Abstract: A marking tool holder (10) for a punch press, in which a plurality of marking tools (46) are mounted in an indexing carrier (38) for selective activation by the press ram (14). A non-positive connection effects driving of the preselected marking tool (46) to eliminate the need for precise adjustment of the marking tool position. In a first embodiment, a pair of very stiff springs (138) are interposed between a ram engaged plunger (124) and a striker (70), while in the second embodiment, a striker mass (158) attached to the striker (70) and carried in a body member (60) which is accelerated by the ram (14) to generate kinetic energy converted into a marking pressure when the marking tool (46) impacts the workpiece (W).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for neutralizing the punching reaction forces in an open frame punch press in which inclined primary links mounted on the upper and lower frame members are stressed by linkage actuators during punching so as to counteract the punching reaction force. In one embodiment, a charging cylinder mounted to be acted on by the punch ram actuator generates hydraulic pressure used to operate linkage actuators. In that embodiment, the primary links are combined with secondary links to form toggle linkages to enable mechanical force multiplication of the force applied by the linkage actuators. In another embodiment the primary links converge and are pivotally connected at their rear ends to each other and a single secondary link, with a single cylinder at the forward end of one of the primary links, placing the primary links in tension during punching operations to neutralize the punching reaction forces acting on the press frame.

Abstract: A punch holder (10) including a punch holder member (20) with a stripper arrangement including a sleeve (36) axially movable with repsect to the holder member (20) each of the holder members (20) and sleeve (36) fit end to end within a bore (79) in an outer member (78), and stripper spring (38) interposed between the holder member (20) and sleeve (56) combined with a resilient cup piece (58) fit to the end of the sleeve (36) enclosing the lower end face (56) of the sleeve (36).

Abstract: A multitool punch holder (12) having a head member (26) coupled to a punch press ram (16) as the press upper turret plate (22) rotates to bring the punch holder (12) into alignment with the ram (16). The punch holder (12) includes a rotary tool carrier (56) carrying a series of punches (80), each able to be selectively rotated into alignment beneath a striker rod (100) slidably mounted in a non rotating body member (30). Stroking of the ram (16) causes an engagement feature (108) to engage the striker rod (100) when the head member (26) telescopes into the body member (30) after axial movement of the holder (12) is arrested by contact with the workpiece (120). The striker rod (100) is then driven to force the coupled individual punch (80) into the workpiece (120). The striker rod (100) is urged to a raised position by an encircling stripper spring (110).