machining module

Abstract: A punch press for machining a plate-shaped workpiece by cooperation of an upper metal mold mounted on an upper turret and a lower metal mold mounted on a lower turret. The upper turret and the lower turret are rotationally driven. A plurality of lower metal molds are provided corresponding to a selected one of the upper metal molds, and the workpiece is machined after selection of one lower metal mold from among the plurality of lower metal molds.

Abstract: A punch press includes an upper metal mold mounting board 2 mounting the upper metal molds 16 and a lower metal mold mounting board 3 mounting the lower metal molds 17. A notch portion 20 or bore for exchange of a lower metal mold is provided in the upper metal mold mounting board 2. When the lower metal mold 17 is mounted or dismounted, the notch portion 20 or bore provided in the upper metal mold mounting board 2 is positioned above the lower metal mold 17 to be exchanged or its mounting hole, thereby mounting or dismounting the lower metal mold 17 through the notch portion 20 or bore.

Abstract: Apparatus for replacing spent and/or damaged knives with fresh knives in a machine wherein semifinished rod-shaped smokers' products are converted into cigarettes, filter mouthpieces or the like employs a knife holder, a locking device which can releasably clamp a knife in the holder, a preferably automated system for temporarily deactivating the locking device in order to allow for removal of a spent knife, and a conveyor system for introduction of a fresh knife into the holder subsequent to removal of the spent knife and prior to renewed activation of the locking device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a press with an automatic tool changing function which can reduce the amount of time required to change cartridges. A punch press 1 uses cartridges 2 with tools mounted thereon to press works W, and has a change position 7 where the cartridges 2 are changed. A cartridge transferring and loading device 5 is provided which draws out the cartridges 2 from the change position 7 via a linear path L and transfers and loads the cartridges in a cartridge magazine 3 located on an extension of the linear path L. The transferring and loading device 5 has a cartridge moving-in and -out mechanism 19 that moves both forward and backward to transfer and load the cartridges 2 both in the punch press 1 and in the magazine 3.

Abstract: The machine includes two turrets carrying a plurality of punch-die pairs, a magazine for these pairs, and a device for changing over the pairs. This device is formed from at least one changeover arm having two gripper elements, each comprising a pair of jaws operable by a common actuator. The two jaws are provided with a through-pin and are each engagable in a pair of channels, perpendicular to each other, carried by a flange of the punch or the die. When the gripper element moves parallel to the axis of the punch or the die, a first channel of the pair is disposed axially and has a quadrangular section, while the other channel is tangential and has a triangular section.

Abstract: The die changing apparatus for a plate reduction press machine, comprises an upper die support holder 28a and a lower die support holder 28b that are arranged vertically on opposite sides of a transfer line, and support holder guide rails 31 installed on the upper die support holder and extending substantially horizontally in the lateral direction of the transfer line, and an upper die 29a and a lower die 29b are mounted on the upper and lower die support holders, respectively using the rollers onto the dies, fixing devices 30 that fix the upper and lower dies on the upper and lower die support holders, respectively, die fastening members 38 which are placed on each side of the upper and lower dies, opposite each other in such a manner that they can be fastened to both dies, and a die changing mechanism that can move one of the die fastening members in a direction perpendicular to the transfer line.

Abstract: The invention is a system for use in a single-anvil hydraulic press or compression system for automatically selecting and changing both the upper and lower tooling. The system is installed between the upper and lower compression anvils of a hydraulic press. The upper portion includes a set of holders for upper tools and adjacent orientation structures or jaws. The upper tool holders and jaws are mounted on a horizontal member that may be moved such that one of the upper tools is "selected" by being placed immediately below the upper anvil of the press. As part of this selection process, the anvil removes the tool from the selected holder, and holds it using pneumatic suction. Then the horizontal member shifts over so that the upper anvil is situated directly above the adjacent orientation structure for that tool. To switch to a different upper tool, the horizontal member again moves the (empty) holder below the upper anvil, whereupon the pneumatic suction is removed causing the tool to drop into the holder.

Abstract: A multistation press has a transfer device with cross traverses. The transfer device is set up for an automatic tooling change by providing that the cross traverses or the tooling held thereon are to be deposited on passive tooling receiving devices on sliding tables. This deposition takes place without the aid of transfer units in that a control device activates a height adjusting device independently of the other driving devices for the workpiece transfer such that the cross traverses are lowered to the passive tooling receiving devices.

Abstract: The invention is a system for use in a single-anvil hydraulic press or compression system for automatically selecting and changing both the upper and lower tooling. The system is installed between the upper and lower compression anvils of a hydraulic press. The upper portion includes a set of holders for upper tools and adjacent orientation structures or jaws. The upper tool holders and jaws are mounted on a horizontal member that may be moved such that one of the upper tools is "selected" by being placed immediately below the upper anvil of the press. As part of this selection process, the anvil removes the tool from the selected holder, and holds it using pneumatic suction. Then the horizontal member shifts over so that the upper anvil is situated directly above the adjacent orientation structure for that tool. To switch to a different upper tool, the horizontal member again moves the (empty) holder below the upper anvil, whereupon the pneumatic suction is removed causing the tool to drop into the holder.

