Press punch machine is one the most popular names in the manufacturing industry. It is widely used in the manufacturing sector. It has eased the process of creating massive amounts of identical holes with premium quality precision.
Punching is a forming process that uses a punch press to force a tool, called a punch, through the piecework to create a hole.
A scrap slug from the hole is deposited into the die in the process. Depending on the material being punched this slug may be recycled and reused or discarded.
As the process entirely depends on the two major components of punching machines, that is, die and punch, it is essential to ensure their longevity. Maintaining their quality is vital to yield best quality results.
But the prominent question is how we can ensure their longevity. Don’t worry, we are here to guide in this context. Below are a few tips to help you in maintaining the components of your press punch machine and ensuring their durability.
Tips to ensure durability of the press punch machine
1. Ensuring proper alignment of die and punch
Maintaining proper alignment between the die and punch during the punching process is of utmost importance. It will ensure that there is no tearing in the process.
Ideally the tool should be guided over its full stroke to prevent deflection. A good stripper system helps a lot in this regard. It will ensure you best quality holes with minimal to zero wastage.
2. Clearance must be kept under check
Die clearance is the distance between the punch cutting edge and the die button cutting edge. It is commonly referred to as clearance per side, and is expressed as a percentage of stock thickness.
To attain this clearance between the die and the punch, it is essential to understand the concept of clearance. Too much or too less clearance, both can dilute the quality of the final output.
Thus, it is essential to maintain the exact clearance between the die and punch.
For instance, stainless needs a clearance of up to 20% of material thickness while the figure for copper is 12- 16%. Mild steel and aluminum are between these two.
3. Take care of the lubrication
Lubrication is nothing but the heat generation as an aftermath of the friction between punch and die during the punching process. It can adversely impact the working capability of the tools.
Furthermore, it can lead to reduction in the clearance and sharpness of the tools owing to galling. Thus, it is essential to keep it under surveillance.
A punch lubrication system is the best answer to the hurdle of lubrication. It is essential to address this issue to ensure the desired results.
4. Keep the sharpness of tools intact
Repeated use rounds the edges of the punch. This increases the force needed to push through and creates larger burrs. It is essential to keep the sharpness of tools intact so as to make them work for years down the lane.
They will yield the best result if they will work with best of their caliber and thus, it is vital to ensure their optimum maintenance.
Moreover, you can go for a thin layer of gold-colored titanium nitride (TiN) or blue-gray titanium carbonitride (TiCN) as it reduces friction and wear.
Summary
Press punch machine is a
blessing for the manufacturing industry. To make the best use of it and to
ensure its durability, it is essential to abide by all the above mentioned
tips. As it is essential to provide premium quality products to the clients
otherwise it can cost you your company’s reputation.
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