According to Mate Tooling, forming on a modern punch press makes these machines the Swiss army knife of metal fabrication.

Today’s punch presses can mark, deburr and form. And when it comes to forming, there are opportunities aplenty.
Automated punch presses have been punching holes in sheet metal for more than 60 years.
However, with their stroke control and the availability of adjustable length punch holders, CNC punch presses are also being used as mini press brakes. Many types of forms are being produced in parts before they come off the turret or rail-type punch machine.
Countersinks and small embosses are among the basic forming tools being used in CNC punch-press machines to reduce or eliminate secondary operations. Lance and forms (tabs, bridges, knockouts, cable ties) and extrusions are among the advanced class of forms being produced on punching machines today. More complex forming tools include those that produce louvres, continuous embosses and hinges.
Forming tools add value by eliminating secondary operations such as forming, welding and installing fasteners. However, the press brake is not going anywhere. Space between the punch and die will always limit what can be formed on the punch press, at least for the foreseeable future, says Mate. However, if a part needs shallow forms like an embossment, a short flange or even a hinge, chances are those forms can be made right on the punch press machine bed, with no secondary operations required.
For further information www.mate.com