A punch press can be a valuable addition to your production line, even if the necessary holes can be punched manually into the metal material. Though they can substantially improve productivity and streamline your processes, it is important to ensure that only trained employees are operating a punch press, as they produce a substantial amount of pressure and force to operate efficiently. We offer customizable punch presses that are available with an array of safety features to prevent injury during the operation of a punch press.
What a Punch Press Does
A punch press is often used to cut circular holes into metal pieces. They provide clean cuts and can have customized dies to create specific parts. Punch presses are often used to create parts that are used in appliances, electrical outlets, and other similar applications. A punch press works by creating pressure on a metal sheet. They can be used to bend, form, shear, and pierce various components. Some types of punch presses use a hand lever to operate, while others use electricity and hydraulics in order to operate.
Different Types of Punch Presses
There are multiple types of punch presses. The ideal type of punch press for your business will depend primarily on the necessary use. Smaller, mechanical punch presses are available for lower volumes of production. These machines are often less expensive, though they often only come with a single die set. Larger machines are also available for high volumes of production. These machines can come with multiple die sets to further expand their capabilities. A punch press requires a matching die set in order to work appropriately. If there is only a single die set, the machine will only be able to produce one specific part. The two main types of punch presses are C-frame punch presses and straight-side punch presses.
C-Frame
A C-frame punch press, also known as a gap-frame punch press, is one type of punch press. This punch press is named based on the way the body of the press is shaped. With these machines, the body wraps around the area of operation, forming a C-shape around the bolster plate. This provides 3 access points to the die, which can make it easier to adjust the die set and commence operations. They are also less expensive than most straight-side punch presses. However, the body construction will inevitably result in a slight misalignment. This can cause expensive repair costs to ensure that the machine is able to operate effectively.
Straight-Side
Straight-side press punches are formed with a straight edged body. These press punches only have 2 access points to the die, which can make it more difficult to change out the die and operate the machine. These machines are often more expensive than C-frame machines, but they don’t have the same misalignment issues. As a result, they tend to be more accurate, which helps when a punch press needs to provide incredibly precise punches.
Power Sources for Punch Presses
The power source for a punch press will ultimately impact how the punch press operates. There are two main ways in which a punch press operates. These are both mechanical and hydraulic punch presses. As with most things, either alternative will have its advantages and disadvantages. Understanding the differences can help you to determine the ideal power source for the punch press of your business. The appropriate power source can minimize your production expenses and improve the overall quality of your product.
Mechanical
Mechanical punch presses generate their power mechanically. The mechanical components of the machine serve to provide the necessary pressure to perform the machine’s operation. These machines are often capable of operating more quickly. They are ideal for higher production volumes. They provide high efficiency and tend to produce consistent results.
Hydraulic
As with all hydraulic machines, hydraulic punch presses are operated with the use of pressurized hydraulic fluid. They require less movement in order to provide equal amounts of pressure, which can make them more effective for machines that aren’t particularly tall. These machines result in better forming. They are also generally better for smaller runs, though they can provide complex parts rather easily.
CNC Punch Press
CNC stands for computer numerical controlled. There are many CNC machines, including a CNC punch press. A CNC punch press tends to be larger and more complex than manually operated 
machines, which often expands their production capability. These machines are semi-automated, which can go a long way toward streamlining production. Though some human intervention will still be required in order to operate the punch press, the machine can be programmed to function automatically. This capability can enhance productivity, while simultaneously minimizing related expenses. There are a multitude of benefits from obtaining a CNC punch press for your company.
Why Choose Sanson Machinery?
Here at Sanson Machinery, we have many options available for punch presses that can aid in your company’s production capabilities. We have everything from small, manually operated punch presses to larger automated CNC punch presses. The best punch press for your company will depend primarily on your metal working applications. We are able to provide a multitude of customizations to punch press machines to ensure that you can obtain the punch press that works best for your needs. These can help to provide you with additional safety features or various die sets to meet all of your needs.
Our experts can help you to decide on the punch press that will be most beneficial for your company and its operations. We provide an array of machine related services to enhance your productivity and streamline your operations. Every machine will require regular maintenance and repairs to ensure that they continue to function effectively and as intended. We offer all of the services necessary to keep your machines in superior condition. We are also capable of providing you with a broad array of machinery that enhances the quality and effectiveness of your production. To learn more about the various application of punch presses and what type of punch press will be ideal for your needs, contact us at Sanson Machinery today!