Abstract: A punch system includes a punch with a ball lock recess and an arcuate slot each defined in the side surface of the base. A punch retainer has a retainer body with a generally circular punch hole extending from an outer face towards a mounting surface. A spring loaded ball is biased into a locking position extending into the punch hole. A dowel hole is defined in the outer face adjacent to the punch hole and partially overlapping therewith. A cylindrical dowel is received in the dowel hole with a portion extending into the punch hole to define an arcuate protrusion, thus defining an orientation element with a shape complementary to the arcuate slot and positioned such that the base of the punch is only insertable in an orientation in which the ball lock recess in the base of the punch is rotationally aligned with the spring loaded ball.

Abstract: A ball-lock tool retainer insert includes a retainer insert body having a generally flat top and bottom face and a generally elongated non-circular cross-section. A lower portion and an upper portion of the retainer insert body each have a constant cross-section with the upper portion cross-section being larger than the lower portion cross-section thereby forming an enlarged shoulder. The retainer insert body has a tool aperture with a constant cross-section extending from the top face to the bottom face for receiving a tool and an angle hole adjacent the tool aperture extending from the top face and partially extending into the tool aperture for holding a ball lock. The retainer insert body is adapted to be received by a retainer block having a generally elongated non-circular hole with a counterbore such that the enlarged shoulder of the retainer insert body fits into the counterbore.

Abstract: A punch retainer can utilize a spring passage to retain a locking ball and a spring. A retaining member can be disposed in the spring passage to hold the spring and ball therein and to impart a desired compressive force on the spring. The retaining member can be axially aligned with the centerline of the spring passage and can axially compress the spring. The retaining member can be adjusted to adjust the compression of the spring. A single dowel passage can be utilized to accurately align the retainer in a desired orientation.

Abstract: A stripper unit incorporates a precision threaded plug that preloads a mechanical die spring that, in turn, preloads the movable or traveling stripper adjacent the punch tip. The precision threaded plug simultaneously accurately locates the stripper unit on a commercially available ball-lock punch retainer. The stripper unit is entirely self-contained on the face of the ball-lock punch retainer, thus minimizing the space required on the press platen.

Abstract: A one-piece stripper retainer for plastic cup shaped strippers with a universal snap-in design that can be used with both older style and newer style punch retainers. The stripper retainer incorporates an anti-rotation heel with a snug fit around a portion of the punch retainer body and clamps to the punch itself. In a second version, the stripper retainer also clamps to the punch itself but lacks the heel. In a third version, the stripper retainer bolts to the punch retainer with a separate threaded screw. In all three versions, the plastic stripper is locked in place by the snap-in feature without any additional clamping force.

Abstract: A stripper unit incorporates a precision threaded plug that preloads a mechanical die spring that, in turn, preloads the movable or traveling stripper adjacent the punch tip. The precision threaded plug simultaneously accurately locates the stripper unit on a commercially available ball-lock punch retainer. The stripper unit is entirely self-contained on the face of the ball-lock punch retainer, thus minimizing the space required on the press platen.

Abstract: A ball lock punch and die retainer comprises a single piece body of high strength through hardened tool steel having a relieved flat bottomed borehole for the punch. The exterior sidewall of the retainer opposite the end having the punch borehole is substantially half-cylindrical. The oblique spring hole in the retainer body includes a circumferential undercut in the wall of the spring hole. The undercut mates with an enlarged portion of the spring to prevent the spring from pushing out of the hole.

Abstract: A ball lock punch and die retainer comprises a single piece body of high strength through hardened tool steel having a relieved flat bottomed borehole for the punch. The exterior sidewall of the retainer opposite the end having the punch borehole is substantially half-cylindrical.