S90 Series A Station SQ7 Replaceable-Tip Square Punch Tooling

The S90 Series A Station SQ7 Replaceable-Tip Square Punch Tooling is a complete thick turret punch and die set engineered for accurate and repeatable production of 7 × 7 mm square holes. “SQ7” is the standard shape designation: “SQ” identifies the square profile, while “7” represents the nominal 7 mm side length.

A primary feature of the S90 Series is its replaceable punch-tip construction. When the cutting section becomes worn, reaches its regrinding limit or is damaged, the front punch tip can be replaced separately without replacing the complete punch body. This modular design helps reduce replacement cost, simplify spare-parts inventory and extend the usable service life of the main tooling components.

The tooling is supplied with the punch holder, replaceable SQ7 punch tip, guide and matching lower die. The cutting punch tip is manufactured from M2 high-speed steel for toughness, wear resistance and reliable cutting-edge performance. The lower die is manufactured from DC53 tool steel for compressive strength, dimensional stability and resistance to chipping. The working components are heat-treated to HRC 58–60.

Unlike a round punch, which produces the same profile regardless of its rotational position, a square punch must be installed in the correct angular orientation. WYS Machinery can manufacture the tooling with its locating pin positioned for either 0° or 45° installation. A 0° orientation aligns the sides of the square profile with the machine reference axes, while a 45° orientation rotates the profile so that it appears as a diamond relative to those axes.

The required orientation should be confirmed before manufacturing because the locating-pin position determines how the square profile is indexed in the punch press station. Customers should provide the machine model, station information, part drawing and required hole direction to ensure that the tooling orientation matches the CNC program and finished-part design.

The lower-die opening and punch-to-die clearance are customized according to the customer’s sheet material and thickness. Although SQ7 identifies a nominal 7 × 7 mm punch profile, the actual die opening incorporates the specified clearance required for stable cutting, controlled burr formation and reasonable tool life.

Optional TiN or TiCN coatings can be supplied for demanding applications involving stainless steel, higher-strength materials or high-volume production.

Key Features

• S90 Series thick turret tooling configuration
• A Station complete punch and die set
• SQ7 square profile for producing 7 × 7 mm holes
• Replaceable front punch-tip design
• Reusable punch body reduces replacement cost
• Individual replacement punch tips available
• Customer-specified 0° or 45° installation orientation
• Locating-pin position determines square-profile alignment
• M2 high-speed steel cutting punch tip
• DC53 tool steel lower die
• Working hardness of HRC 58–60
• Precision-ground square cutting edges
• Customized die clearance for sheet material and thickness
• Suitable for stainless steel, mild steel and other sheet metals
• Optional TiN or TiCN coating
• Custom orientation, clearance and tooling configuration available
• Free tooling design support based on customer drawings

Technical Specifications

S90 Replaceable Punch-Tip Design

The S90 Series differs from conventional one-piece punch designs because the cutting tip can be removed and replaced independently.

The replaceable-tip system provides several practical benefits:

• Reduces the cost of replacing a worn punch
• Allows the main punch body to remain in service
• Simplifies inventory management for frequently used profiles
• Reduces the number of complete punch assemblies required as spares
• Makes it easier to replace a damaged cutting section
• Supports economical maintenance in high-volume production
• Allows replacement tips to be ordered separately

The replacement tip must match the punch body, guide, die clearance and required orientation. A new tip should not be installed without checking the condition and alignment of the reusable components.

Square Tooling Orientation

Square punch tooling requires directional positioning because rotating the punch changes the orientation of the produced hole.

0° Installation

With a 0° configuration, the sides of the 7 × 7 mm square profile are aligned with the reference axes of the punch press. This arrangement is commonly used for square holes that must run parallel to the edges of a panel.

45° Installation

With a 45° configuration, the square profile is rotated relative to the machine axes and produces a diamond-oriented square hole. This configuration may be required for decorative patterns, locating features, ventilation layouts or specific assembly designs.

The orientation is established through the position of the locating pin. Customers should confirm the following information before ordering:

• Required 0° or 45° orientation
• Machine manufacturer and model
• A Station configuration
• Hole orientation shown on the part drawing
• Sheet-feeding direction
• Reference direction used in the CNC program
• Existing tooling orientation, if matching replacement tooling is required

Unless a specially adjustable design is requested, the locating-pin orientation should be regarded as a manufacturing specification rather than an angle that the operator changes freely during production.

Customized Die Clearance

The lower-die clearance is selected according to the material being punched. The actual die opening is therefore larger than the nominal 7 × 7 mm punch profile by the specified clearance.

Clearance selection considers:

• Sheet material
• Sheet thickness
• Material tensile strength
• Required hole quality
• Acceptable burr height
• Punching frequency
• Lubrication conditions
• Tool coating
• Machine alignment
• Production requirements

Correct die clearance helps improve fracture consistency, reduce punching force, control burr formation and lower the risk of corner chipping. This is particularly important for square punches because loading is concentrated around the four corners.

