FAQ

A: Too much clearance will create a burr which may not be acceptable.  If the clearance is too tight the process will require more tonnage, the punch and die will wear out prematurely, and it will require more force to strip the punch from the material.

A: There are several reasons for this condition. First, dull punches will cause the material to improperly fracture the material. This is evident by checking the burnished area on the slugs. This burnished area should be approximately 20 percent of the total material thickness.

 

 

A: As an example, let’s say you need to punch .875″ diameter holes in 3/16″ type 304 Stainless. The formula begins the same as for mild steel:

3.1416 x .875 (Dia. Of Hole) x .187 (Mat’l Thickness) x 25 = 12.8 Tons for mild steel

Because stainless steel has a higher shear strength, a multiplier factor of 1.40 is required.

12.8 (Tons for MS) x 1.4 (Multiplier for stainless) = 17.9 Ton per hole required.

A: The basic rule is to keep the upper arm components of Unittool tooling well lubricated and the frequency varies from each press environment.  An inspection of the moving components is recommended during and after a normal shift. Some materials such as hot rolled steel or galvanized steel that create scale when punched will require additional maintenance.  For daily operations, we recommend light machine oil – SAE 10 or equivalent. Lubricants that contain chemical driers are not recommended.

A: To prevent your part from distorting at the hole locations, Unittool recommends that the punched hole be located a minimum of 1½ to 2 times material thickness from the edge of the hole. The diagram shown here depicts what can be avoided when adhering to these guidelines.

A: This is the actual dimension added to the punch dimension based upon the type and material thickness of the material being punched.  For Unittool tooling, we refer to this as Total Die Clearance.  

A: Example: You need to punch a 7/8” diameter hole in 10 gauge mild steel. Convert the material gauge into decimals. 10 gauge steel = .1345”. Multiply .1345” X 20%. Answer = .027”. Add this to the punch size. Punch .8750” + .027” = .902” Total. The die size equals .902”.

A: The total height from the base of the Unittool holder to the top of the punch, with the unit in the normal closed position. See unit pages for individual operating specifications.

A: This is the measurable force that is required for punching and notching material.

A: First, you need to obtain the press specifications by locating the model number. Once you have determined the press tonnage, a guideline of 65% of the press tonnage is typically used for hole punching and notching applications. Example: You have a 50 ton press.  Multiply 50 tons X 65% = 32 ½ Tons Available for Punching. (Note: this percentage may change based upon the age and condition of the press equipment)

A: A series of punching units, part gauges and mounting components that when assembled becomes a flexible system to produce parts. Tooling and gauges can be repositioned as required. Unittool modular press tooling is available for heavy, medium and light gauge part producing applications.

A: Yes. Multiple operations are easily combined to eliminate separate processes. With the Unittool modular system, you can punch, notch, shear, form and blank complete parts with each press stroke.

Have our experienced team review your specific application.  We can help determine the best solution to produce your parts faster.

• Type of parts – e.g. Structural, Formed, Flat or Extrusion
• Type of material – Steel, Aluminum, Copper, etc.
• Material Thickness

The Unittool H-Series will punch heavy material up to ¾” thick. The M-series will punch up to 10 gauge mild steel and the L-series is designed for lighter gauge applications in both flat and formed parts.

A: The Unittool tooling system will operate in most down acting press brakes or punch presses. The types of parts that you will produce and the material thickness are the deciding factors in determining press designs. Contact the Unittool sales and engineering department for further assistance.

The orientation of the shape is the position of the shape in relation to the front of the punching unit.

For example, when ordering an obround punch, select whether Point X is at the front of the unit or the side of the unit, as shown below:

Point X at front of unit

Point X at side of unit

The guide has two slots at 0 and 90 degrees. The pin in the punch fits into one of these slots to orient the shape. Regardless of how you order the orientation of the shape (Point X at front of unit or Point X at side of unit), you can utilize either position.