Abstract:
An apparatus according to the invention comprises means for feeding strip material, means for forwarding the strip material through a forming station including a forming device such as a punching and/or cutting and/or machining device, an output table having one or more stop devices adjustable longitudinally with respect to the direction of forwarding of the strip material, the stop device or devices including a stop member driven by an electric motor so as to be movable transversely of the path of the strip material downstream of the forming station, means associated with the stop member for initiating actuation of the forming device and an electrical control system. The or each stop member is moved by a linear electric motor and comprises a horizontal rail movable into the path of the strip material, having a supporting tongue extending horizontally beyond the lower end of a vertical edge of the rail, the vertical edge forming an ejection surface above the top surface of the tongue which supports strip material thereon when the rail is retracted. The or each stop member is movable with respect to an associated housing, which is connected to an adjustable support block which is securable to the output table at any desired position thereof, the housing and block having a resilient buffer therebetween. An advantage of this construction is that the impacts sustained by the stop members, occasioned by the increased working speed, can be balanced by the buffers, so that the strip material or the cut strip does not undergo deformation in the longitudinal direction, which would have the consequence that the punching and the severing cuts would not take place at the intended positions.