CNC Turret Punch Press

Punching Force & Tool Interaction

A turret punch press operates by driving a punch through sheet material into a matching die. The material is sheared or formed depending on the tool geometry. Unlike thermal cutting processes, no melting occurs - meaning there is no heat affected zone, no hardening of edges and minimal finishing required before bending or assembly.

Different tool types allow multiple manufacturing operations:

• Round, square and shaped holes
• Slots and cut-outs
• Countersinks and extrusions
• Louvres and vents
• Embossing and forming features

Because the material is displaced rather than removed thermally, formed features retain strength and dimensional consistency.

Rotating Turret & Multi-Tool Indexing

The defining feature of a CNC turret punch press is the rotating turret — a circular tool holder containing multiple punches and dies ready for immediate use. The machine automatically rotates the turret to bring the required tool into position.

Indexable stations allow tools to rotate to any angle, enabling features such as angled slots, rotated shapes and formed details without repositioning the sheet.

Multi-tool stations can hold several punch sizes within one position, drastically reducing tool change time and improving cycle efficiency during production runs.

The result is continuous machining:
the sheet moves → the turret rotates → the punch strikes → the part progresses.

Sheet Positioning & Motion Control

Servo driven axes move the sheet under the punching head at high speed while maintaining precise alignment. Clamping systems hold the sheet securely while allowing repositioning across the working area.

Modern machines use linear guideways and high acceleration drives to achieve accurate positioning across thousands of strikes. Controlled movement prevents sheet distortion and maintains alignment between features across the full component.

This precision allows punched components to move directly to press brake bending without manual adjustment.

Forming Capabilities Beyond Cutting

Unlike laser cutting, turret punching can create three-dimensional features directly in the sheet. Special forming tools displace material upward or downward to create shapes such as louvres, strengthening ribs or threaded extrusions.

This removes additional fabrication steps including drilling, tapping and secondary pressing operations.

In many fabrication workflows, the turret punch press becomes the stage where the part gains its functional geometry before bending.

Programming, Nesting & Workflow Integration

Lantek nesting software imports CAD drawings and arranges parts efficiently across the sheet. The system selects the correct tools, sequences operations and optimises the punching path. For repeat production, stored programs allow operators to load material and run jobs with minimal setup.

Efficient nesting reduces scrap while intelligent tool sequencing minimises turret rotation time — significantly improving throughput compared to manual fabrication methods.

Speed, Accuracy & Repeatability

High stroke rates allow thousands of features to be produced per hour while maintaining tight tolerances. Because the process is mechanical rather than thermal, feature size remains consistent across large batches.

Typical advantages compared to drilling or manual punching:

• Faster multi-feature production
• Consistent hole size and alignment
• No thermal distortion
• Reduced deburring
• Reliable bend alignment downstream

The process excels in high mix production environments where many features must be produced quickly and consistently.

Where Turret Punching Fits in Modern Fabrication

CNC turret punch presses complement laser cutting rather than replacing it. Lasers create complex external profiles efficiently, while turret punching dominates at repeat holes, formed details and functional features.

Used together, they create an efficient workflow:

Laser → external profile
Turret punch → functional features
Press brake → final form

The net effect is fewer setups, less handling and dramatically improved production efficiency across sheet metal manufacturing.

Industrial Solutions Using Tube & Section Lasers

Tube and section lasers are used across a wide range of fabrication environments — from architectural metalwork and general fabrication through to heavy structural and agricultural manufacturing. Explore how this technology fits into real-world production workflows.

Architectural Metalwork

General Fabrication & Mixed Profiles

Tube & Sheet Hybrid Workflows

Furniture & Light Fabrication

Automotive & Engineering Components

Bespoke & Project-Based Fabrication

Produce clean hole arrays, drainage slots and fixing points for balustrades, panels and decorative features. Consistent positioning ensures accurate assembly and minimal on-site adjustment.

Flexible processing for varied components including brackets, covers and mounting plates. Stored programs allow rapid changeover between different part types.

Create flat patterns with tabs, slots and fixing features ready for forming and assembly with tubular structures. Improves alignment and reduces fabrication time.

Accurate hole grids and forming features for cabinets, lockers, shelving and commercial furniture. Ensures repeatable assembly across batch production.Ideal for fabricators producing both tubular components and flat sheet parts.

High precision punching for brackets, reinforcement plates and functional components. Consistent tolerances support automated bending and downstream processes.

Efficient production of prototype and small batch components. Quick programming and minimal setup make one-off fabrication practical and economical.