Abstract: A punch press having a high-energy, thermal melting device and an improved slag recovery system. The punch press is a bridge-type machine in which the workhead which carries the ram of the punch press and the melting tool moves along a first axis, and the workpiece is moved along a second orthogonal axis. The slag collection system is static for simplistically, economically, and reliably collecting the slag created by the melting tool, and includes a long, slot-like opening congruent with the path of the melting tool. The slot-like opening is in the top of a stationary plenum provided below the workpiece and extends down to an open bottom where a slag tray is provided to collect the slag. A vacuum source is connected to the plenum to draw gases through the slot-like opening and into the plenum for removal. A spark trap is interposed between the vacuum source and the plenum to prevent sparks from entering the vacuum source and causing a fire or explosion.

Abstract: Method and Apparatus for economically providing an automatic tool changing capability to a numerically controlled punch press, without the addition of servo drives dedicated to the tool changer. The punch press has a back rail carrying work clamps and positionable along an X axis for positioning the workpiece along that axis. The punch and die assembly is carried in a work head which is servo driven along a Y axis, so that the pair of servos accomplish X, Y positioning with respect to the workpiece. A plurality of tool cartridges are carried on the back rail. To accomplish a tool change operation, the X axis servo is indexed to bring a selected tool holder to a tool change position, and the remaining positioning for making the tool exchange (either into an empty cartridge or from a full cartridge) is accomplished by Y positioning of the tool head, without the need to alter the workpiece Y position or index an auxiliary mechanism for a tool change operation.

Abstract: The stand-off height of a plasma arc torch relative to an underlying workpiece is adjusted by rotating a collar on an adaptor to which the torch is affixed. When the collar is rotated, a camming action occurs to effect upward or downward movement of the torch within a vertically fixed housing and thereby adjust the vertical distance between the torch and the workpiece.

Abstract: A marking tool assembly includes a plurality of marking punches for stamping alpha/numeric indicia into a workpiece. The punches are adapted to be indexed selectively to an active punching position beneath a striker which causes one of the punches to stamp the workpiece during the downstroke of the tool, the remaining punches resting idly on the workpiece. A stripper ring holds the striker rotationally stationary and also prevents rotation of a retaining ring for permitting up and down sliding of the punches in a holder and for guiding the punches to the active punching position.

Abstract: Molten metal created during cutting of a workpiece by a plasma-arc torch is discharged downwardly into a tubular collector duct. A power-rotated cutter is located adjacent the upper end of the duct and shaves dross from the underside of the workpiece as the latter is moved beneath the torch, the dross also being discharged downwardly into the duct. Water is sprayed into the duct to cool the duct and is also sprayed against the rotary cutter to cool the cutter as the dross is shaved from the workpiece.