CNC punched sheet metal with folded tabs
Here at V and F Sheet Metal we have been CNC punching sheet metal using CNC punch presses for many years. We have used them to produce all our sheet metal blanks and they are for most jobs the first operation in the manufacturing sequence. Whether the CNC punching is carried out with turret machines or single head (Trumpf) style machines the process is designed to punch holes into a single sheet of metal as quickly as possible. We use the Trumpf style CNC punch presses as we feel they are the best machine when offering a sub-contract sheet metal work service. These CNC punch presses are so flexible and quick to set, helping us to keep components costs low even when only small batches on components are required. Both of our CNC punch presses are programmed with Radan sheet metal CAD/CAM software. Having common programs and common tooling across both machines enables us to plan production more efficiently to smooth out the inevitable rush job that comes along.
CNC punching with multi-bend tooling
Multi-Bend tooling
As well as being able to punch holes, slots, forms and outer profiles we can produce folded tabs in our sheet metal work. The special CNC tooling that enables us to do this is called a multi-bend tool. The tool can form up tabs up to 40mm long and 20mm high and is great on applications like these aluminium lighting gear trays. These sheet metal trays have 4 tabs folded up on the Trumpf 3000R punch press and then the remainder of the folds bent on our Safan e-Brake CNC press brake.
The multi-bend tooling is very quick to use and can on the right job form up more than 2,500 bent tabs per hour. The size and angle of each bend is controlled from the Radan software and only adjusted at the machine for sheet gauge fluctuations.
If you would like to know more about CNC punching sheet metal with this tooling option or any other features that we can use to enhance your sheet metal designs please give us a call on 01489 577786 and our engineering team will be happy to help you.