FACE TO FACE
The punching factor
Boschert ’ s Compact EVO punching machine offers stepless 360-degree rotation of all tools up to 105mm diameter , using brushless DC motors and pneumatic indexing of Revotools . The seven-way Revotool was especially built for this model .
“ In addition to six tools with a diameter of 16mm each , with a slitting tool of 5 x 30mm it is possible to punch nearly every contour , allowing complete processing of the sheet without changing tools ,” explained Boschert .
An L-sheet is provided with all machines for working very small pieces and pre-bent parts . Automatic tool lubrication increases tool life when nibbling stainless steel ( VA ) and decreases edge burrs in aluminium . Repositioning can be done up to 10 metres , as well as clamp movement , without contacting the sheet . The machine features two robust clamps for sheets up to 200kg ( expandable to four clamps ). Standard capacity is up to 7mm or 12.7mm when required . Programmable repositioning of the clamps is also available for faster set-up of the machine .
Other features include vacuum slug removal ; nibbling up to 800 strokes / min . with integrated oil cooling ; tapping and drilling attachment for threads M3 up to M12 and smaller drilled holes in thicker sheets as well as marking apparatus for marking parts in ten different fonts .
Boschert ’ s new Multipunch machine offers precision punching , nibbling and forming in one heavy-duty-machine . Sheet panels can measure 1250 x 2500mm ( 4mm stainless steel , 6mm mild steel or 8mm aluminium ).
“ Many customers would like to process all their metal sheets in one working cycle so the Multipunch features a new tooling system with eight stations for TRUMPF tooling . With stepless indexable tools , it offers a total of 64 tools which is more than enough for most sheet-metalworking operations . It is possible to pre-adjust tooling for different sheets or for partial sheets ,” explained Boschert .
“ The combination of simple and rapid sheet-metal part handling , as well as splitsecond tool change , reduces non-productive downtime to a minimum and enables longer machine useful life . Programming and handling of the machine is very easy . The Multipunch is equipped with an automatic small parts chute for sheets of up to 300 x 200mm . Tool set-up is easy via changeable cassettes . Automatic tool lubrication and vacuum slug removal means that nothing gets in the way of continuous sheet-metal part production ,” it added .
“ Nevertheless ,” Manuel Lang told ISMR , “ forming and embossing are still required in sheet metal processing , which is why we have developed our laser punching Combi machine ,”
The trend in manufacturing is to make components that are lighter in weight , use less
The CombiLaser punch laser system .
Below : A copper workpiece machined on Boschert ’ s CU-FLEX machining centre .
material , conserve resources and integrate functionality . Customers are therefore working with thinner sheet structures . Boschert has expanded its successful “ Combi ” series of machines to include fibre laser . The CombiLaser laser punching series is available with working ranges from 1000 x 2000mm to 1500 x 3000mm . Customers can now produce complex parts on a single machine without repositioning .
Multipunch 4020 deliveries
“ Last year , we delivered Multipunch 4020 machines to customers , who process large sheet sizes , in The Netherlands , Switzerland and Germany . These customers are generally involved in the construction market for cladding / swimming pool fabrication ,” Manuel Lang told ISMR .
One such customer is Swiss subcontractor HMH Hungerbühler GmbH who was looking for a die-cutting machine to process sheet metal in XXL or super format quickly , easily and economically . Hungerbühler mainly processes stainless steel but also aluminium , some brass and copper . The company turns around 2,000 tons of material per year . It specialises in large parts of up to six metres .
After consulting with Boschert , it placed an order for a customised punching machine that could process super-format sheet metal ( which became the Multipunch 4020 ). The machine can punch , nibble , shape or mark sheet metal up to six millimetres thick . The 12-fold tool changer significantly reduces non-productive times .
The MultiPunch 4020 is equipped with two punching heads . The upper punching head with a punching stroke of 55mm is equipped with HDE hydraulics that ensure a fast stroke and accurate punching . The punching head can be continuously rotated 360 degrees and has a Boschert T-Nut as a tool-holder for all standard TRUMPF tools up to size three . The machine also has an active die with an automatic straightening function for punching from below . The lower punching head , with a punching stroke of 25mm , is equipped similarly to the upper one . The maximum stroke rate of the MP 4020 is 800 strokes per minute .
The system can process sheets from 100 x 280mm up to the super format 4,000 x 2,000mm . The company uses them for many different jobs , including providing super-format stainless steel sheets for pool floors with welding bosses , which ensure that the pool is non-slip . The Multipunch 4020 is also used to produce newly developed lightweight safety components for mobile homes .
In conclusion
The mechanical machining of copper and other materials using cutting , punching and forming tools demands special expertise . The machining of copper rails , for example for equipping electrical systems and switching cabinets , represents a considerable challenge for manufacturers and suppliers . Boschert long ago developed its CU-PROFI series of machines for the flexible handling of copper and aluminium rails .
“ We are currently developing a new machine for copper bar processing . The machine prototype will not be launched until next year ,” confirmed Manuel Lang . “ In the meantime , we will continue to focus on meeting our customers ’ machine requirements and Industry 4.0 expectations . We will also find time to hold a small celebration with our employees to celebrate our 75th anniversary this summer ,” he concluded . n
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ISMR February 2022 | sheetmetalplus . com | 23