Fine blanking press and method for operating the same

A fine blanking press comprising:

• a first press unit comprising at least one of a press ram, a press cushion, and a chopping unit;
• a first press drive configured to drive a first press unit in a first driving movement during a fine blanking process step;
• a second press unit comprising at least one of a press counter ram, a working table, a press cushion, a press plate and a press punch, wherein the second press unit is configured to be driven in a second driving movement at least partially during driving movement of the first press unit;
• a force control unit comprising at least one sensor operative to generate measuring data, wherein the force control unit is configured to exert a force against a primary force exerted by the first press unit during the first driving movement;
• and
• a controller configured to receive the measuring data collected by the at least one sensor and further configured to adjust one or more press components based on the received measuring data,
• wherein the first press drive is configured to drive the first press unit in different movement steps, including:
• (i) an approach step, during which the first press unit approaches a process material to be fine blanked, (ii) the fine blanking step, during which the process material is fine blanked, and (iii) a return step, during which the first press unit returns to an initial position, and wherein the controller adjusts the first press unit such that the first press unit is driven at a constant speed at least during the fine blanking step,
• wherein the force control unit is configured to exert a counterforce against a force exerted by the first press unit during a return step of the press unit.