The Role of Sheet Metal Punches in Precision Fabrication
In our previous articles, we’ve explored various parts of KMK’s fabrication shop. Today we’re taking a closer look at our turret presses and our capabilities in sheet metal punching. Turret presses are CNC controlled and punch very particular shapes or holes in metal sheets using punch tooling.
The Basics of Sheet Metal Punching
Sheet metal punching starts with creating the CAM instructions from the customer’s drawings, which will then be used to guide the turret as it punches the part. At KMK, we use a variety of tooling shapes in our turrets, such as round, square, rectangle, obround, embosses, electrical knockouts, and lance and form. After operations, we also recycle any metal scrap that results from punching.
Turret Sheet Metal Punches–Efficiency in Complexity
There are many different types of equipment for sheet metal punches, but KMK prefers to rely on our turret presses. Turrets can hold multiple punch and die sets and rotate them in order to position the tools for each stroke. If tools need changed, they can be changed quickly and easily, reducing downtime between each change. Turrets are excellent for production runs with various different designs, and for projects that require complex, multi-shaped punches, as they can make a wide range of different shapes, sizes, notches, and mounting holes.
Most turret presses are guided through CNC, with each rotation and punch dictated through CAM directions for high accuracy. Using the various equipped tools, turrets can also make complicated shapes without the need for specialized tooling that other machines would require, albeit with more strokes. This way, turrets offer a much quicker and more efficient way to accommodate more complex designs than heavier press types.
Sheet Metal Punching at KMK
KMK has two Amada EMK 3610 turrets and Amada Pega 357 that we use to shape carbon and galvanized steel, aluminum, and stainless steel sheets up 60” x 120”, and as thick as 12 gauge. The Amada brand is a well known and reliable one, and we’ve invested in other Amada machines as well to round out our fabrication shop.
If you’re interested in working with KMK, head over to our website to learn more about our full range of sheet metal, tube, and wire fabrication services, and request a quote on your next project.
