Abstract: An adjustable punch assembly is provided for use at an indexable punching station in a turret punch press. The overall length of the punch assembly may be adjusted using a motor and pulley system that is also used for indexing the punch tool. Further, the punch assembly includes a quick disconnect connection between the punch driver and the punch tip that facilitates the changing of the punch tip.

Abstract: An adjustable punch assembly includes a releasable locking means for selectively allowing relative rotation between a threadably mated punch cap and punch driver for punch length adjustment. The releasable locking means includes a locking element, preferably a ball bearing, residing in a passage extending in a radial direction in the punch cap to open opposite a splined index portion of the punch driver. The splined index portion includes a plurality of angularly spaced grooves each extending in an axial direction of the punch driver, whereby a corresponding groove opposite the passage is engaged by the locking element. A plunger in its locked position confines the locking element in locking engagement with the punch cap and punch driver, and is movable to an unlocked position wherein the locking element is no longer confined in locking engagement to permit punch length adjustment.

Abstract: An adjustable punch assembly is provided for use at an indexable punching station in a turret punch press. The overall length of the punch assembly may be adjusted using a motor and pulley system that is also used for indexing the punch tool. Further, the punch assembly includes a quick disconnect connection between the punch driver and the punch tip that facilitates the changing of the punch tip.

Abstract: A method for controlling punch strokes of a punch press machine includes the step of performing a first punching operation with a punching tool wherein a sheet of material is in a first preselected position. A second punching operation is then initiated with the punching tool at a variable hover height before the sheet of material reaches a second preselected position. The variable hover height of the punching tool is determined by the distance between the first and second punching operations. If the sheet reaches a predetermined in-position zone before the punching tool reaches maximum hover height, the ram changes direction moving downward. The punch reaches the material just prior to the work piece coming to a stop thereupon performing the next punching operation.

Abstract: A system is provided for identifying no-punch zones corresponding to positions of work clamps on a carriage holding a workpiece to be positioned for tools of a punch press. The system provides a method for storing geometric information with respect to the clamp as well as specifications for the tools on a holder, such as a turret, of the punch press. The edge of each of the clamps is sensed and stored in a control unit which can, therefore, determine boundaries of each of the clamps based on the stored geometric configuration information of the clamp. No-punch zones of the clamps may be determined based on the geometry of the particular tool of the turret and the geometry and the positions of the clamps. As a result, the punch press may be inhibited from operating within the no-punch zones or, in the alternative, the clamp or clamps may be repositioned from the no-punch zone of the clamp for subsequent operation of the punch press.

Abstract: A device for selectively securing a stripper assembly on a punch guide assembly. A resiliently biased plunger is disposed adjacent the guide assembly, and selectively maintains the stripper assembly in a predetermined rotational position relative to the guide assembly. The stripper assembly includes at least one retaining projection, and the guide assembly includes at least one flange for selective engagement with the retaining projection to secure the stripper assembly and the guide assembly against relative axial movement. A method is disclosed including the steps of placing the stripper assembly on the guide assembly, and affecting relative movement between the stripper assembly and the guide assembly to cause the retaining projection to engage the flange, and the plunger to be received in a locator slot on the stripper assembly.

Abstract: A low cost control system for precise positioning employs an a.c. motor and a variable frequency power source for the motor. When the desired position is approached, the frequency of the source is decreased to a low constant value, and the motor is stopped in timed relation to the leading edge of a feedback signal from a position responsive feedback sensor.

Abstract: A control system for an NC machine incorporates a personal computer and an auxiliary control having an auxiliary microprocessor connected together and with the machine, via communication channels The personal computer and auxiliary controller are both provided with apparatus for controlling operations in a plurality of sequences, all of which run simultaneously, without requiring any modification in the normal operating system of the personal computer. The control program of the auxiliary controller is downloaded from the personal computer, and the sequences in both contain a number of consecutive states for each sequence, with each state characterized by one or more instructions and an operational time.

Abstract: A device for selectively securing a stripper plate on a punch guide assembly. The device includes an annular retaining ring adapted to retain the stripper plate on the guide assembly. A resiliently biased plunger is disposed adjacent the guide assembly, and selectively maintains the retaining ring in a predetermined rotational position relative to the guide assembly. The retaining ring includes at least one retaining surface, and the guide assembly includes at least one flange for selective engagement with the retaining surface to secure the retaining ring and guide assembly against relative axial movement. A method is disclosed including the steps of placing the stripper plate on the guide assembly, placing the retaining ring on the stripper plate, and affecting relative movement between the retaining ring and the guide assembly to cause the retaining projection to engage the flange, and the plunger to be received in a locator slot on the retaining ring.

Abstract: A stamping tool for use in an auto-indexable tool station having a number of character inserts that can be rotatably moved below a striker area so that a thin metal plate or sheet of metal may be marked. The stamping tool allows for automatic adjustment of tool length for any variation in material thickness. A pneumatic cylinder actuates a mechanism that engages the key way in the head nut. The tool length is changed by the rotary motion of the auto-indexable tool station. The character housing is rotated by the indexable tool station through the punch key which moves the selected character insert to the striker area within the tool. The striker area causes the character insert which is spring biased to protrude lower than the character inserts that are not in the striker area. When the stamping tool is struck by the ram, only the character insert in the striker area will contact the material to be marked.

Abstract: An indexable multi-tool for punch presses wherein a plurality of individual punches are held at a singly punching station in a turret-type punch press such that any one of the plurality of punches can be selected upon a rotation of a punch carrier relative to the turret. A striker is carried in the indexable station which does not rotate relative to the turret and which contains an axially extending portion under which the selected punch is positioned in order to be used for punching. Stripper buttons are held on the indexable station by a rotating ring for easy removal and die buttons are held in a die carrier to rotate synchronously with the indexable station.

Abstract: A punch assembly which may be provided at a punching station in a turret punch press. The punch assembly includes a striker body having a solid portion, and a punch carrier which carries a plurality of individual punches. A selectively actuable stop holds the striker body stationary, allowing the punch holder to be rotated so that a predetermined one of the plurality of punches will underlie the solid portion of the striker body. Afterwards, the entire punch assembly may be rotated to a variety of angular orientations. At any of these orientations, the ram may be actuated to cause the punch to extend downwardly below the punch assembly and through a sheet of material. The rotation of the punch assembly to different orientations allows a single punch to be used to punch holes of the shape but with differing angular orientations. The die holder receives a plurality of corresponding dies having openings therein corresponding to the punches.

Abstract: A punch press, of the type capable of producing a piece from a sheet of material, the piece being attached to the sheet by a tab, is provided with a separation assembly that fits into a standard tool station. The invention provides for parting of the piece from the sheet, and automatic transport of the parted piece to a position overlying a hinged drop door provided as part of a removal assembly. The invention eliminates the need for manual parting and removal of the piece from the punch press.