Inventors:
Johannes C. W. Bakermans - Harrisburg PA
Daniel E. Poplaski - Harrisburg PA
Assignee:
The Whitaker Corporation - Wilmington DE
International Classification:
B21D 3712
Abstract:
A stamping and forming machine is disclosed having two operating modules, each of which has a punch assembly and a mating die assembly that reciprocate horizontally toward and away from each other for performing stamping and forming operations. The punch and die assemblies reciprocate within a passageway formed by a tool box comprising a base plate, two side plates screwed to the base plate, and a cover plate that is removably attached to the side plates. The cover plate is attached by means of dovetails that are formed in the outside edges of the side plates and the cover plate. The dovetails are spaced so that when the dovetail halves on one side of the cover and a respective side plate are in mating engagement, the other dovetail half on the cover is spaced from the dovetail half on the other side plate. A removable gib is arranged to closely fit in this space so that there is no appreciable lateral play between the cover and the side plates. The cover is removed by first sliding the gib out of the space, moving the cover laterally a small amount to break the oil film, then lifting the cover straight up.