UniPunch Know How.
The UniPunch Modular Tooling System is extensively implemented by product manufacturers and job shops to fabricate a variety of parts. Processes such as standard round and shape hole punching, countersinking, lancing and notching are very common in flat part production. Early on in our company history, formed parts being produced with UniPunch tooling fell primarily into the structural part category such as angles and channels. Over time, roll formed and brake formed parts, aluminum extrusions and molded non ferrous parts are being used to produce an onslaught of products manufactured.

The challenge for the UniPunch engineering staff was to provide viable solutions in producing holes in these now complex formed parts. Inserting extrusions into a C-frame tool holder required alternate methods for both feeding and gauging of these formed parts.

Part Analysis.
The first step is our review of part drawings or actual sample parts to determine what tool design would best fit the application. UniPunch has implemented CAD design software to not only speed the pre-engineering process but to accurately determine the best solutions to effectively produce holes in your parts. Custom alterations to pedestal dies, block dies, punch guides and holders are performed in order to properly locate formed parts and hole locations within the UniPunch units. Material handling for press operator safety is a primary concern.

Final Design.
The creation of a tooling system and solutions for fabricating formed parts has helped manufacturers in succeeding and winning more jobs. Our customers have come to rely on our expertise in design and quality that is synonymous with the UniPunch brand name.

The profiled unit shown below is an example of what our engineering staff has designed to accommodate this complex aluminum extrusion. The challenge was to produce a series of 2 inch obround holes in the web of this part. Modifying the upper arm of our standard A-3 ½ unit and a solid block die with a gauging surface offered an alternative to total custom tooling. Operating in a standard press brake, the parts were end fed into the units to punch straight line holes in multiple length parts. A mounting template provided the tooling locations for part variations.

Feed Clearance Units.
In addition to modifying UniPunch tooling to accept formed parts, a series of three A-series tools are available for punching formed parts. The FCU units, shown in detail on our catalog page 35, are designed with 1 1/4” part feed clearance. Available for both round and shaped holes up to .875” diameter, these semi-standard units feature extra wide feed opening to allow ‘front feeding’ of channels, aluminum extrusions and other formed parts.

Insert photo shows front loading of brake formed part