Tool changes, punch adjustments and sharpening all take time away from production. HPX® punch and guide assemblies simplify thick turret tooling setup with push-button releases, quick punch-length adjustment and replaceable EXP® punch technology—giving operators fewer steps between tooling changes and production.
Make Tool Changes the Easy Part
HPX is designed around the tasks operators perform every day: changing punches, removing guides and adjusting punch length.
- Change the Punch Tip With a Button: HPX guide assemblies include a button release for the EXP® punch tip, allowing the tip to be removed for sharpening or changeover without disassembling the complete assembly.
- Release the Guide With a Button: A- and B-station HPX assemblies feature a push-button guide release for removing or installing the guide.
- Adjust Punch Length in Seconds: Each click of the HPX adjustment ring changes punch length by 0.005 inch, providing a repeatable way to make precise punch-length adjustments.
Replace the Punch. Keep the Assembly.
HPX guide assemblies work with Wilson Tool EXP® punches. Instead of replacing the complete punch-and-holder assembly when a punch reaches the end of its useful life, EXP uses a standard holder with replaceable punch tips. The punch tip can also be removed from the HPX assembly for sharpening or changeover with the push-button release.
What that changes:
- Replace the punch tip instead of the complete assembly
- Remove tips quickly for sharpening
- Change punch shapes without replacing the guide assembly
- Store more punch shapes in less space
- Keep reusable tooling components in service longer
More Time Between Regrinds
Every EXP® punch comes standard with Ultima® Premium Tool Steel. Ultima is engineered for increased wear resistance and provides up to twice as long between regrinds compared with conventional tool steels, helping reduce sharpening frequency, tooling replacement and associated downtime.
One Guide. More Flexibility.
HPX guide assemblies are designed for use with both round and shaped EXP punches, reducing the need to maintain separate guide assemblies for different punch geometries. HPX guides also support both ABS and non-ABS functionality.
Universal guide assembly:
- Round Punches + Shaped Punches
- ABS + Non-ABS
Fewer dedicated components can mean a simpler tooling inventory and more flexibility at the machine.
What Does Easier Tooling Mean Over 2 Million Holes?
The impact of tooling goes beyond the purchase price. Punch life, sharpening frequency and replacement labor all contribute to total cost of ownership.
HPX® Frequently Asked Questions
What is HPX tooling?
HPX is a punch and guide assembly system for thick turret punching. The system combines EXP® replaceable punch technology with quick punch-length adjustment and push-button releases for the punch tip and guide.
What stations are available with the push-button guide release?
The push-button guide release is available on A- and B-station HPX assemblies for thick turret tooling.
How is the EXP punch tip removed from an HPX assembly?
The HPX guide assembly includes a button release that allows the EXP punch tip to be removed for sharpening or changeover.
How is punch length adjusted?
The HPX adjustment ring changes punch length in 0.005-inch increments per click.
Can the same HPX guide be used with round and shaped punches?
Yes. HPX guide assemblies can be used with both round and shaped EXP punches.
Does HPX support ABS and non-ABS operation?
Yes. HPX guide assemblies support both ABS and non-ABS functionality.
What material are EXP punches made from?
EXP punches come standard with Ultima® Premium Tool Steel, which is engineered to increase wear resistance.
How much longer can Ultima punches run between regrinds?
Ultima punches provide up to twice as long between regrinds compared with conventional tool steels. Actual tooling life will depend on the punching application, material and operating conditions.
Do I replace the entire HPX assembly when the punch wears?
No. HPX uses EXP replaceable punch technology. The EXP punch tip is removable from the guide assembly and can be replaced independently of the reusable guide assembly.
Is HPX designed for thick turret tooling?
Yes. The current HPX product offering is designed for thick turret punching applications.