Turret punching

Turret punching is a process, where workpieces are punched out of a metal sheet.
The distinctive feature of turret punching is that the machine performing punching (a turret puncher) in an upper and lower rotating table has many different tools. By means of CNC-controlled axes, the sheet is positioned between the rotating tables, and the rotating table, which is also CNC-controlled, positions the tool above the sheet by rotating the table.

This ensures full freedom to use any kind of tool anywhere on the sheet, and as typically several of the tools can also be rotated, there are, in theory, no limitations to the kinds of shapes which can be punched out of the sheet.
In other words, a turret puncher provides the same facilities as a laser cutter. However, there are essential differences/advantages in relation to laser cutting:
As to thin materials, turret punching is faster, and it is particularly advantageous to use turret punching for workpieces with many holes.
Turret punching is a cold-work process. This entails that material properties remain unchanged as they are not exposed to thermal impact during machining.
All types of materials capable of withstanding the tool impact can be punched. This means that all metals, also hard stainless spring steel and some polymere types can be turret punched.

It is also possible to form in a turret puncher. This means that e.g. louvres, stamping (such as recesses and countersunk holes) and even complete hinges can be made on the basis of the material in the same process during which the workpiece is punched.
Turret punching cannot be performed in steel materials thicker than 6 mm.


GBI (Gl. Bedsted Industri A/S) offers turret punching both on manually operated turret punchers and on fully automatic turret punching lines with automatic feeding of material and removal of workpieces allowing unmanned operation. Therefore we can offer production of large series at extremely competitive prices.

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