Standard: 656X Ø40

Previous approach:

The long cylindrical guide pillar is installed either at the bottom or top of the block. As a result, the column bends comparatively strongly when subjected to centrally applied lateral forces, similar to an externally supported and centrally loaded beam. As a result, lateral forces can lead to a comparatively strong lateral deflection of the punching tool. The loss of rigidity increases more and more with column lengths of L>1xd1.

Depending on the desired precision, additional guides must therefore be installed inside the tool. For the designer, this reduces the degree of freedom for positioning the die frame and punch guide/stripper plate.

The Agathon center collar pillar concept:

With the Agathon concept, on the other hand, the integrated center flange fixes the column in the punch guide plate. The column therefore resembles a bending beam fixed on one side by rigid clamping. This results in very efficient stiffening, so that the column deflects far less. This applies to both the upper and lower half of the column. The column length relevant for the deformation calculation also only corresponds to the respective distance from the collar. This design results in a significantly increased rigidity of both halves of the pillar and therefore a very effective increase in the precision of the tool. The result is optimum guidance of the punch/stripper plate relative to the upper and lower parts of the frame. The center collar column is therefore suitable, for example, as a guide for die frames and punch holders.

In addition, tools with center flange guide pillars are very easy to assemble and disassemble, which makes maintenance easier. They can also be designed more compactly due to the elimination of additional guide pillars.

Stroke accuracy - repeatability:

The stroke accuracy is in the sub-micrometer range (see image). Agathon guideways are extremely precisely preloaded due to the interaction of the columns, cylinders and rollers manufactured with the highest precision. This is particularly important today, as in modern tool concepts the punch often has to work highly dynamically and with only a minimal cutting gap to the die. Punches that are not guided with sufficient precision lead to uneven punching results and greatly reduced tool life.

Alternatively, the repeat accuracy can of course also be increased by using a higher number of guides. See illustration with examples of two guide pillar frames versus six guide units per tool.

Vertical installation position - concentricity:

The design of the center collar column is such that it is not the cylindrical press-fit part, but the wide supporting collar that determines the 100% right-angled installation position of the column to the guide plate or punch. To ensure high-precision guidance of the punch and die, the coaxiality of the half-columns d1/d2 is also of great importance.

Variant 1: Pressing in (see picture)

Prepare the hole, clean carefully and apply oil (no grease). Place the column with f8 in the hole and align with extra-long screws that bridge the distance from the collar to the mounting holes in the plate. Then press in using a hydraulic press or hand press. The pillar has an ISO js4 fit. To ensure the desired press fit, the hole must have an ISO K5 fit.

Caution: Never overpress the pillar once it has reached its installation position. Otherwise it will be deformed.

Variant 2: Shrinking

Heat the component with the hole (e.g. in the oven) and cool the column in the refrigerator. Then carefully insert the column with f8 and allow the temperature of both components to equalize to room temperature once the installation position has been reached. The pillar has fit js4, to ensure a press fit the bore must have N5.