Custom Shape Punches for Replacing Obsolete Press Tooling

Need replacement press tooling? Choose custom shape punches from Gunna Engineering in Melbourne, manufactured from confirmed drawings and samples.

Production can stall when an original punch is damaged, worn or no longer available from the machine manufacturer. Custom shape punches can provide a practical replacement path when the required geometry, dimensions and operating requirements can be established before manufacture.

When Should Custom Shape Punches Be Considered for Obsolete Tooling?

A replacement punch is worth investigating when a catalogue part is unavailable, an older punch or shear machine remains in service, or the existing tooling uses a non-standard profile. Gunna Engineering manufactures punches and dies for punch and shear machines, including round, oblong, square, hexagonal and other non-standard shapes.

The replacement should not be based on appearance alone. A worn sample may show damage or material loss rather than the original geometry, so drawings, dimensions, machine details and the intended punching application should be reviewed together before production begins.

Our punches, dies and blades service is the starting point for tooling enquiries. Where the request involves a broader machined component rather than a punch or die, our general engineering capabilities include CNC turning, CNC milling, EDM spark eroding, CAD/CAM and surface grinding.

What Information Helps Us Assess a Replacement Punch?

A quote is easier to assess when the available technical information is supplied at the start. Useful details include:

• Existing tooling: Provide the original punch, photographs or an unworn reference where available so the profile and mounting arrangement can be reviewed.
• Drawings and dimensions: Include critical sizes, tolerances, radii, working length and other documented geometry rather than asking us to infer dimensions from a damaged component.
• Machine details: Identify the press or punch-and-shear machine make, model and tooling arrangement where known.
• Material being punched: State the workpiece material and thickness because the tooling request needs to be considered against the intended punching operation.
• Quantity and timing: Confirm whether the requirement is a one-off replacement or a repeat quantity and when the tooling is needed.

For wider replacement-part enquiries involving ageing equipment, our article on obsolete punch and shear machine parts explains why machining feasibility and available technical information need to be established before a component is remade.

Match the Punch to the Die and Existing Machine

A replacement punch should be assessed as part of the full tooling setup, including die opening, clearance, mounting and alignment. Custom punch profiles may also require a matching die or verified existing die geometry. We can manufacture tooling to supplied requirements, while the machine owner remains responsible for confirming suitability for the intended press operation.

WorkSafe Victoria’s power press guidance also stresses inspection, maintenance, guarding, isolation and test-running by appropriately qualified or competent people. Replacement tooling does not remove the need to follow the machine manufacturer’s instructions or workplace safety procedures before returning a press to production.

Replace Obsolete Press Tooling with Verified Information

Gunna Engineering has more than 30 years of experience manufacturing punches, dies and blades from its Keysborough workshop. Our current capabilities support non-standard tooling and replacement parts for older mechanical punch and shear machines where the required specifications can be established.

Send us your machine details, drawings, dimensions, photos and sample information for custom replacement punch requirements. Request a quote so we can assess the tooling and confirm what is needed before manufacture.