Amada Introduces the AC 255/2510NT Turret Punch Press Series

To help shops of all sizes address market demands for punching that is faster and more cost-effective, Amada introduces the AC 255/2510NT series of turret punch presses. The ram of this punching system is driven by an AC servo motor, which enables fabricators to greatly increase punching speeds. Combined with innovative tooling designs, it performs functions that would normally have to be done as secondary operations. Some of these include: high-speed contouring, burr-free slotting, high-speed marking, and complex forming that would normally have to be done by press brake. The AC-NT series provides significantly faster punching speeds than mechanical turrets while eliminating the need for a hydraulic power supply and its attendant chiller. Other cost efficiencies are made possible by design enhancements, such as the machine’s ability to operate using half the electrical power of comparable competitive units. As an added benefit, the AC-NT series has been designed to fit in a smaller footprint, this in response to user requests for more floorplan-friendly machines. According to Amada’s David Stone, turret punch press and stamping product manager, “This is a series expressly designed to provide shop owners with the widest range of punching solutions.”

A key design feature of the AC 255/2510NT series virtually eliminates slug-pull, one of the more costly hazards of high-speed punching—especially during the production of small-diameter holes. Amada’s AC-NT turrets employ a power vacuum die and air blow system, in which a powerful stream of precisely-mixed air and oil is applied inside the die. The oil coating facilitates pulling the slugs safely downward, which greatly reduces the chance of shutdowns, scrapped parts and broken punches. As an added benefit, by reducing punch penetration, total hits per minute can be increased and tooling life can be extended. This system is included standard with the AC-NT series turrets.

Another AC-NT feature, fine contouring, employs a special tool that allows the machine to “nibble” at a pitch in increments as small as .020”. Now, punching complex curves and shapes at high speeds is done easily, something impossible with typical turret punch press tooling. The enhancement also allows users to eliminate secondary processing such as filing and deburring. With the AC-NT, fine contouring achieves laser-like precision!

Still another feature facilitates high-speed forming, permitting parts to be made to desired shapes and dimensions without special tools. Previously, punching and forming had to take place in separate operations. Now, on the AC-NT, offset bends, extrusions, ribs and other forms can be added at high speeds, using standard tools in the auto-index stations.

In summing up the features of the product, Amada’s David Stone says: “As a global leader in punching technology with more than 30,000 turret punch press machines in operation worldwide, we view the AC-NT Series as vital in helping shops of all sizes to compete in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”