Abstract: Modular die set includes upper die shoe; lower die shoe, which has a first length, width, and thickness, and which is provided with an opening spanning a substantial, extensive portion of the first length and width of the lower die shoe, such that material can pass freely through the opening the first thickness of the lower die shoe and pass through the lower die shoe; and set of plural movable supports, which can be closely spaced or spaced apart in relation to one another, which can be selected and stationed to support a tooling subassembly and avoid any hole(s) in a lower tooling plate of the tooling subassembly such that scrap and/or parts to fall through the hole(s) can fall through the opening of the lower die shoe. The modular die can be mounted within a press, and parts made therewith.

Abstract: A punch press provided with a punch and die set taking-out/taking-in apparatus 291; a punch taking-out/taking-in arm 367 for performing taking-out/taking-in of a punch P; and a die taking-out/taking-in arm 369 for performing taking-out/taking-in of a die D, wherein taking-out/taking-in of many punches P, dies D accommodated in a punch and die set accommodating portion 282 of a rack 283 is performed by pivoting a punch holding arm 279 which holds a punch P and a die holding arm 281 which holds a die D in a punch and die set exchanging apparatus 23 forward or backward; and delivery of a die is performed between the punch and die set taking-out/taking-in apparatus 291 and the punch and die set exchanging apparatus 23.

Abstract: A die adaptor system includes a lower adaptor including a first press adaptor plate and a lower binder plate. The lower forming plate has a raised upwardly facing contact surface that is encircled by the lower binder plate. The die adaptor system also includes an upper adaptor having an upper forming plate and an upper binder plate. The upper forming plate has a raised downwardly facing contact surface that is encircled by the upper binder plate. A tool package is formed when the upper and lower adaptors are abuttingly engaged along the downwardly and upwardly facing contact surfaces. The tool package can be removed from the press and a new or different tool package can be inserted. A rack and pinion lift mechanism is integrated below the lower adaptor, to allow the tool package to be raised to a height high enough for removal from the press machine.

Abstract: The emboss module of the present invention provides for automatic die and bolster conversion. The emboss module includes a frame, a die changer sub-assembly and a bolster sub-assembly. The die changer sub-assembly includes rotatable die changers for automatically registering dies therein, and the bolster sub-assembly includes counters and panels for receiving the sheet of material and the die. Both the die changer and bolster sub-assemblies are adapted for use with emboss and foil dies and counters. Accordingly, a more efficient and scalable emboss system and method for automatically changing dies and bolsters is described herein.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a plastic stringline cutter apparatus is provided which includes a base, an upright stand, and a faceplate that permanently connects unitary through which a slot with an oval acclivity or syncline is provided which accepts a ratchet paddleblade with a connecting handle that mounts springable, releasable and reversible in a unitary slot. In one embodiment the paddleblade with connecting handle which is manually springable operative has a plurality of incurvate xyresic edges, typically two, one upper and one lower.

Abstract: In apparatus for the placement and alignment of punch knives mounted in a knife holder on a punch press, a first swivel arm is pivotally supported at one end on a support for pivotal movement about a vertical axis. A second swivel arm is supported on the other end of the first swivel arm. The second swivel arm is a double-armed parallelogram member pivotally movable about a vertical axis and about horizontal axes at each of the opposite ends. A knife holder is pivotally connected to the parallelogram member at the opposite end from the first swivel arm. Due to the pivotal support of the two swivel arms and the pivotal connection of the knife holder, the knife holder can be moved along horizontal and vertical coordinates. A return member is associated with the second swivel arm for returning it into the horizontal position after the completion of a punching operation.

Abstract: There is provided an improvement in an apparatus for cutting a profile of a selected shape from a natural sheet material at a given location, which apparatus comprises a cutting platen having an upper generally flat cutting surface and a lower generally flat support surface. The platen is movable to the desired position relative to a cutter which moves along an axis downwardly against the cutting surface to cut the preselected shape from the natural material. In accordance with the improvement, there is provided a fixed anvil having a flat force reaction surface parallel to and facing the supporting surface of the platen so that the cutting action is against the anvil. The anvil can also form the structure for supporting the platen as it is moved into the cutting position.

Abstract: A die press for performing operations on material includes a planar support upon which material is placed and a pressure member movable toward and away from the support. Means for moving the pressure member are provided as well as means for controlling the pressure member moving means. A die carriage upon which a die is mounted is situated between the pressure member and the support and is movable relative to the support in first, second and third directions, one of which is the direction of movement of the pressure member. The linkage for mounting the die carriage maintains the die carriage in the plane of the support throughout the movement thereof. For safety purposes the control means is situated on the die carriage at a portion thereof remote from the path of movement of the pressure member. Preferably, the control means includes a pair of switches which require simultaneous activation in order to energize the pressure member moving means.