Precision fabrication company Hydram Sheet Metalwork’s CNC sheet metal punching service offers a cost effective precision profiling solution – with rapid processing speeds and lower operating costs than laser cutting. Hydram bought its first CNC punching machine in 1986 and has continually upgraded its capabilities, including automated sheet storage and retrieval, to ensure its services are competitive. Subcontract fabrciation using Trumpf CNC punches is one of many services, including laser cutting sheet metal, offered by this large UK subcontract fabrication company.
Hydram’s two automated CNC punching machines are capable of punching metals in thicknesses up to 5mm and sheet sizes up to 3 metres x 1.5 metres. The materials punch profiled include stainless steel, mild steel, aluminium, brass and copper. Using computer-assisted part nesting allows maximum material utilisation. The punching head also allows simple forming and tapping (threading) operations to be carried out during the same cycle, therefore saving the need for setting up secondary operations.
Subcontractor Hydram runs two Trumpf TruPunch 5000 cells complete with automated SheetMaster loading and unloading systems, which allow the machines to run with minimal supervision. Using the Trumpf CNC punches, larger parts can be picked up out of the sheet skeleton using the SheetMaster and stacked on pallets, whilst smaller parts can be ejected down a chute.
Punch tooling is stored in automated ToolMaster system, allowing tool changes to occur within a program cycle or between setups without interruption. Completed sheet skeletons are removed using the GripMaster, again allowing the machine to run uninterrupted at the end of each program cycle.
The two machines, purchased in 2021 and 2016 are the latest S12 models having several upgrades over the previous generation that increase productivity and flexibility, such as a faster C-axis, an active die system and individually retractable clamps.
CNC sheet metal punching is just one of the subcontract sheet metalwork fabrication services offered by Hydram .
To complement the fast TruPunch 5000 S12 machines, TruStore 3030 tower storage systems allows raw material to be prepared in advance, to maximise uptime. The TruStore 3030 systems are equipped with up to 23 shelves, with each shelf having a maximum storage capacity of 3 tonnes. The tower systems allow the sheet metal punching machines to run continuously without having to wait for steel to be manually loaded. Typical metals punched include CR4 cold-rolled mild steel, HR4 hot-rolled mild steel, galvanised steel, zinc plated steel, aluminium and stainless steel.
Hydram has an extensive selection of punch tooling to optimise the processing of sheet metal parts. With a vast selection of the usual squares, rectangles and rounds available with different die clearances to suit differrent metal thicknesses, Hydram also has a library of obrounds, cruciforms, bananas, knock-outs and up-forms available. 5 and 10 station multi-tool configurations are used to reduce tool change time during the program cycle. The CNC punching company also has a selection of cluster tools, capable of punching more than one hole at a time, to make perforated patterns efficiently.
Minimising the number of hits overall can reduce cycle times and reduce the appearance of witness marks associated with the nibbling process.
CNC punching company Hydram has been supplying sheet metal products and fabrications to a broad range of industries including the HVAC equipment sector for over 45 years, and has been using CNC punching systems since 1986.
As one of the largest sheet metal fabrication companies in the UK, employing over 200 people at its 135,000 square foot facility in County Durham, UK, Hydram has considerable expertise and experience in sheet metal profiling (both punching and laser cutting) and metal forming.
With fabrication, powder coating and assembly capabilities on site, Hydram is a complete subcontract sheet metalwork supply chain partner, with comprehensive quality accreditations giving the reassurance customers require.
Contact our sales engineers today to discuss how this sheet metalwork supplier can help you.
