The invention relates to machine tools and methods for processing plate-like workpieces. The machine tool comprises a first movement device for the movement of the workpiece in a first direction, two workpiece supporting surfaces spaced apart by a gap extending in a second direction and configured for supporting the workpiece, and a second movement device for the movement of a pressing tool in the second direction. The pressing tool comprises two tool components that are configured to move in a stroke direction relative to one another in order to process the workpiece in the gap by at least one of stamping and shaping. The machine tool also comprises at least one receiving device configured to move in the second direction one or more of in and along the gap for depositing at least one workpiece part formed when processing the workpiece by at least one of stamping and shaping.

An example of a blanking die includes a blanking apparatus configured to form a series of at least two metallic blanks from sheet metal, and an ejection apparatus configured to eject a first one of the series of the metallic blanks out of the blanking die in a predetermined direction and a second one of the series of the metallic blanks out of the blanking die in said predetermined direction.

Methods and devices for removing a workpiece part from a remaining workpiece, comprise a holding apparatus that is moveable in a removal direction and switchable between a fixing state for fixing the workpiece part to the holding apparatus and a release state for releasing the workpiece part from the holding apparatus. The holding apparatus has at least one electrically conductive first contact element for contacting the workpiece part at one or more first contact points and at least one electrically conductive second contact element for contacting the workpiece part at one or more second contact points. The device also has a sensor apparatus that uses the contact elements to check, in a first check state, the complete separation of the workpiece part from the remaining workpiece and to check, in a second check state, fixing of the workpiece part to the holding apparatus being in the fixing state.

A machine tool for processing workpieces includes a processing device from which processed products to be discharged can be produced from a workpiece; and a discharge device including a discharge flap that can be pivoted into a discharge position inclined downwards relative to a horizontal position in order to discharge processed products and which defines a discharge direction in the discharge position, the discharge flap comprising a part support disposed along the upper side of the discharge flap along which the processed products move during discharge in the discharge direction, where the part support has at least two support regions which extend in the discharge direction and which are configured to accommodate different types of processed products.

Devices for separating two workpiece parts, e.g., metal sheets, from one another are described and include a workpiece mounting, a lifting device arranged on one side of the workpiece mounting, and a counter-holder arranged on the opposite side of the workpiece mounting. The counter-holder can be transferred into a fixing state and into a releasing state. One of the workpiece parts to be separated from one another is provided as a removal part, the other as a remaining part. For separating the two workpiece parts, the removal part, which is acted upon by the lifting device and supported by the counter-holder, can be moved by means of the lifting device perpendicular to the mounting in relation to the remaining part by a removal movement. At least in the releasing state, the counter-holder forms a rigid abutment in the lifting direction for the removal part. The rigid abutment has the effect that the removal part is aligned parallel to the mounting. Machine-based systems include a processing unit for producing two workpiece parts from a sheet-like workpiece and a separating device as described herein. Methods for separating two workpiece parts of a sheet-like workpiece are carried out by means of the devices described herein and can be part of a machine-based process.

A blanking punch which extends from a first portion to a second portion along a blanking direction is provided. The second portion has a cutting edge. An engaging portion is provided/designed between the first portion and the second portion. The engaging portion enables the blanking punch to be removed from a workpiece counter to the blanking direction.

A rectangular tubing, rectangular hole punching device includes a two-sided die carried by a mandrel upon which a rectangular tubing workpiece is sleeved. The two-sided die makes possible a punched rectangular hole having a width extending substantially from one interior lateral side wall of the workpiece adjacent the side of the workpiece being punched to the opposing interior side wall of the workpiece adjacent the side of the workpiece being punched, and includes a pair of tool steel die pieces that are longitudinally spaced from each other. The portions of lateral side walls corresponding to the position of the two sided die within the workpiece are supported against deformation from punching by applying a high compressive force to the portions of the laterally spaced side walls of the workpiece that are in correspondence with the position of the two-sided die, during the punching operation.

A method for removal of a workpiece part from a residual workpiece of a sheet-like workpiece includes detecting an interlocking of the workpiece part with the residual workpiece. The workpiece is fixed for machining by a holding device and movable in an X-Y plane of the workpiece. The workpiece part is formed by cutting machining on the workpiece resting on a workpiece support. Before or after the cutting, a gripper device is positioned in a removal position relative to the workpiece part, and the gripper device is activated and the workpiece part is gripped in its position resting on the workpiece support. The method includes initiating at least one release strategy for automatic workpiece removal. At least one travelling movement with at least one travel path of at least one of the holding device and the gripper device is activated with at least one movement component in the X-Y plane.

A machine tool for processing workpieces includes a processing device from which processed products to be discharged can be produced from a workpiece; and a discharge device including a discharge flap that can be pivoted into a discharge position inclined downwards relative to a horizontal position in order to discharge processed products and which defines a discharge direction in the discharge position, the discharge flap comprising a part support disposed along the upper side of the discharge flap along which the processed products move during discharge in the discharge direction, where the part support has at least two support regions which extend in the discharge direction and which are configured to accommodate different types of processed products.

A pilot assembly and method for metal forming dies has a generally cylindrical pilot with a stripper that strips stock from the pilot when metal forming dies diverge. The pilot assembly is secured to one die member by a fastener by itself or in combination with a window mount. A spring within the pilot assembly contacts the stripper to force the stripper to reciprocate when the dies are pulled apart. Thus, the pilot assembly helps locate the stock within the metal forming die while also having a stripper to help strip the stock from the pilot.