LVD Strippit S-Series

Strippit developed its own proprietary tooling system decades before the Thick Turret standard became dominant. Strippit tooling uses a different punch holder body geometry with a snap-in style retention system rather than the threaded retainer ring used in Thick Turret tools. Punch lengths, body diameters, and stripper geometry are specific to the Strippit system. Thick Turret tooling (used by Amada, Trumpf, Prima Power, Wilson, Mate) became the industry interoperability standard, meaning Thick Turret punches from multiple suppliers fit the same turret stations. LVD's S-Series supports both: Thick Turret stations for new tooling purchases from any Thick Turret supplier, and legacy Strippit tool compatibility for customers with existing tool libraries from older Strippit 22 and Strippit 33 machines.

CADMAN-P (Computer Aided Die Management and Manufacturing — Punching) automates tool selection from the user's defined turret configuration. Workflow: (1) The user defines the available tool library in CADMAN-P (which punches, sizes, and shapes are in stock); (2) The user defines the turret layout for a given job family (which stations are assigned which tools); (3) When a part DXF is imported, CADMAN-P analyzes all holes and features and assigns available tools from the defined turret; (4) For features that require tools not in the current turret layout, CADMAN-P flags them and suggests tool substitution (e.g., nibbling a large hole using a smaller punch) or turret change. CADMAN-P's tool planning function helps maximize turret utilization across a batch of different parts — grouping parts that share tool requirements into a single turret setup minimizes changeover frequency.

LVD offers the following automation options for the S-Series: (1) Single-sheet automatic loader — suction cup loader lifts sheets from a pallet and places them on the machine table with automatic double-sheet detection; (2) Compact Tower — sheet storage tower holding multiple full-size sheet pallets for extended unmanned operation; (3) FL (Flexible Loading) system — automated loading and sorting system with integrated scrap skeleton removal; (4) LVD Compact Tower combined with a part sorting conveyor — for fully automated blank output to a downstream process or bin sorting by part number; (5) Integration with LVD CADMAN-SDI scheduling software for automated job sequencing across multiple shifts. LVD also offers integration with the LVD ByFlex automated storage and material handling system for shops running LVD punch and laser in a combined cell.

Yes, with appropriate tooling and process controls. Stainless fabrication on the S-Series: (1) Punch and die clearances must be set for stainless (tighter clearance than mild steel — approximately 10-15% of material thickness vs. 20-25% for mild steel) to produce clean cut edges with minimal burr; (2) Coated punch tools (TiN or TiCN coating) are recommended for stainless to reduce galling and extend tool life; (3) Sheet surface protection is required — stainless surface scratches during repositioning if the machine table brush inserts and clamp pads are worn; (4) Slug retention is critical for stainless — stainless slugs have a tendency to pull back through the die on tool retract due to the material's springback characteristics. Die-specific slug retention tooling (shear-die, micro-jointed die) is available for stainless applications. For food-grade (electropolished or brushed 316L) stainless, additional surface protection measures during handling after punching are required.

The LVD Strippit PFC-1525 (Punch Fiber Combination) is a combined laser-punch machine that integrates a fiber laser head with the turret punch press in a single machine. The S-Series is a dedicated turret punch press only — no laser. Comparison: S-Series advantages: lower capital cost (punch-only vs. punch+laser), simpler machine architecture, lower maintenance cost, dedicated punch production without laser scheduling conflicts. PFC-1525 advantages: laser cutting capability (sharp inside corners, no tooling required for any shape, cuts thick material the punch cannot handle) plus punch press operations (forming, tapping, marking) in one machine footprint. For shops where 80%+ of work is standard punching and forming with consistent hole patterns, the S-Series is more economical. For shops with 30-50% of work requiring laser-quality cuts, slots, or complex contours, the PFC combination eliminates a second machine investment.