Abstract: Various designs of die shoe assemblies are provided, each assembly configured to adjust vertical positioning of a die platform within the assembly, in order to correspondingly adjust vertical positioning of a die used with the assembly. The assemblies address limitations often associated with conventional die shoes designed to be used with shims. The assemblies use various methods and corresponding mechanisms to make the adjustment a time efficient process, while in so doing also enabling the desired extent of adjustment to be effectively and accurately provided.

Abstract: Punch assembly that enable selective securement and release of punch tips to a punch body (or holder) of the assemblies, wherein various retain/release systems can be used with the punch body, specifically relative to triggering mechanisms of such systems and their functioning and use with ancillary components relative to securing and releasing the punch tip, without adversely affecting long-term efficiency and effectiveness of the assemblies.

Abstract: Driving systems for tools used with metal-fabricating presses or other machines, whereby planetary gears are used in the systems, and whereby the driving systems can be constructed for use with particular tooling, such as tapping tools, and complementary systems can be exemplarily configured for use with such driving systems. The driving systems can enable enhanced tool output as compared to conventional driving mechanisms, while also enabling variable disassembly and configuration of the systems relative to the intended machining operations.

Abstract: Tooling and corresponding tool assembly configurations equipped with exemplary designs of tracking assemblies configured to track information, such as use history, and perform a variety of processing and storage functions relative to the same for more efficient use and maintenance of the tooling over their lifetimes. The tracking assemblies can have retrofit-ready constructions.

Abstract: A tool holder and differing designs of movable portions that can be interchangeably mounted with the holder depending on the tang profile of the tool needing to be seated and secured to the holder.

Abstract: A display device for punching and/or pressing machines. The display device can be constructed to be modular and of compact size so as to be positioned as desired on new and existing machine designs. The display device is formed with displays, which are configurable to provide a plurality of qualitative and quantitative information. The display device can be configured to be function with consoles of punching and pressing machines so as to be one or more of a supplemental device, an interfacing device, and an interactive device.

Abstract: Tool holder designs are described. In some cases, the tool holder has a clamp assembly that can be used with tools having different tang styles. The tool holder in some cases has at least two differing tolerance areas provided therein, wherein the tolerance areas provide complementary tolerance to the design. In some cases, the tool holder can have a mechanically actuatable mechanism that functions with one or more internal components that limit adjustment of the mechanism to prevent damage to one or more of tool and the tool holder when securing the tool therein.

Abstract: Tool holder designs are described. In some cases, the tool holder has a clamp assembly that can be used with tools having different tang styles. The tool holder in some cases has at least two differing tolerance areas provided therein, wherein the tolerance areas provide complementary tolerance to the design. In some cases, the tool holder can have a mechanically actuatable mechanism that functions with one or more internal components that limit adjustment of the mechanism to prevent damage to one or more of tool and the tool holder when securing the tool therein.

Abstract: A punch tool assembly includes an adjustment subassembly coupled to a canister sidewall of the assembly. The adjustment subassembly includes a punch head, which engages a punch holder, or body, of the punch tool, at a threaded interface, so that rotation of the punch head moves the punch body/holder along a central longitudinal axis of the punch tool assembly. The adjustment subassembly further includes a locking member, which is biased with respect to the punch head, in a first position, where the locking member is engaged with a locking feature of an engagement sidewall of the subassembly, to lock the punch head and prevent rotation thereof. The locking member may be released, to unlock the punch head, by applying a force to an externally accessible actuation interface of a release member of the subassembly, for example, to rotate the actuation interface about the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Punch holders and corresponding punch configurations configured to increase the ease and speed by which maintenance and/or modification of punches used with the holders can be performed. In some cases, the punch holder can be configured with one or more upper and lower collars operatively situated on differing areas of the holder, with each collar adapted to perform a different action with regard to a punch held by the holder. In some cases, when the upper collar is rotated, a corresponding height adjustment of a punch held by the holder results. In some cases, when the lower collar is rotated, a punch held by the holder is released.

Abstract: An apparatus meant to contain a die portion of a punch and die set whether in a loading cartridge or in machine operating position, wherein a key is used with a die shoe to prevent lateral movement of the die regardless of extent by which the die is sharpened and continued to be used with the die shoe, and wherein a die is used with the die shoe to minimize jagged or sharp edges being created from sharpening processes thereof.

Abstract: A retain-and-release member, which is coupled to a punch holder of a punch assembly, engages a punch tip against an end of the holder, such that a working portion of the tip extends from the end. A punch guide sidewall of the assembly includes an aperture aligned with an actuation interface of the retain-and-release member, when the punch holder and the engaged punch tip are slidably engaged within a guide bore formed by the punch guide sidewall. The aperture provides access for applying a force, to the actuation interface, in order to disengage the retain-and-release member from the punch tip, while the punch holder remains within the guide bore of the assembly. Following the removal, the same punch tip, or another, may be inserted into the guide bore and into engagement with the retain-and-release member.

Abstract: A punch tip design configured to be universal in its application with wide varieties of punch assemblies, and various punch body designs from which universal application of the punch tip is exemplified. In some cases, ancillary components used with the various punch body designs enhance ease by which the operator can selectively manipulate the same for alternately securing or releasing the punch tip.

Abstract: A retain-and-release member, which is coupled to a punch holder of a punch assembly, engages a punch tip against an end of the holder, such that a working portion of the tip extends from the end. A punch guide sidewall of the assembly includes an aperture aligned with an actuation interface of the retain-and-release member, when the punch holder and the engaged punch tip are slidably engaged within a guide bore formed by the punch guide sidewall. The aperture provides access for applying a force, to the actuation interface, in order to disengage the retain-and-release member from the punch tip, while the punch holder remains within the guide bore of the assembly. Following the removal, the same punch tip, or another, may be inserted into the guide bore and into engagement with the retain-and-release member.

Abstract: A tool holder for locating and seating varieties of differing tools. The tool holder is usable with press brake tools as well as tools for other industrial machines and equipment. The tool holder includes a clamp and a supporting body. The clamp is an assembly and, via collective operation of its components, functions with the supporting body to locate and seat tools of a variety of differing styles, sizes, and geometries.

Abstract: A tool assembly incorporating active tool, whereby the assembly can be operated with a variety of machining apparatus but just as well can be manually operated by a user. The tool assembly in some uses can be used for printing, whereby one or more of a power source and an ink source can be configured as insertable/removable cartridges that can be used with the assembly. Additionally, in such case, an ink management module can be used with the tool assembly to regulate the flow of ink from the ink source to a functional head of the assembly. The tool assembly can also include a user interface, which, along with a communication module, can enable the assembly to be actuated directly or via wireless communication.

Abstract: A multi-tool adaptor which enhances overall performance of the multi-tools on which the adaptor is intended and the punch presses with which the multi-tools are desired to interface. The intermediary components relating to the functioning of the multi-tool involve one area of consideration regarding the adaptor design. Another area of consideration for the adaptor design involves the manner by which the stripper plate is operably coupled to the punch holder.

Abstract: A display device for punching and/or pressing machines. The display device can be constructed to be modular and of compact size so as to be positioned as desired on new and existing machine designs. The display device is formed with displays, which are configurable to provide a plurality of qualitative and quantitative information. The display device can be configured to be function with consoles of punching and pressing machines so as to be one or more of a supplemental device, an interfacing device, and an interactive device.