Tool-Less Revolution in Thick Turret Punching

Mate Precision Tooling (Anoka, MN) is starting a punching revolution with its new Ultra® QCT™ quick change, tool-less thick turret punching system that is simple and intuitive to setup, and fully compatible with their Ultra family of guides and standard canisters. With its robust patent-pending design, this is the new standard in punch press tooling.

Designed for easier, faster setups, this system features a simple, intuitive tool-less punch retention mechanism. Flip the latch to remove and snap the new insert into place, it’s that easy! The punch is keyed at the perimeter of the tool, not the center, providing superior angularity control. The shoulder of the punch remains securely guided by the guide when punching. Another nice feature is only one punch driver is needed for rounds or shapes. It has been thoroughly tested in customer locations using a wide variety of punching situations, materials and thicknesses to ensure performance and reliability.

Most important, this punch system is very durable. First the punch insert is made from MPM4™ tool steel, proven to be the most durable, longest lasting tool steel in the industry. Independent studies have shown M4PM to last as much as 56 percent longer than conventional high speed tool steels. Further, the punch driver is coated with SuperMax™, Mate’s next generation coating, to minimize wear and preserve fits.

The fully compatible and “future proof” design means that it integrates into all existing UltraTEC, Ultra XT and Ultra Fully Guided guides and standard canisters. This interchangeability feature maximizes efficient tool usage and helps control and reduce tool inventory. The tooling is easy to maintain. Unlike other insert style systems, its durable design cleans quickly and easily with compressed air. A “greener” system, too. Not only do the M4PM inserts last longer, but they use less material to make than conventional punches.

“This is a true tooling revolution and designed in response to fabricators needs,” states John Galich, the company’s marketing manager. “Fabricators want their machines up and running as quickly as possible, which is what Ultra QCT provides. Tool changes should be tool-less and intuitive. Just snap the insert in place and you’re ready to go. From a cost/value perspective, the system enables fabricators to lower their manufacturing costs with premium M4PM steel inserts that last longer and cost less over time than conventional punches.”

Mate Precision Tooling, 1295 Lund Boulevard, Anoka, MN 55303, 800-328-4492 (U.S. and Canada), Fax: 800-541-0285, 763-421-0230 ((outside U.S. and Canada), Fax: 763-421-0285, www.mate.com.