Creating Hinges in a Punching Machine A hinge is an example of a more complex form that can be processed in a punch press without difficulty. With today’s machine technology, like punch presses with stroke control, hinges no longer need to be a headache to produce. By using a hinged tool on the punch press, fabricators can form many different types of knuckles with varying lengths and diameters. Metal enclosures and similar cabinetry that require hinges can be fabricated with integral hinge knuckles.

Metal fabricators are constantly looking for shop floor efficiencies, and as a result, they need to be open to technologies and processes that they may not have considered before. That’s where panel benders come in. They can produce bends, like a press brake, but they often can do it more efficiently and without the requirement of having a skilled machine operator at the helm.

Punch Cycle Earlier turret punch presses had a fixed, single-stroke cycle that moved from top dead center to bottom dead center and back to the top. In new machines, the stroke can be started and stopped anyplace in that cycle, which increases the hits per minute (HPM) with less travel in the stroke. Stroke speed also can be controlled, which allows time for the material to flow, as in the case of a forming operation.

A die set for punching in a press brake is a long, narrow affair that is relatively expensive and can become obsolete if the part is no longer required. That is why fabricators who need a line of holes use modular press tooling, such as C‑frame tooling mounted in a press brake that was either purchased for punching or was repurposed from bending and forming. And with the modern emphasis on producing small lots frequently, more fabricators are focusing on the quick changeover from part to part.

For added versatility, consider adding a laser. Combining laser cutting and punching operations on one machine reduce setup time and expand capability. The laser can process complex part contours impossible to produce using conventional punches and dies, while the punch press can more quickly handle parts with interior holes or forming requirements.

Global industry analysis company recently released a report in the machine tool: global strategic business report pointed out that, during 2001 ~ 2010, the world machine tool market is expected to maintain comprehensive annual growth rate of 7.20%, and the size of the market to more than $68.8 billi