Fully automated precision punch head loader for universal gang-punch tool

摘要

An apparatus and method are provided for loading punch pins into a punch pin holding plate of a gang-punch apparatus wherein an individual punch pin is removed from a preloaded punch pin holder or supply plate, transferred to a load station which precisely locates the punch pin shank over the pre-drilled hole in the punch pin holding plate while holding the punch perpendicular and coaxial to the hole and pushes the punch into the punch pin holding plate. A vision system is used to align the hole in the punch pin holding plate and to verify that the punch pin is properly loaded into the holding plate. The above sequence for individual punches is repeated until the desired number of punch pins are transferred from the preloaded holder to the punch pin holding plate.