The invention relates to a hydromechanical drive system for at least one press ram of a cutting and/or forming press, at least one drive cylinder being connected to a following kinematic chain. This kinematic chain is designed in such a way that a complete ram stroke, i.e. a downward motion and an upward motion, is effected during a single piston stroke in only one direction. In addition, the proposed drive system has mechanical controlled synchronization.
A device for punching, stamping and/or shaping flat elements (29) includes a base body (1) with a table (18) and support (26) for the flat element (29), and a base plate (17), which supports a punch (24), and which is advanced with a drive (4,5) toward the support (26) and into a working station (II), bringing the punch (24) into contact with the support (26). A large number of successive, very short, highly precise, punching strokes make punched holes or stampings. Short stop periods and short clock times are used for fast moving flat elements (29). Transfer apparatus (9, 7; 35; 43; 46) coupled between the drive (4,5) and the base plate (17) move the base plate (17) without building up pressure from a position of rest (I) The punch (24) is not in contact with the support (26), up to immediately in front of working position (II). The base plate (17) is then moved into working position (II) while producing a high pressure between the base plate (17) and the flat element (29). During further operation of the drive (4,5), the base plate (17) is returned to the position of rest (I,II) without building up pressure.
