Oberursel , Germany: Mate Precision Tooling will exhibit the latest in tool system technology at EuroBLECH 2006, Europe’s largest sheet metal processing technologies event, October 24-28, in Hanover, Germany.

Mate Sheetmarker® Tool Marks Parts With Assembly Codes And Numbers
Mate Sheetmarker tools permanently mark sheet metal parts with assembly codes, serial numbers, names and etchings. The tool is ideal for companies with quality programs requiring part traceability by marking parts with data such as pallet number, machine number, sequential serial number, time and date.

The Sheetmarker is a ruggedly designed tool that can be programmed to mark anywhere on the sheet without marking the backside or deforming the material. Images are smooth and consistent. The mark depth is variable, which allows for precise control over logos or names. The tool is not limited by material type or thickness. Because the tool is designed with a backing spring, variations in sheet flatness or warpage are automatically adjusted for by the tool to retain even and consistent marking.

Mate Rollerball® Tooling Makes Stiffening Ribs In Light Sheet Metal
Mate Rollerball tooling forms ribs, flanges and raised areas across the entire work surface of light gauge sheet metal. These offsets and embosses are not limited to the station range. The Rollerball provides the benefit of making forms not possible with single hit forming tools. The tooling is designed to take advantage of the extended programming capabilities of hydraulic punch presses where the ram can be held in a down position. More applications can be run on the punch press than ever before.

Since the Rollerball uses a ball or sphere to create a deformation in the sheet metal, no restrictions are imposed as would be if there were an axis. With the Rollerball, ribs can be formed with an NC program to create near right angles without lifting the tool from the sheet metal.

Mate NEXT™ Insert Tooling Has Quick Setup And Extra Long Life Features
Mate NEXT tooling is designed with interchangeable, highly abrasion and adhesion resistant punch inserts that install easily and quickly into NEXT™ insert punch holders. These holders combine the functions of a conventional punch shank and alignment ring into a single assembly. The integral alignment design of the holder provides precise tooling orientation and makes installing the punch fast and without the need for additional fixtures or devices.

Mate’s NEXT insert tooling delivers longer life. M4 high speed steel is used for increased toughness in punch inserts with a diagonal dimension from 0.036 inch (0.80 mm) to 1.181 inch (30.00 mm). Punch inserts with a diagonal dimension over 1.181 inch (30.00 mm) are manufactured of M2 high speed steel. Both tool steels are highly abrasion and adhesion resistant to maximize the interval between regrinds. In addition, the NEXT insert tooling system allows the introduction of a shim between the punch insert and the punch holder. After 0.118 inch (3.00 mm) has been removed from the punch insert from regrinding, the punch assembly returns to its original length instead of requiring replacement. This means that one Mate insert will outlast several conventional punches.

Another advantage of Mate’s NEXT insert tooling system is that it is interchangeable with other popular alternative tooling systems and features quick, push-on urethane strippers that lock onto insert holders. They provide positive, on-the-die stripping, eliminating sheet rattle and excess noise. These urethane strippers also protect the part being punched, especially decorative materials that could be damaged by conventional metal strippers.

The NEXT system uses high performance dies that incorporate Mate’s Stress Free™ relief feature, which eliminates die cracking and maximizes die strength. Dies also feature a uniform corner clearance radius for rectangles and square shaped tools, thereby reducing tool wear, eliminating pip-marks and improving overall piece part quality.

For more information on Mate’s newest tooling systems, visit EuroBLECH 2006, Hall 12 Booth D79, October 24 – 28 or call for FREE brochure at 06171/92 42-02.

Or write to MATE PRECISION TOOLING GmbH, Im Heidegraben 10, 61440 Oberursel, Germany.
Fax: 06171/92 42-40.
Email: info@mate.de