If you’re working with a CNC machine and metal, you may have come across a CNC punching machine. But what is this piece of kit and how does it work? In this blog, we’ll cover what you need to know.
What Is a CNC system?
The CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control, which was created in the 1940s by John T. Persons. Working with a machinist, he created a revolutionary system that read out coordinates to operators who would manually cut the materials. The first automation was created in partnership with MIT and took the technology to programmed punch cards.
MIT took the idea further, and by 1959 the system combined the new field of Computer Aided Design with NC controlling to create the first truly automated CNC punching machines, which could make metal ashtrays. Designers were able to draw their required parts on the screen, and the tech continued to evolve to its modern uses.
What Is Punching Technology?
The punching reference describes the use of a punch and die, which creates a shape. The punch drives through the worked material into the correctly shaped and sized die behind it, which creates a shape. The slug, or scrap metal, ejects through the die into a collection unit, where it can be further recycled.
How CNC Punching Machines Are Used Today
Today CNC punching machines are used widely for metals and textiles and by artists and designers using multimedia and even in industries such as house building. There is a huge range of brands and specifications available from suppliers such as https://www.cotswold-machinery-sales.co.uk/euromac-bending-machines/punching-machines/, all designed to suit the exacting needs of different industries.
In Conclusion
CNC punching machines have been used for nearly 100 years, and they have revolutionised industrial processes to make manufacturing faster and more precise, bringing increasing levels of automation into manufacturing processes. The technology is flexible enough to be used in a wide variety of applications, and it continues to evolve to bring efficiency and quality benefits to production units, particularly as it integrates into broader and heavily automated production systems.
