CNC punching machine in sheet metal processing

2025-11-20

Upgrading sheet metal equipment to improve sheet metal processes is a common practice among domestic enterprises. However, within just a few years, sheet metal equipment has stagnated, and it's a bold prediction that there may be little change in sheet metal equipment over the next few years or even a decade. Simultaneously, China’s sheet metal design and processing levels haven't improved significantly. The fundamental reason is that while the inherent characteristics of equipment processes contain the genetic code driving structural innovation, this hasn’t been fully grasped or deeply applied.

The impression is that high-end equipment is being used to produce low-end products with very low added value. Therefore, it's necessary to fully utilize the inherent process characteristics of high-end equipment to achieve high-end sheet metal manufacturing, thereby improving product design levels.

Apart from shearing machines that have been phased out by the industry, the main models on the market now are CNC punching machines and laser cutting machines, or combinations of the two. In-depth research into the hidden process points of CNC punching machines and laser cutting machines will bring unexpected design effects to sheet metal design.

CNC punching machine process points

Besides completing the unfolding and blanking of three-dimensional sheet metal parts, what other implicit process functions of CNC punching machines affect structural design? The following case studies will explain in detail the interaction between process and design, and how to utilize these process characteristics to optimize the design.

The forming functions of structures such as louvers: Louvers are widely used in sheet metal industrial design, serving purposes including ventilation and heat dissipation, industrial design, and structural reinforcement. Of course, louvers are just a microcosm of CNC punching forming processes; others include rolling, stepping, embossing, stamping, flanging (drawing holes), deep drawing, countersinking (beveling), folding, rolling, and hinge rolling, etc.

Understanding the above functions isn’t enough for sheet metal design; it is also necessary to be clear about the principles of CNC forming: First, material compatibility. Materials with good ductility are suitable for complex forming, while stainless steel or high carbon steel should be reduced in deep drawing or sharp-angle forming. Second, mold compatibility, such as mold parameters, applicable scenarios and scope, and mold switching sequence for multi-station forming. Third, the combination of demand and R&D. Many forming processes on CNC punching machines are the result of joint exploration by the demanders and mold developers.

In summary, fully utilizing the capabilities of CNC punching machines can optimize design schemes, simultaneously improving the lightweight, high strength and production efficiency of sheet metal parts. For example, in the case of the insulation cover plate under the oil tank of a certain frying equipment, the customer required full welding. Considering thermal expansion and contraction, a new structure with rolled ribs was ultimately chosen for the cover plate.