Prima Power Punch Express 2520

The primary advantage is the ability to process a full 2,500 x 2,000 mm (roughly 8 x 6.5 ft) sheet in a single clamp without repositioning. On a standard 1530 machine (1,500 x 3,000 mm working area), a 2,500 mm sheet requires a repositioning step to punch features beyond the machine's Y-axis travel. Repositioning takes 15-30 seconds plus adds potential registration error at the reposition seam. For a shop running 200 large sheets per day, eliminating repositioning saves 50-100 minutes per day and eliminates the defect risk from misregistration. Additionally, the large format enables nesting more small parts per sheet hit — a 2,500 x 2,000 mm sheet has twice the area of a 1,250 x 1,250 mm sheet, doubling part count per sheet load for small nested parts.

Yes. The Punch Express 2520 supports a full range of forming operations using Thick Turret forming tools: louvers (single or multi-directional), embosses, dimples, countersinks, offsets, bridge lances, and thread-forming (tapping tools). Forming tool stations must be assigned in the turret during setup and programmed as forming hits in the CAM software. Maximum forming depth varies by tool type — typical louver height 5-7 mm, dimple height 3-5 mm, countersink diameter up to 25 mm. Heavy forming operations (deep offsets, large-diameter embosses) may require reduced punch speed to stay within tonnage limits. Tapping heads for in-process thread forming are available as an optional turret station for M3-M10 thread sizes.

Prima Power offers several automation levels for the 2520: (1) Manual load — operator places sheets one at a time on the machine table; (2) Single-table automatic loader — suction cup sheet loader lifts sheets from a pallet and places them on the machine table, with automatic double-sheet detection; (3) Compact Tower (CT) — integrated sheet tower stores 4-8 sheet pallets and feeds the machine unmanned; (4) Large Tower (LT) — expanded tower with greater sheet pallet capacity for extended unmanned runs; (5) Modular Sheet Tower (MST) — fully automated multi-format sheet storage integrated with the Prima Power automation system. For 24-hour unmanned operation, the CT or LT option with a part sorter conveyor is the standard recommendation.

The 2520 processes aluminum sheet from 0.8 mm to 8.0 mm. Thin aluminum (under 1.5 mm) requires attention to punch-to-die clearance: aluminum needs approximately 10-12% of material thickness as die clearance vs. 20-25% for mild steel. Using steel-optimized dies on thin aluminum produces rough cut edges and increased burr height. Prima Power provides aluminum-specific die sets with appropriate clearances. Sheet feeding: aluminum's lower surface friction coefficient compared to steel means the sheet positioning brushes and hold-down roller settings may need adjustment to prevent aluminum sheets from drifting during repositioning. Thick aluminum (4-8 mm) requires slug retention consideration as thick aluminum slugs can stick in the die and cause slug-pulling defects.

The Prima Power NC Express control accepts part programs generated by any CAD/CAM software that outputs Prima Power (formerly Finn-Power) NC code format. Certified CAM packages include: Prima Power's own SG software suite (nesting and programming); Radan (industry-standard sheet metal CAM); Metalix cncKad; Lantek Expert; Alma; and NC Express programming via DXF import for simpler parts. SolidWorks and Inventor users typically use Radan or Metalix as the bridge between 3D CAD and NC code generation. For shops standardized on Trumpf or Amada code from a previous machine, post-processor conversion is required — Prima Power's application engineering team provides post-processor support for migration from other platforms.