Typical Hits Before Regrinding

These figures are typical reference values rather than guaranteed limits. Actual regrinding intervals depend on the sheet material, thickness, tensile strength, clearance, lubrication, machine alignment, punching speed and maintenance conditions.

Square punch corners should be inspected regularly because corner wear or chipping may affect hole dimensions before substantial wear appears along the straight cutting edges.

Typical Tool Service Life

The SQ7 punch is classified as shaped tooling. The replaceable-tip structure allows the cutting component to be renewed independently, but total tooling life still depends on the condition of the punch body, guide, die and other reusable components.

Optional TiN and TiCN Coatings

TiN Coating

TiN provides a hard, low-friction surface that helps reduce material adhesion and general cutting-edge wear. It is a practical choice for mild steel and other general sheet metal applications.

TiCN Coating

TiCN offers higher hardness and improved resistance to abrasive and adhesive wear. It is particularly useful when punching stainless steel, higher-strength materials or large production quantities.

Coating selection should be based on the sheet material, thickness, punching frequency, lubrication and required service life.

Typical Applications

The S90 Series SQ7 square punch tooling is suitable for producing small, accurately oriented square holes in:

• Electrical cabinets and control enclosures
• Switchgear and power-distribution equipment
• Sheet metal housings and panels
• Electronic equipment cabinets
• HVAC and ventilation components
• Metal furniture and storage systems
• Machinery covers and protective panels
• Automotive sheet metal components
• Mounting brackets and connection plates
• General precision sheet metal fabrication

Typical hole functions include:

• Square fastener openings
• Locating and indexing features
• Assembly interfaces
• Anti-rotation holes
• Ventilation patterns
• Decorative square or diamond-shaped layouts
• Openings for tabs and mating components

Manufacturing Quality

The punch tip and lower die are manufactured using selected tool steels, controlled heat treatment, precision machining and finish grinding.

The SQ7 cutting profile requires accurate control of:

• Side length
• Corner geometry
• Profile straightness
• Punch-to-die clearance
• Punch and guide alignment
• Locating-pin position
• Angular orientation
• Cutting-edge finish
• Working hardness

Accurate orientation between the punch, guide and lower die is essential. Incorrect assembly or mismatched angular positioning may damage the punch, die or guide during the first stroke.

Installation and Maintenance

Before installing the SQ7 tooling:

• Confirm whether the required orientation is 0° or 45°
• Check that the punch and die have matching orientations
• Verify the locating-pin position
• Confirm that the die clearance matches the material and thickness
• Inspect the replaceable tip and its connection
• Check the guide for contamination or damage
• Perform a controlled test stroke before full production

Regular maintenance should include cleaning the punch and guide, inspecting the four corners, monitoring burr height, checking the replaceable-tip connection and regrinding before excessive wear develops.

When installing a replacement punch tip, verify that it is fully seated and correctly oriented. The tooling should not be operated if the tip, guide and lower die are rotationally misaligned.

Ordering Information Required

Standard and Custom Thick Turret Punch Tooling

WYS Machinery supplies complete and replacement thick turret tooling for round, square, rectangular, obround and special-shaped punching applications.

Available options include:

• S90 Series replaceable punch tips
• Complete punch, guide and die sets
• Individual replacement punches and dies
• Custom square-hole dimensions
• Customer-specified 0° or 45° orientation
• Custom locating-pin positions
• Material-specific die clearance
• TiN and TiCN coatings
• Special punch-tip geometry
• Tooling designed from finished-part drawings
• OEM and private-label production

Customers can provide their part drawings, sheet material, thickness and machine information. Our engineering team can recommend the appropriate station, orientation, punch material, die material, clearance and coating.

Custom Forming Tool Capabilities

WYS Machinery can also design and manufacture thick turret forming tools, including:

• Cluster Tools
• Knockout Tools
• Embossing Tools
• Extrusion Forming Tools
• Extrusion and Tapping Tools
• Bridge Forming Tools
• Pedestal Extrusion and Embossing Tools
• Louver Forming Tools
• Multi-Scribe Tools
• Sheet Marking Tools
• Lance-and-Form Tools
• Progressive Rib Tools
• Up-Bending Tools
• Hinge Tools
• Roller Pinching Tools
• Roller Shear Tools
• Rolling Rib Tools
• Rolling Offset Tools

Forming tooling can be developed according to the customer’s finished-part drawing, sheet material, thickness, forming dimensions and machine configuration.

Product Identification and Frequently Asked Questions

What does SQ7 mean?

SQ7 is the shape designation for a square punch with a nominal side length of 7 mm. The tooling produces a 7 × 7 mm square hole.

Why does square tooling require an installation orientation?

A round profile remains unchanged when rotated, but a square profile changes direction. The SQ7 punch must therefore be positioned according to the required hole orientation.

How are the 0° and 45° orientations determined?

The orientation is determined by the locating-pin position manufactured into the tooling configuration.

Can the punch tip be replaced separately?

Yes. The S90 Series uses a replaceable front punch tip, allowing the reusable punch body to remain in service.

Can the lower-die clearance be customized?

Yes. The die clearance is manufactured according to the customer’s sheet material, thickness and processing requirements.