Mate says that fabricators can get even more productivity from thick turret punch presses using its new patent pending Ultra IMT fully indexable multi tool. Unlike standard multi tools, which only have one angle setting, fully indexable multi tools can achieve any angle setting on the workpiece.

Mate offers two versions of the Ultra IMT fully indexable multi tool:

• 3-Station, which uses standard Ultra 1-1/4 in. B-Station punches and strippers and thick turret B-Station dies. It can punch up to 6 mm material with maximum tonnage of 16 tons (142 kN).

• 8-Station, which uses standard Ultra ½” A-Station punches and strippers, and thick turret A-Station dies. It can punch up to 6 mm material with maximum tonnage of 7 tons (62 kN).

Mate conducted extensive customer research before embarking on the design of Ultra IMT. “We wanted to provide our customers with the opportunity to define their vision of the ideal multi tool,” said John Galich, Mate marketing manager. “We knew there can be some trepidation with using multi tools. Our research not only confirmed our perceptions, but it also provided us with some interesting insights that led to the design of other customer-centric features.”

The advantages and benefits of Mate’s design include:

* Ultra IMT is incredibly easy to use. Assembly and disassembly is very simple. No tools are required for punch, striker and stripper retention/removal.

* Ultra IMT is designed to use Mate’s Ultra® punches, strippers and Slug Free dies, eliminating the need for specialized tooling inventory. Ultra punches provide exceptional life between regrinds. Ultra strippers have recess for added 0.118 inch (3.00 mm) punch grind life, while the Slug Free dies eliminate slug pulling and increase piece part quality.

* Ultra IMT features a dro-in quick tool change design that allows for fast tool changes reducing machine downtime while increasing productivity.

* Ultra IMT’s Integral punch length adjustment feature ensures optimal punching performance and efficient slug discharge across a wide material range.

* Identification of the active station is easy because Ultra IMT has a clearly viewable “Zero Mark” that indicates the start/home position and a station ID window to quickly see the active station, both to assist in reducing the chance for error.

* Ultra IMT’s ergonomic design makes it easy to wrap your hands around the holder. Plus you can also use a T-Handle to assist in lifting the holder.

* With its variable stripping force options for heavy duty and light duty applications, you can adjust Ultra IMT’s downward force to reduce sheetmarking in thin materials or aluminum.

* The innovative Ultra IMT holder is designed so that each tool is individually activated. This means that inactive punches are prevented from moving, protecting part surfaces from unwanted marks.

* Ultra IMT is fully ported for lubrication, which is delivered via the punch ram through the central shaft over all moving surfaces within the punch holder assembly. In addition, external spiral grooves in the outside diameter of the holder reduce friction between the machine and holder, especially during high speed nibbling operations.

“Mate believes we delivered on the customer’s vision of an ideal multi tool,” reports John Galich. “Increasing turret press output with the addition of a Mate Ultra IMT is an excellent way to increase machine flexibility and productivity in today’s challenging economy. With Ultra IMT, Mate gives fabricators yet another option for maximizing machine output and profitability while ensuring highest quality sheet metal parts.”

www.mate.com/ultramultitools