The Evolution of Turret Punching: From 1950s to Modern Production

Metal fabrication shops have been utilizing turret punching since the 1950s. The process entails using a specially designed press that can punch holes into sheet metal more quickly and efficiently than a conventional press.

Turret punching is an excellent fit for any company looking for the flexibility to increase or decrease the size of their production runs and have more design versatility. It can also deliver the short turnaround times companies need to improve customer service and gain a competitive edge.

The Benefits of Turret Punching

A turret punch can provide several advantages to the metal fabrication process:

• Multiple shape capability: These punches are compatible with more than 60 tools, enabling you to create both simple and complex shapes.
• Cost-efficient: The availability of various tools and configurations saves time and lowers production costs.
• Fast, easy modifications: The turret punch’s flexibility allows you to alter the design even after starting a production run. You can create functional equipment quickly to meet a project’s evolving demands.
• Economical: For low-to-midrange-volume production lines, turret punching typically offers a more budget-friendly alternative to stamping dies.

Evolution of the Turret Punch

Although turret punching history spans several decades, the equipment and processes have made significant strides in the past 20 years. Integrating computer numerical control (CNC) machining with the turret punch has broadened capabilities in these areas:

• Increased consistency: It’s now easier to adjust the forming tool heights and penetration, leading to more predictable results and better quality.
• Faster setups: You can set up the punch quickly and avoid uncertainty and trial-and-error when making mechanical adjustments.
• Improved edge quality: The controllable punch cycle that CNC machining provides also enables you to score material on upper and lower surfaces, resulting in better edge quality when making long cuts.
• Uniform hole sizes: With turret punching, all the holes you create in the workpiece will be the same size. You’ll experience fewer returns resulting from product defects.
• Ability to create chamfered corners: The modern turret punch allows you to produce designs with rounded corners instead of arcs, giving your workpieces a more attractive and streamlined appearance.

Contact Fairlawn Tool, Inc. for Your Turret Punching Needs

Automation should continue playing a role in the future of turret punching. At Fairlawn Tool, Inc., we remain at the forefront of metal fabrication technology, including providing a host of advanced turret punch services to businesses like yours. Call us at 410-374-1100 or contact us online to learn more.