Abstract: There is provided a punching device including: a die member having a plurality of die holes formed therein; a plurality of punch members which are caused to advance into the die holes to punch holes in a member to be punched; an operating member having cam portions formed along a direction intersecting the direction of advancement of the punch members, the operating member being moved along the direction intersecting the direction of advancement of the punch members to cause by a conversion function of the cam portions the punch members to advance into the die holes; and a drive unit for selectively causing advancement of the plurality of punch members by changing the direction of movement of the operating member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for press-cutting selected patterns in a workpiece. The apparatus includes a plurality of dies and at least one punch element associated with each die. A plurality of backing plates are provided to drive the punch elements against the workpiece when the backing plates are positioned in the operative position. A press-cutting pattern selector selectively positions the backing plates in the operative position or an inoperative position depending upon the pattern to be press-cut.