Development Trend of CNC Turret Punch Press
CNC turret punch press is an important category of CNC machine tools. It is mainly composed of control system, main transmission system, feeding system, turntable, mold and peripheral programming software. It is a high-speed, precise and flexible processing equipment integrating machinery, electricity, liquid and gas, which can perform punching and other forming processing on sheet materials.
1. Classification and Characteristics of CNC Turret Punch Press
According to the power source of the main transmission, CNC turret punch press can be divided into the following three categories:
Types of CNC Turret Punch Press
| Type | Power Source | Characteristics | Market Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | Mechanical drive | Single motion characteristic, narrow processing range, low stamping frequency, high noise, easy wear, low service life | Basically eliminated |
| Hydraulic | Hydraulic cylinder | Expanded stamping processability, increased stamping frequency, reduced noise, but has oil pollution, high power consumption, poor environmental tolerance | Previously mainstream |
| Fully Electric Servo | Servo motors | High precision, efficiency, intelligence, environmentally friendly | Current industry mainstream |
Advantages of Fully Electric Servo Main Drive:
Good versatility and high degree of intelligence
- Motion curve is not just a sine curve but can be optimized according to process requirements
- Greatly improves processing performance and expands processing range
High precision
- Encoder feedback creates semi-closed loop control
- Bottom dead point accuracy controlled within ±0.05mm
High production efficiency
- Adjustable punch stroke according to different processing techniques
- Requires only a swing angle rather than complete 360° rotation
- Significantly shortens cycle time
Energy saving and environmental protection
- Motor rotates only when the punch moves
- Significant energy savings
Low vibration and noise
- Reduced movement speed when upper die contacts plate
- Noise reduction of 8-12dB compared to traditional mechanical and hydraulic models
2. Main Forms of Servo Drive Structures
Currently, there are three main forms of mainstream servo main drive structures. These three forms of mechanisms are mature in technology, each with its own characteristics, and all occupy a large market share.
| Drive Structure | Representative Model | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Dual-motor-driven crank slider | AMADA EM2510NT | Symmetrical arrangement, compact, small volume, sufficient torque, high stamping frequency |
| Crank toggle mechanism | MURATEC MOTORUM-2048LT | Complex structure, unique force-increasing characteristics, reduced load torque, higher stamping frequency |
| Single water-cooled servo motor crank slider | Jiangsu Yangli EP/H series | Strong continuous load capacity, no synchronous control, high reliability, better stability, high cost performance |
3. Typical Processing Technology of CNC Turret Punching Machine
The typical processing technology of CNC turret punching machine mainly includes punching and forming.
1) Punching Process
The punching process is also called the material separation process, which refers to cutting along closed or non-closed contour lines under external force to separate processed materials. Punching can directly produce finished parts or prepare blanks for subsequent processes.
Punching Methods:
| Method | Description | Applications/Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Single punching | Standard punching operation | Straight line, arc, circumferential, grid hole distributions |
| Continuous punching in same direction | Partially overlapping rectangular molds | Long holes, trimming; risk of eccentric load causing deformation |
| Multi-directional continuous punching | Small mold for processing large holes | Requires rotation to different angles; increases machine flexibility |
| Punching and stamping | Small round mold for arcs/spline curves | Lower contour accuracy and cross-section quality; reduced efficiency |
2) Forming Process
The forming process involves plastic deformation where stress exceeds the material’s yield point to obtain specific shapes and sizes.
Forming Methods:
| Method | Description | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Single forming | Shallow drawing according to mold shape | “Rigid” processing; one-to-one correspondence with features |
| Continuous forming | Forming method larger than mold size | Used for large-size blinds, rolling ribs, rolling steps |
The sheet metal forming process is affected by multiple factors (material properties, sheet thickness, temperature, speed) and involves complex mechanics including elastic deformation, plastic deformation, work hardening, and material anisotropy. Finite element analysis has become essential for simulating and optimizing these processes.
4. Development Trend of CNC Turret Punch Press
1) Automation and Intelligence
Automatic loading and unloading systems
- Integration with automated production lines
- Unmanned operation throughout the process
Intelligent detection and correction
- Automatic deviation detection during processing
- Real-time adjustments for improved accuracy
Data acquisition and analysis
- Equipment status monitoring and preventive maintenance
- Process optimization through big data analytics
2) Improvement of Processing Accuracy and Speed
Higher stamping accuracy
- More precise CNC systems and servo drive technologies
- Advanced servo motor technology
Faster processing speed
- High-efficiency motors and drive systems
- Improved stamping modules for efficient material cutting
3) Multifunctional and Composite Processing
Compound function modules
- Integration of laser cutting, sheet bending capabilities
- Multi-process equipment for improved efficiency
Laser and punching integration technology
- Combined technologies for complex tasks
- Shortened processing cycles
4) Green, Environmental Protection and Energy Saving
Energy efficiency optimization
- More efficient motors and drive systems
- Reduced energy consumption
Reducing waste
- Precise control and optimized cutting paths
- Improved material utilization rates
Low noise design
- Improved mechanical structure and materials
- Compliance with environmental and noise regulations
5) Intelligent Programming and Cloud Control
Intelligent programming software
- Automated path generation and optimization
- Reduced manual intervention
Cloud control and remote monitoring
- Real-time equipment monitoring
- Remote diagnostics and maintenance
6) Miniaturization and Flexibility
Compact design
- Adaptation to limited production spaces
- Rational use of factory floor space
Modular design
- Flexible configuration based on user requirements
- Improved production adaptability
7) Enhanced Material Adaptability
Multi-material processing capabilities
- Processing of high-strength steel, aluminum, copper, plastics
- Expanded application range
Thick plate processing
- Improved capability for processing hard materials
- Advanced high-strength steel processing
8) High Cost Performance and Strong Popularity
- Continuously improving cost-to-performance ratio
- Increased accessibility for small and medium-sized enterprises
