
Punching equipment includes dies and punches from Unitool. Punches are instruments that are driven into a sheet of metal by a punch press to cleave precise holes. They are often formed from tool sheets or carbides.
The area surrounding the hole's perimeter is supported by a die that is situated on the sheet metal's reverse side. It guarantees a sharp edge.
Although these tools are mechanically controlled, there are a few handling techniques you need to get used to in order to maximize their performance and produce the finest possible outcomes. Below are some tips to maximize the efficiency of these tools.
Misalignment
Punching tool misalignment is a serious error with unavoidable consequences. Uneven shear, rollover, break, and burr are just a few of the issues that might arise when the punch and die are not symmetrical.
Misalignment will inevitably hinder clearance and result in serious issues with the tooling. Make sure the tools are well aligned to avoid such blunders.
Damaged or Loose Coupling Nuts
When we are working with tools, we need to be careful while fixing them. If the fixing is not done properly, then it may not produce the desired result and end up causing a blunder.
The same is true of punching tools. It is crucial to verify whether or not the tools are fixed correctly. For instance, if coupling nuts are loose, the punch and die tools will be not able to tremble or move while punching, which would cause uneven punching and material waste.
Proper Clearance
A suitable clearance must be obtained. To guarantee low rollover deformation and burr and clear, accurate holes, you must establish the proper clearance between the punch and the die.
The material may distort and be damaged by excessive clearance, which will also result in material rollover and burr. On the other hand, inadequate clearance will create tonnage-related wear and tear on the punch.
As a result, it is critical to strike a balance and achieve an appropriate clearance between the punch and die.
● For up to 1/2" thick, provide a space of 1/32".
● For materials up to 3/4" in thickness, provide 1/16" of clearance.
● Provide a 3/32" clearance for material thicknesses greater than 3/4".
Sharp Tool Edge Dressing
The impact of the minute imperfections between the tools and the sheet metal will assault one another. It is strongly advised to coat the newly sharpened edges of the instruments with an oil stone in order to prevent sharp edges from being knocked off.
It will resist flaking and stop the tool's sensitive corners from breaking. Therefore, dressing the tool's edges is an essential step that you must not omit.
Uneven Stripping
To avoid punch breaking, keep an eye on the stripper adjustment. When the machine does not hold the plate equally during the stroke, uneven stripping typically happens.
The whole weight of the plate is concentrated on one side or edge of the punch due to uneven stripping. This causes significant punch damage. Therefore, it's crucial to verify the stripper's consistency while using the instruments.
Conclusion
You can extend the life of unitool punches and dies by remembering the points mentioned above. The durability of Unitool punches and dies may be guaranteed. These punching tools will function at the highest level of efficiency and maintain their quality for many years.