Sheet Metal Punching

The GrayTech sheet metal punching option provides many features to process a wide variety of parts with NC-controlled punch presses.

TOOL SHAPES

Features: The GrayTech NC punching option allows you to select from a variety of punch shapes, including circular, rectangular, square, slitting, fillet, D-type, double-D, and obround. Additionally, punches for louver or bend operations can be created as special user-defined tools.

Benefits: Having the ability to select from several punch shapes allows the most effective use of machine time and tooling.

PUNCHING FUNCTIONS

Features: The NC punching option provides a wide variety of punching methods that allow comprehensive part processing.

• Single hits allow individual hole locations to be punched. Also, arrays of holes can be defined and punched automatically as a group.
• Special corner hitting functions allow each corner to be treated in a specific way. Single hits can be specified at the intersection of curves in a corner area.
• Automatic nibbling functions allow you to select a geometry curve group and punch the part along the curves at an incremental step distance controlled by the cutting tolerance.
• The punching system provides automatic area clearance cutout operations that remove all material within a closed boundary.
• Bridges can be specified to hold internal regions in place while other operations are being performed. This precaution prevents loose pieces from interfering with the punching sequence.

Benefits: All punching jobs can be processed using the variety of punching generation and simulation features. You have the control and flexibility you need to punch parts in a cost-effective manner.

AUTOMATIC PUNCHING OPTIMIZATION

Features: Special bandwidth optimizing functions generate efficient single-hit or pattern array punching output automatically. You select the locations to be punched and choose the optimizing scheme. The NC punching system reorders the punching locations to produce the most efficient machine motion.

Benefits: Automatic punch optimization saves valuable machining time and thereby reduces production costs.

COLOR DISPLAY AND ANIMATION AIDS

Features: During display of NC punching data with the NC tool path editor, each punch location is highlighted and color coded. As the punch cuts along the part, each hit is displayed in alternating colors to show the complete effect of the punching sequence. You can see the actual shape of the part being punched and view the operation as the punching sequence progresses.

Benefits: NC program data are verified in minutes instead of hours. The data are delivered to the shop with greater reliability because they can be verified completely before production begins.