Punching, contouring, handling apparatuses and method

The method of punching and contouring sheet parts from a larger worksheet comprising the steps of automatically punching a part integral with the worksheet on a program controlled rotary turret punch press at a punching station, said part having a reference point located thereon for subsequent positioning,

• automatically separating the part from the worksheet,
• automatically engaging the part at a discharge station and transferring the part to an adjacent location, and
• at said adjacent location automatically receiving the part in a position and orientation relative to said reference point whereby the part is automatically punched and separated from the worksheet and accurately positioned at the adjacent location removed from the punch press, including the steps of automatically cutting the peripheral shape on the part and deburring said peripheral shape, said steps of cutting and deburring including automatically moving the two parts simultaneously in the same paths during said cutting and deburring whereby one part is automatically cut while the other is automatically deburred.

The method of punching and contouring sheet parts from a larger worksheet comprising the steps of automatically punching a part integral with the worksheet on a program controlled rotary turret punch press at a punching station, said part having a reference point located thereon for subsequent positioning,

• automatically separating the part from the worksheet,
• automatically engaging the part at a discharge station and transferring the part to an adjacent location, and
• at said adjacent location automatically receiving the part in a position and orientation relative to said reference point whereby the part is automatically punched and separated from the worksheet and accurately positioned at the adjacent location removed from the punch press, including the step of cutting a peripheral shape on the part, said cutting step including simultaneously rotating and linearly translating the part and changing the cutting angle attitude relative to the position of the part.