Murata Wiedemann Optipunch 500

$240,000 – $340,000 Updated 2026-03-17

Key Specifications

Punching Force

500 kN (50 tons)

Sheet Size Capacity

2,500 x 1,250 mm (98" x 49")

Number of Tool Stations

48 stations (full indexing)

Repositioning Speed

100 m/min (X and Y axes)

Punching Speed

Up to 500 hits/min (nibbling)

Control System

Siemens 840D sl

Overview

The Murata Wiedemann Optipunch 500 is the flagship model of the Optipunch series, delivering 500 kN of punching force for demanding sheet metal fabrication applications. It is purpose-built for high-volume production environments where material thickness, punch force requirements, and throughput exceed what lighter-duty machines can handle reliably over sustained production shifts.

Like its smaller sibling, the Optipunch 500 employs a servo-electric ram drive that delivers precise, programmable stroke depth and speed. This architecture enables the machine to adapt its force profile for forming, embossing, louvering, and other special-form operations in addition to standard punching and nibbling. Energy regeneration during deceleration phases further reduces operating costs over hydraulic press alternatives.

The machine accommodates a 48-station turret with full indexing on all stations, allowing a wide variety of round, square, oblong, and special-geometry tooling to be loaded simultaneously. Sheet travel is handled by a servo-driven brush table and pneumatic clamp system that provides reliable sheet registration across the full working envelope of 2,500 x 1,250 mm — suitable for full-size sheet processing without repositioning.

The Optipunch 500 integrates natively with Murata Wiedemann's automation options, including sheet destacking systems, part sorting conveyors, and pallet-based loading/unloading. Its Siemens 840D-based control supports network DNC connectivity, remote diagnostics, and real-time OEE monitoring, making it an appropriate choice for smart factory environments.

Full Specifications

Parameter	Value
Punching Force	500 kN (50 tons)
Sheet Size Capacity	2,500 x 1,250 mm (98" x 49")
Number Of Tool Stations	48 stations (full indexing)
Repositioning Speed	100 m/min (X and Y axes)
Punching Speed	Up to 500 hits/min (nibbling)
Control System	Siemens 840D sl
Throat Depth	380 mm
Machine Weight	Approx. 18,000 kg

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

500 kN punching force handles heavy-gauge mild steel and stainless steel with ease
Full-sheet 2,500 x 1,250 mm capacity eliminates mid-sheet repositioning for standard blanks
48-station turret with full indexing maximizes tooling variety in a single setup
Native automation integration supports lights-out and unmanned production runs

Limitations

High capital cost and large floor footprint require significant facility investment
Servo-electric system complexity means higher repair costs if main drive components fail
Overkill for shops primarily processing thin-gauge light-duty parts

Best For

High-volume sheet metal fabricators processing full 4x8 ft sheet blanks Manufacturers requiring consistent heavy-gauge punching in stainless or structural steel Smart factory and Industry 4.0 environments integrating automated sheet handling

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What maximum sheet thickness can the Optipunch 500 punch in stainless steel?

The Optipunch 500 can punch stainless steel up to approximately 5 mm thick depending on hole geometry and tooling, and mild steel up to 8 mm in favorable conditions.

02 Can the Optipunch 500 be integrated with an automatic sheet loader?

Yes. Murata Wiedemann offers destacking and loading automation packages that interface directly with the Optipunch 500 control system for fully automated sheet-to-sheet production.

03 Does the Optipunch 500 support multi-tool tooling systems?

Yes. The 48-station turret accepts industry-standard multi-tool holders that multiply the effective number of unique tools available in a single setup, reducing tool change time.