Abstract: A tube cutting apparatus for cutting a continuously fed elongate tube into predetermined lengths including a removable die set which is mounted at an angle to the horizontal and an associated die set changeover table adapted to receive the die set and tilt the same to a horizontal position to facilitate removal thereof and the positioning of a substitute die set.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus for supporting one or more dies used in a transfer press. In one aspect of the invention, the press die support structure comprises a gull wing shaped press bed comprising a top portion including two opposing wing portions, at least a part of each wing portion being supportable by one of a pair of approximately parallel horizontal beams, the top portion operable to support at least one press die, and a bottom portion having a center portion disposed between the wing portions.

Abstract: A preferred clamshell press (10) includes a changeover apparatus (12) for shifting the tool support chase (22) between an operating position and a shifted position in which the chase (22) is positioned for facilitating tool changing thereon while remaining coupled with the machine body (14). The changeover apparatus (12) includes a tracking assembly (26) having rollers (40) received in guide tracks (32) in the side edges of the chase (22) for guiding the chase (22) during shifting, and an actuator (28) using hydraulic cylinders (42, 44) to shift the chase (22). The apparatus (12) further includes registration slots (62, 66) and corresponding registration tabs (60, 64) for ensuring registration between the chase (22) and the machine body (14) in the operating position, and a locking mechanism (56) for locking the chase (22) in the operating position.

Abstract: A tool-shifting device includes a disk having a groove defined therein and a ring member is rotatably mounted to a first side of the disk. A plurality of sockets are pivotally connected to the ring member and each have a part received in the groove. The disk has a cutout communicating with the groove and a carrier movably disposed to a second side thereof, the carrier having a protrusion movably retained in a curved recess of a board which is pivotally disposed to the second end of the disk and actuated by a hydraulic cylinder. The socket removed to the cutout will be engaged with the carrier which is then moved along the curved recess of the board which is pivoted by the hydraulic cylinder. The part of the socket engaged with the carrier is then moved upwardly about a position where the socket is pivotally connected to the ring member so that an orientation of a tool received in the socket is changed with respect to the ring member.

Abstract: A punch press comprising (i) a tool set magazine that is located above a work table for supporting a workpiece and is juxtaposed with a main frame for supporting a punching head and (ii) a tool set delivery system for delivering tool sets between the tool set magazine and the punching head.

Abstract: A hydraulic punch press for use with a set of interchangeable tool assemblies for boring, cutting, bending, or otherwise working on semi-finished steel frame members or the like. Included are a punch press section having a hydraulic cylinder for driving a tool assembly, a toolholder section having a turntable on which tool seats are arranged radially for carrying a set of tool assemblies, and a guideway section for transfer of a tool assembly between punch press section and toolholder section. The turntable is rotatable to bring any of the tool seats to a tool transfer position where a tool assembly may be transferred to or back from the punch press section by way of the guideway. Each tool assembly is normally locked to one tool seat by two lockpins. One lockpin is automatically released when the associated tool seat comes to the tool transfer position, and the other when a positioning arm is manipulated to retain the tool seat in that position. Additional embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: The turret punch press has a body frame (3); a ram (51) for striking a punch (41) to punch out work (W) in cooperation with a die (35); an upper turret (39) rotatably mounted on the body frame and having a plurality of punches (41), any desired punch being selectively located at a punch area (A1); and a lower turret (33) also rotatably mounted on the body frame and having a plurality of dies (35), any desired die mated with the desired punch being selectively located at the same punch area (A1). In particular, the upper turret (39) is formed smaller in diameter than the lower turret (33), and further the upper turret (39) is dislocated eccentrically from the lower turret (33) toward the punch area (A1) to provide an open die exchange area (A2) over a part of the lower turret (33). Or else, the upper turret (39) is formed with a cutout portion (53) to provide an open die exchange area (A2) over a part of the lower turret (33) when the upper turret is disposed concentrically on the upper turret (39).

Abstract: A flexible manufacturing press assembly for the processing of sheet material through punching and forming operations having a plurality of tool assemblies of which each, in turn, group and support a plurality of processing tools. Each tool assembly has a punch magazine, a die block, and a stripper plate for processing the sheet material in the manner of a Class A die. A sheet material positioning assembly clamps the sheet material and positions it within a two-axis plane adjacent the tool assemblies. A punching head assembly, supported by the sheet material positioning assembly, positions a punching head adjacent the grouped tool supports.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of exchanging die sets in a press system. First, a state is established in which a die set having been used by the press system is held with a die holder means provided to a slide of the press system and is lifted up by the said slide. In this state, into an interior of the press system a carrier vehicle is transported having a first space in which a die set to be used next by the press system having been and a second space capable of accepting the said used die set, which is then dislodged from the said slide and is mounted on the carrier vehicle. Thereafter, the carrier vehicle is displaced to such a place that the said die set to be used next may be kept located below the said slide. Then, a state is established in which the said die set to be used next is held by the die holder means and is lifted up by the said slide. Thereafter, out of the interior of the press system, the said carrier vehicle is transported having the said used die set mounted thereon.