Amada thick-turret tooling is used in all stations. Three low-profile clamps are provided for the reduction of dead zones. The EMK3610NT is equipped with a 19.68" x 19.68" work chute for automatic parts removal. A wide range of automated load/unload options are also available to further enhance productivity.

Other design innovations include an advanced AC-Servo direct twin drive system, which consists of two AC-servo motors directly connected to the ram through an eccentric shaft. One advantage of this design is it eliminates the need for the use of any hydraulics. Peripheral items, therefore—hydraulic unit reservoir, hydraulic chiller unit, hydraulic lines and pumps—have been eliminated. Twin direct-drive motors control the punch action of the ram and precisely control the overall movement of the striker.

The superior positioning precision of the EMK's punching technology allows operators to program dwell at the bottom of the forming stroke, expanding the punch's capabilities to include the forming of louvers, embosses, ribs, dimples and tabs. It also allows tapping and hardware insertion operations. Another design enhancement places additional clearance between the upper and lower turrets, which allows the unit to process parts with forms and tabs that approach one full inch.

The energy-efficient design characteristics of the AC-servo twin drive system help to cut operating costs. The EMK3610NT saves on electricity by minimizing the stroke length, while it stores energy generated during ram deceleration and reuses it during the punching stroke, resulting in up to 50% documented cost reduction over conventional turret presses.

A Power Vacuum Slug Pull Prevention System, designed for the 1/2" and the 1-1/4" turret stations, addresses slug-pull issues. Compressed air is shot through the dies, creating negative pressure strong enough to virtually eliminate slug pull in most materials. The powerful vacuum created by the air stream, pulls slugs through the die so effectively that punch penetration can be reduced from .098" to 0.39"—resulting in faster punching speeds and reduced tool wear.

The punch system's AMNC-F NT control greatly reduces setup time, and features graphical representation, part editing, touch screen and/or full keyboard, plus e-mail notification of finished programs. Other reminders include machine stoppage and maintenance scheduling. Amada has incorporated an AMNC control on all of its turret punch presses, lasers and press brakes, this to create a continuity which can facilitate employee cross-training.

When used in conjunction with the company's vFactory™ feature, shop management is able to check a machine's operating history and to observe patterns between shifts, or to determine the exact production time required, per-part or per-job. With vFactory, shop owners can remotely monitor any of the Amada AMNC-controlled machines in their shop.

Amada's Kevin Coyle sums up, "Our customer base had a lot of influence in the redesign. Their input is important. With their help, Amada is making machine tools that enhance productivity and reduce secondary operations." Fast, flexible and adaptable, the EMK3610NT is proof of Amada's commitment to its customers, now and into the future.