NC servo feeding ยท Mechanical press interface
NC Servo Feeder
Signal Cam Installation
A mechanical-press installation example: check the hardware, understand the signals and verify the actual response.
HENLI technical guide ยท Updated September 18, 2026
A mechanical punch press can work with an NC servo feeder when the mounting, controls and operating sequence are compatible. Where the approved design uses a shaft-driven cam and cam-operated signal switches, that assembly provides a press-cycle reference. It does not prove that the strip has finished feeding or that the rollers have released.
This guide uses an existing HENLI installation photo series to explain what to check around the cam, supports and switches. For feeder mounting, pass-line alignment and the complete installation sequence, start with the NC servo feeder installation guide.
01 / Before fitting hardware
Confirm the press interface before selecting a cam
First establish whether the press already provides a suitable timing output. A separate mechanical cam may not be needed if the existing controller or electronic cam supplies the required signal. Ask the press and feeder suppliers to confirm compatibility rather than adding hardware because another installation has it.
For a shaft-driven arrangement, identify the approved mounting point and its relationship to the press cycle. Do not assume that any accessible shaft turns once per press stroke or gives the required reference.
Press
Press model, available timing outputs and the applicable mounting drawing.
Feeder
Feeder model, control version and electrical interface drawing.
Signals
Required feed-request and release functions, including their receiving inputs.
Application
Die requirements, feed length, intended operating range and release method.
02 / Original installation photographs
Read the original installation photos as a hardware check
Press-side mounting point
The shaft-end photograph shows the mounting area used in the original example. Its purpose here is to help identify where the cam assembly interfaces with that pressโnot to specify hole locations, thread sizes or a drilling pattern for another machine. Compare your proposed mounting point with the approved drawing before ordering or modifying parts.
Cam support and switch support
The assembly views show how the cam and switching hardware are positioned relative to one another. Review the complete arrangement: which components rotate, which remain stationary, how each is retained, and whether the supports maintain their position through the intended movement.
Support length is not simply whatever makes the parts fit. The design must account for rigidity, clearances, access and guarding. A long unsupported extension or a support that moves under vibration can change the switching relationship even when the initial alignment looks correct.
Cam profile and signal switches
The close-up shows roller-lever contact with the cam; do not assume a non-contact proximity sensor is fitted. Identify the installed device type and its specified actuation travel, permitted overtravel and mounting requirements. Check the lever's movement and surrounding clearances through the approved cycle, secure retention and cable routing away from rotating parts and pinch points.
Visible lever movement alone cannot confirm an electrical transition, that the feeder input receives the correct state, or that the controller interprets it as intended. Contact arrangement, wiring requirements and terminal assignments must come from the actual device and interface documents.
03 / Different signals, different jobs
Separate the feed request from pilot release
Do not treat โthe press signalโ as one interchangeable command. The project may use separate timing channels, controller logic or mechanical release hardware.
| Function | What it tells the system | What it does not prove |
|---|---|---|
| Cam-operated signal switch | A defined switching condition associated with the press cycle has occurred. | That material has reached the required position. |
| Feed request | The controller is being asked to perform the configured feed, subject to its required conditions. | That the feed has completed successfully. |
| Release command, where fitted | The release mechanism is being asked to free the strip for the specified die sequence. | That the rollers physically released and regained grip at the required time. |
Mechanical pilot release may use a physical linkage rather than an electrical release command. Confirm the fitted arrangement. Likewise, motor-position feedback is not independent proof of strip travel if material slips at the rolls.
The required feed window depends on press motion, die clearance, feed length and the feeder's movement profile. There is no universal cam angle or strokes-per-minute setting to copy from these photographs. Use the separate servo feeder feeding-time guide when reviewing the available window.
04 / From reference to actual action
Verify the installed cam without guessing from appearance
After the installation is cleared for testing, use the authorized commissioning procedure to compare the physical reference, receiving input and actual action.
- Confirm the reference. Record the cam arrangement, identified press-cycle reference and corresponding drawing.
- Confirm the received state. Check that the documented switch transition reaches the intended input and is interpreted correctly.
- Confirm the response. At the approved controlled operating condition, verify feeding and, where applicable, release and re-grip against the die sequence.
- Repeat through approved conditions. Retain the settings and observations as the trial advances; a low-speed result does not establish the full production range.
If an input flickers, a command repeats unexpectedly or motion does not match the expected sequence, stop the trial and investigate before changing several settings at once. Record the observed condition instead of assuming the cam angle is the cause.
Keep detailed test requirements in the feederโpress interface verification checklist and the staged commissioning guide.
05 / Full setup & test run ยท 16:15
Watch the installation in context
How to Install an NC Servo Feeder on a Punch Press | Full Setup & Test Run shows the wider installation sequence. Relevant chapters include:
06 / Application support
Discuss your mechanical-press interface
Send HENLI the press and feeder identities, existing signal details, mounting-area photographs and available drawings. Include feed length, intended operating speed and release method so the review addresses the actual arrangement.
A punch press machine is used to create a specific shape with a single piece of material. The top portion of the tool is butted against the top bed plate, and the bottom portion is locked to the sliding ram. The tool’s ram and clamping system are connected with the motor, and the power unit provides intermittent power to the flywheel. In a conventional punch press, the power unit drives the ram while a flywheel stores energy between a hammer stroke and a hammer strike. The assembly of these two parts reduces the capacity of the driving motor.