UniPunch unitized tooling is affordable, effective and versatile.  The variety of mounting methods available to manufacturers and job shops contributes to the overall ease of UniPunch tooling setup and accuracy. 

UniPunch offers five mounting systems that meet your specific needs whether it is faster setup, straight line punching, prototypes and short runs, all purpose, and maximum accuracy.  Choosing the best method for you will depend on the worksheet size or part shape, the hole pattern locations, and the accuracy required.

Faster Set-up - Mounting Template
Straight Line Punching - Bed Rail with Strip Template
Prototypes & Short Runs - Bed Rail with Unispacers
All Purpose - Thin Template
Maximum Accuracy - Thin Template Over Die Button

Faster Set-Up - Mounting Template Method
Using a mounting template—with the part and tooling data marked right on it—is the most prevalent method for positioning unitized tooling components in a setup and can be used as dedicated tooling or shared tooling.  Fast assembly done away from the press, so work on the press continues, is the main reason for this mounting method’s popularity.  Once assembled, the template installs quickly into the press.  An advantage to this method is the ability to make identical parts consistently.  Part print tolerance accuracy expected is ± 1/64” (.015”) (.38mm).  For presses and press brakes.

Straight Line Punching - Bed Rail with Strip Template Method
This mounting method is the easiest and most cost effective for making long lines of holes or straight line punching.  A typical strip template is ½” (12.7mm) thick and 4 ½” (114.3mm) wide by the required length that fits into the recess of the bed rail.  A pilot pin in the base of each unit assures accurate positioning of the punched holes.  Strip templates are for punching the edge of sheets, angle iron and extrusions.  Part print tolerance accuracy expected is ± 1/64” (.015”) (.38mm).  For press brakes.

Prototypes & Short Runs - Bed Rail and Unispacers Method
Best for prototype or short run, straight line punching applications, this mounting method uses unispacers mounted in the recess of a bed rail.  Set up is fast and easy and can be done away from the press, so work on the press continues.  Quick setup and relocation of holes makes this a popular mounting method.  Unispacer fits into bed rail recess and has two .376” diameter holes on one side to accept unit pilot pins and .376” slot on opposite side for unit front to back adjustment.  For press brakes.

All Purpose - Thin Template Method
Another method for positioning the hole punching units is the thin template located under the components.  This is a great all-purpose method for the press operator who reuses the same unitized tooling for different jobs.  A thin template has locating holes for the pilot pins.  It also has clearance holes through which the hold-down bolts secure the holders themselves.  Thin templates are used with T slot plates or Universal base plates and users often make the thin template on one of their CNC turrets.  Its light weight makes it easy to handle and store, usually 12 gauge (.104”)(2.64mm) to 10 gauge (.134”)(3.40mm) CRS.  For presses and press brakes.

Maximum Accuracy - Thin Template Over Die Method
The thin template over die method is the most accurate method of using UniPunch unitized tooling available.  It uses dies for locating the holders.  The units are positioned with a thin template over the die button and the units are secured to a T slot plate or a Universal base plate.  Users often make the thin template on one of their CNC turrets.  A template made from 12 gauge (.104”)(2.64mm) to 10 gauge (.134”)(3.40mm) CRS with locating holes slip fit to outside diameters of die buttons.  The template is then placed over the die buttons providing hole-to-hole part print accuracy of ± .005” (.13mm).  For presses and press brakes.