Morgan Rushworth TPS CNC Turret Punch Press

Morgan Rushworth TPS Servo-Electric CNC Turret Punch Press

The Morgan Rushworth TPS range combines high-speed CNC punching with an efficient, hydraulics-free servo-electric drive system. Designed for manufacturers looking to reduce power consumption, operating noise and routine maintenance, the TPS delivers precise control across punching, marking, nibbling and forming applications.

Available with 20 or 30 tonnes of punching force, the range covers sheet-processing areas from 2,000 × 1,250 mm through to 3,000 × 1,500 mm. Multiple machine sizes and turret configurations allow the TPS to be specified for different production volumes, sheet formats and tooling requirements.

Direct-Drive Servo-Electric Punching

Instead of a conventional hydraulic punching circuit, the TPS uses a direct-drive servo motor to control the punching hammer. Removing the hydraulic pump, motor, oil tank and associated cooling equipment creates a cleaner and more responsive punching system with fewer mechanical and hydraulic components.

The servo motor delivers high torque across both low- and high-speed operation, allowing the punching movement to be controlled precisely throughout each stroke. Built-in absolute encoder technology provides accurate positional feedback, while integrated thermal protection, water cooling and an IP65-rated motor construction support reliable performance in industrial environments.

With fewer wearing components within the drive system, the TPS is designed to reduce maintenance requirements and the risk of downtime associated with hydraulic pumps, valves, seals and oil-management systems.

Lower Energy Consumption

A key advantage of the servo-electric system is its ability to reduce power consumption when the machine is not actively punching. Unlike a traditional hydraulic system that may need to keep a pump running continuously, the TPS draws minimal power during idle and standby periods.

Depending on the application and production cycle, this can provide power savings of up to 40% compared with an equivalent hydraulic turret punch. Eliminating the requirement for hydraulic oil cooling provides additional energy savings while removing the associated oil-management requirements.

For businesses operating multiple shifts or processing high volumes of components, these reductions can contribute to a lower lifetime operating cost and a reduced environmental impact.

Quieter and Cleaner Operation

Removing the hydraulic pump, motor and oil cooler also significantly reduces operating noise. This creates a quieter working environment and makes the TPS particularly suitable for facilities where noise levels are an important consideration.

The hydraulics-free design also removes the need to store, monitor and replace hydraulic oil within the punching system. This reduces the possibility of oil leaks and makes the machine cleaner to operate and maintain.

The result is a modern punching platform that combines industrial performance with improved energy efficiency, lower noise levels and more straightforward routine maintenance.

Programmable Stroke Control

The servo-electric drive allows the speed, length and position of the punching stroke to be programmed for each operation. Low, middle and upper stroke positions can be set independently, together with operating speeds and dwell times.

This control allows the TPS to optimise its movement for standard punching, high-speed marking, soft punching, nibbling and specialist forming operations. The machine can shorten the stroke for rapid punching or use a longer, more controlled movement when producing forms, embossments or short bends.

Precise control over the lower stroke position and punch dwell time helps produce consistent formed features while reducing unnecessary movement between strokes. Punching, forming and table speeds can also be adjusted separately within the programme to suit the material and tooling being used.

Rigid O-Type Monoblock Frame

The TPS is constructed around a heavy-duty, hardened O-type monoblock frame. Its enclosed design provides the dynamic and static rigidity needed to maintain accurate tool alignment during high-speed punching and forming.

By resisting vibration and structural movement, the frame helps maintain consistent positioning accuracy across the complete working area. This is particularly important when producing components containing closely spaced holes, detailed contours or features that must align across multiple tooling operations.

Precision linear bearings, zero-clearance guides and high-accuracy axis drives work with FANUC servo motors to provide fast and controlled sheet positioning.

Versatile Thick Turret Tooling

Depending on the selected model, the TPS can be supplied with a 27- or 33-station thick turret. These configurations support a wide selection of A, B, C and D station tools, including punches up to 88.9 mm diameter on 1 mm sheet.

Automatic index stations allow tools to rotate to the required angle under CNC control. This enables angled slots, contours and other complex features to be produced without manually repositioning the component or installing multiple fixed tools.

Optional 8A, 3B and 1C multi-tool units can expand the available tooling capacity to as many as 54 tools on compatible turret configurations. Wheeled tools can also be used for operations such as continuous forming, offsetting and specialist profiling.

Hardened tool housings and adaptors support long turret life, while the automatic air-blow lubrication system delivers lubrication to the selected tool during operation.

Automatic Repositioning and Sheet Protection

Automatic sheet clamps allow the TPS to reposition material under CNC control when processing components or nests that extend beyond the standard axis travel. Machines with a 3,000 mm X-axis use an additional clamp to provide secure support across the larger working area.

Clamp-mounted sheet switches monitor the material during operation, while software-defined safety zones prevent tools from entering protected areas around the clamps. Sheet-jumping sensors detect warped or undulated material that could otherwise contact the turret, and tool-stuck detection monitors whether the punch has retracted correctly before the sheet moves.

These systems work together to protect the machine, tooling and workpiece while supporting unattended or high-volume production.

Brush and Ball-Bearing Table Options

The working table can be configured with brushes, ball bearings or a combination of both. Brush support helps prevent scratches and surface damage when processing pre-finished or sensitive sheet, while ball-bearing support reduces resistance when moving larger and heavier material.

Axis acceleration is adjusted automatically according to the weight of the sheet. This enables lighter material to be positioned quickly while maintaining smooth, stable control when processing heavier sheets.

FANUC Control and Integrated CAD/CAM

The TPS uses an industrial FANUC CNC controller with a graphical display, absolute positioning and integrated machine diagnostics. Programmes can be simulated offline before production and transferred using USB, memory card or Ethernet.

Operators can manage stroke length, punching speed, forming parameters, clamp-protection zones and multi-tool functions through the control. Production counters record operating time, completed components and the number of strokes performed by each programme and tool.

Metalix CAD/CAM software is included for part design, tooling selection, nesting and CNC programme generation. Bringing these processes into a single software environment helps reduce programming time, improve sheet utilisation and simplify the preparation of complex components.

Efficient Punching for Modern Production

Optional equipment includes specialist punching and forming tools, multi-tool stations, tool coatings for stainless steel, additional clamps, work chutes, stainless ball-bearing tables, automatic loading and unloading, scrap extraction, automatic part-drop systems and tool-grinding equipment.

With its direct-drive servo-electric punching system, programmable stroke control and lower standby energy demand, the Morgan Rushworth TPS is ideal for manufacturers seeking a quieter, cleaner and more efficient alternative to conventional hydraulic punching. It delivers the flexibility required for varied production alongside the speed, precision and operating economy needed for modern sheet metal manufacturing.