Abstract: A punch press alignment instrument has upper and lower cylindrical components that are associated for vertical displacement relative to one another. Both components have outer tool holder engaging surfaces which are to be aligned with one another so as to in turn align the tool holders of the punch press when the upper and lower components themselves are in alignment. Alignment elements, e.g., ridges and grooves provided on mating surfaces of the components confronting each other are brought into contact with one another to move the components of the instrument into mutual alignment. An alignment control member, e.g., a screw is preferably provided for progressively bringing the upper and lower components toward one another and an indicator such as a lamp, a dial indicator or an audible indicator is provided for denoting the spacing between the upper and lower components to thereby confirm the alignment of the tool holders.

Abstract: A punch press alignment instrument has upper and lower cylindrical components that are associated for vertical displacement relative to one another. Both components have outer tool holder engaging surfaces which are to be aligned with one another so as to in turn align the tool holders of the punch press when the upper and lower components themselves are in alignment. Alignment elements, e.g., ridges and grooves provided on mating surfaces of the components confronting each other are brought into contact with one another to move the components of the instrument into mutual alignment. An alignment control member, e.g., a screw is preferably provided for progressively bringing the upper and lower components toward one another and an indicator such as a lamp, a dial indicator or an audible indicator is provided for denoting the spacing between the upper and lower components to thereby confirm the alignment of the tool holders.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a punch with respect to a die in a powder press with the following steps: storing a reference measure in a computer corresponding to a predetermined relatively small distance of the punch to the upper edge or lower edge of the die, storing a reference offset in the computer by counting the pulses of an incremental path sensor actuated by the punch on raising the punch from the reference measure to an index pulse, measuring the position of the punch above the reference offset using an absolute path sensor which evaluates the path of the adjusting piston for the punch and whose readings are inputted into the computer, and inputting the pulses of the incremental path sensor into the computer as soon as the actual position of the punch is equal or smaller than the sum measure of the reference offset and the reference measure.

Abstract: A ball lock punch retainer system, including a punch, with a ball receiving grooved seat therein, a punch retainer body, a backing plate, a spring hole located in the retainer body, a ball positioned within said spring hole, a spring located in said spring hole, said spring generally acting to bias said ball into a locking engagement with said punch, an access hole located in the retainer body and communicating with the ball located in the spring hole, an elongated gage member which can be moved into and out of said access hole, one end of said gage member having a ball contact surface thereon, said gage member having a indicating area thereon with an upper end, a middle part, and a lower end, and the gage member being operative to determine when the ball lock is in proper position.

Abstract: A gauge for determining pertinent dimensions to which portions of die keeper pin assemblies are to be machined prior to insertion of the latter into a stamping die assembly. The gauge includes a body having a partial circular extension formed on one end thereof, a rod having one threaded end freely mounted through an axial passageway and threadedly connected to threads formed at the end thereof, a hole formed in the non-circular portion of the extension, a spring-loaded pin slip-fitted in the hole adapted to being secured in any axial position by threading the rod into engagement with the pin. The gauge is inserted through a passage formed through a wall of a stamping die body so as to position the pin in the path of a movable die pad, while the rod is out of contact with the pin. After the pad is caused to travel to its lowest position, urging the pin inwardly, the rod is threadedly extended into engagement with the pin to hold its depressed position.