When you’re exploring ways to streamline metal fabrication, understanding punching machine classification can make all the difference. In this article, I’ll walk you through the core categories of punching machines, explain how each type operates, and help you determine which classification best aligns with your production goals. Whether you need ultra-high speed for mass production or the flexibility to handle custom shapes, this guide will give you the insights you need to choose the right punching solution.

How the Punch Works

The design principle of the poinçonneuse is to convert the circular motion into linear motion, Powered by the main motor to drive the flywheel, drive the gear, crankshaft (or eccentric gear) through the clutch, Connecting rods, etc. To achieve the linear motion of the slider, the motion from the main motor to the connecting rod is a circular motion. There is a need for a circular motion and a linear motion transfer point between the connecting rod and the slider, There are roughly two kinds of designs, one is a spherical type, and the other is a pin type (cylindrical type), through which the circular motion is converted into a linear motion.

Le punch presses the material to plastically deform it to obtain the required shape and precision. Therefore, it is necessary to match a set of molds (separating the upper mold and the lower mold), placing the material between them, and applying pressure to the machine to deform it. The reaction force caused by the force applied to the material during processing is attracted by the poinçonneuse body.

Punching Machine Classification

1. Classification by Power Source

(1) Mechanical punch

Mechanical presses use a crankshaft or flywheel to generate high punching forces at impressive speeds. These machines excel where consistent, repetitive hole patterns are needed—think automotive stamping or high-volume bracket production. If you require up to 100 strokes per minute and precise stroke repeatability, a mechanical punching machine classification might be your best fit.

(2) Hydraulic punch

Hydraulic presses rely on fluid power to deliver controlled punching force throughout the ram stroke. This classification is ideal for thicker materials or varying stroke depths, since hydraulic systems maintain full tonnage at any point in the cycle. I recommend a hydraulic punching machine classification when you need flexibility for both deep drawing and punching tasks on heavy-gauge steel.

(3) Pneumatic and Electro-Mechanical Systems

Pneumatic presses are driven by compressed air for light punching tasks, while electro-mechanical (E-press) systems combine electric motors and mechanical linkages. These classifications suit medium-volume shops where energy savings and lower noise levels are priorities.

2. Classification by Frame Structure

According to the type of fuselage, there are two types: (1) open-back type C (2) straight-column H-type fuselage. At present, the punches used by general stampers are mostly C-type, especially small punches (150 tons). The following is the most, and the mainframe is the mostly straight type (H type).

(1) C-type punch

Because the fuselage is not symmetrical, the reaction force during punching will cause deformation of the front and rear openings of the fuselage, resulting in deterioration of the parallelism of the mold, which is the biggest disadvantage. Therefore, it is generally used at about 50% of the nominal pressure, but the operation is good. The mold is close to the good, easy to change the mold and other favorable factors, and is still widely loved, and the price of the machine is relatively cheap, which is the mainstream of the current stamping machinery.

(2) Straight column punch

The straight-column machine tool is symmetrical because it is symmetrical, and it can withstand the eccentric load during operation. However, the proximity of the mold during operation is poor. Generally, the main machine uses more than 300 tons of punches and has an integrated body and three. Two types of segmental body.

(3)Turret Punch Presses

A turret punch press features a rotating tool magazine—under the punching machine classification umbrella, it stands out for rapid tool indexing and multi-operation capabilities. This type shines in job shops where mixed forming, nibbling, and punching happen on the same sheet.

3. Classified by slider drive mechanism

(1) Crankshaft punch:

A punch using a crank mechanism is called a crank press, and most mechanical presses use this mechanism. The reason for using the most crankshaft mechanism is that it is easy to manufacture, and the position of the lower end of the stroke and the motion curve of the slider can be correctly determined for various processing. Therefore, this type of stamping is suitable for punching, bending, stretching, hot forging, warm forging, cold forging, and almost all other punching operations.

(2) Crankless punch:

The cranks punch is also called the eccentric gear punch, and the second is the eccentric gear punch. The comparison between the function of the crankshaft punch and the eccentric gear punch. The eccentric gear-type punching structure is superior to the crankshaft structure in terms of shaft rigidity, lubrication, appearance, maintenance, etc. The disadvantage is that the price is higher, and the eccentric gear-type punching machine is more advantageous when the stroke is longer, and the stroke of the punching-cutting machine is shorter. In the case of a crank press, it is preferred. Therefore, the minicomputer and the punching press for high-speed punching are also in the field of crank presses.

(3) Toggle punch:

The use of a toggle mechanism on a slider drive is known as a toggle press. This punch has a slider speed near the bottom dead center that becomes very slow, a unique slider motion curve, and also correctly determines the dead center position below the stroke. Therefore, the press is suitable for compression processing such as imprint processing and finishing and is now the most used for cold forging.

(4) Friction press:

A punch press that uses a friction drive and a screw mechanism on a rail drive are called a friction press.

(5)Spiral punch:

The use of a screw mechanism on a slider drive mechanism is referred to as a spiral press.

(6)Rack punch:

The use of a rack and pinion mechanism on a slider drive mechanism is referred to as a rack-type punch. The spiral press has almost the same characteristics as a rack-type punch, and its characteristics are substantially the same as those of a hydraulic press. However, it has now been replaced by a hydraulic press, and will not be used unless it is exceptionally special.

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Conclusion

By examining punching machine classification across power source, control system, frame structure, and automation level, you can pinpoint the ideal press for your operations—whether that’s a high-speed mechanical CNC model or a versatile hydraulic turret press. If you’d like personalized advice or a live demonstration of any classification, feel free to contact our HARSLE experts today.