Machine tool for workpieces of extended dimension

Claim 1

A machine tool for punching a workpiece of extended dimension, comprising means for supporting the workpiece and locating the workpiece at a pre-determined position relative to a work station, a plurality of self-contained punch die sets, each die set including a plurality of punches on an upper member and a corresponding plurality of pre-mated dies on a lower member, a unitary flat-faced movable carrier member removably clamping the self-contained punch die sets thereon in fixed interrelationship, carrier drive means for moving the carrier member to any one of a number of pre-selected positions to locate a selected punch die set at the work station, carrier locking means or locking the carrier precisely in any one of said pre-selected positions, power punch means normally separated from the die sets for first engaging the upper die set member and then compressing the punch die set located at the work station to punch one or more holes in the workpiece, the means for supporting the workpiece including a plurality of fixed, nonadjustable, transverse datum planedefining means mounted thereon past which the workpiece can be moved, and means on the support means for urging one edge of the workpiece of extended dimension on the support structure abuttively into a pre-determined position against more than one of the fixed, nonadjustable transverse datum plane-defining means, the workpiece support structure further including means for orienting the workpiece of extended dimension at the work station along a longitudinal plane.