Hole Making Solutions

Advanced Hole Making Machines for Tube Forming and Automation

Carson Engineering is a pioneer in innovative hole making technology for tube forming operations, providing high-precision punching equipment for thin-walled tube applications within the automotive, HVAC, and aerospace sectors. Our robotic-assisted systems, manual hydraulic punches, and automatic tube punches ensure accurate hole patterns in manifolds, headers, and special tubing assemblies. Whether you require high-volume production with automated tube hole making or consistent hand operations for prototype development, our machinery minimizes waste, maximizes speed, and offers improved quality. Learn how our custom automation and tooling solutions can optimize your tube fabricating operations for cost savings and efficiency.

AHP-2A Automatic Tube Punching Machine

The AHP-2A is a state-of-the-art 2-axis computer-controlled computer-numeric-control automatic tube punching machine ideally designed for high-accuracy hole making in thin-walled tubes. The AHP-2A is distinct from other manual machines in that it mechanizes all movement, having operators place and remove parts while the system locates and punches with hitherto unmatched accuracy.

Part programs are stored in a secure database for quick recall, with backup options to prevent data loss during production runs. Safety is paramount, featuring a light curtain guard to protect operators during automated tube hole punching operations. For smooth operations, AHP-2A can be paired with end closing machines for single-person productivity or paired with robots for complete automation tube punching lines in HVAC manifold production or auto header production.

Designed for versatility, this tube hole maker is compatible with bed lengths of 48" and 72" and is suitable for use with a range of tube sizes as well as complex hole patterns. Its slug-ejection capability eliminates chips and lubricants to create clean, burr-free holes that are precision-blasted to satisfy rigorous industry standards.

Key Features and Specifications of the AHP-2A

MODEL AHP-2A TUBE PUNCH MACHINE
  • Available in standard bed lengths of 48" and 72" for flexible production setups in automatic tube punching applications
  • Fast, accurate, and repeatable hole making for high-volume manufacturing of HVAC manifolds and automotive components
  • Easy-to-program interface requiring no specialized machine programming knowledge, ideal for operators in tube forming environments
  • P.C.-based controls for reliable performance and seamless integration with existing automation systems
  • No lubricant required; waste material is slug-blown out of the tube, reducing cleanup and maintenance in precision hole punching operations
  • Includes a light beam locating system for precise orientation of holes on pre-bent tubes, ensuring alignment in complex tube fabrication
  • RAL colors available for custom machine aesthetics in industrial settings

Download Brochure

AHP-2 Tube Punching Machine Brochure.pdf

CHP-1H Manual Hydraulic Tube Punch Machine

The CHP-1H from Carson Engineering is a robust manual hydraulic tube punch machine engineered for creating precise patterns of holes in tubing, particularly for manufacturing manifolds and headers in air conditioning units and other HVAC applications. Operators load the tube onto the mandrel and secure it in the indexing carriage, which facilitates linear and rotational movements guided by customizable templates (spacer bar for linear positioning and index plate for rotation). Activation is simple via a hand-operated valve, with pneumatic slug ejection ensuring clean, efficient hole formation without manual intervention. This manual tube punching solution is perfect for low-to-medium volume production where flexibility and operator control are key in custom tube hole making processes.

With tube diameters varying from 5/16" to 4 5/8" O.D., the CHP-1H is suitable for linear and radial hole arrays, offering convenience in motor vehicle header piercing and overall thin-walled tube manufacturing. Through a bolt-down base and small footprint, its integration into existing workflows is eased, while built-in safety mechanisms protect operators during manual hydraulic punching.

Key Features and Specifications of the CHP-1H

  • Simple to operate for efficient manual tube punching in low-volume production
  • Built-in operator safety features for secure hydraulic tube hole making
  • High production speed for radial and linear hole patterns in HVAC headers
  • Hydraulic powered with pneumatic control for reliable performance
  • Pneumatic slug ejection for clean, chip-free tube punching operations
  • Supports linear or radially spaced patterns for versatile applications in automotive and HVAC tubing
  • Tube capacity from 5/16" to 4 5/8" O.D. for a wide range of thin-walled tube sizes
  • Base can be bolted down for stable installation in manufacturing facilities
  • Bed lengths available: 30", 48", and 72" to accommodate various tube lengths
  • Height: 78.3 inches for ergonomic operation
  • Custom RAL colors available for industrial aesthetic matching
  • Weight: 1500 lbs for durable, heavy-duty construction

Download Brochure

CHP-1H 72inch Tube Forming Machine Brochure.pdf

AMP-1A Robotic Tube Punching Automation System

The AMP-1A represents the pinnacle of robotic tube punching automation, offering hand-loading flexibility or full robotic integration for maximum throughput in high-volume manufacturing. Equipped with dual safety systems—a stop motion circuit and light curtain—this machine ensures operator safety during automated tube hole making. Its innovative indexing punch turret holds up to three punches, paired with a matching mandrel for multi-size hole production in a single setup, ideal for complex patterns in automotive headers or HVAC tubing. With a punching capacity from 0.562" to 84.00" from the tube end and support for tubes up to 1.63" O.D., the AMP-1A excels in linear and radial positioning, programmable for up to three hole sizes per run. This robotic tube punching machine is perfect for industries requiring precision hole patterns with minimal downtime.

Enhance your production line with the "nibble" option for creating large-diameter holes cleanly, and quick-change tooling that reduces setup to 2-3 minutes. Fully automatable with robotic arms, the AMP-1A transforms manual processes into efficient, scalable tube fabrication solutions.

Key Features and Specifications of the AMP-1A

  • Indexing punch turret with three-punch holding capacity for multi-size hole production in one setup
  • Accepts outside diameter tubes up to 1.63" for versatile robotic tube punching applications
  • Punch capacity from 0.562" to 84.00" from the end of the tube for extended reach in long-tube fabrication
  • Quick-change tooling system, enabling changeovers in just 2-3 minutes to minimize downtime
  • Base designed for bolting down to ensure stability in automated manufacturing lines
  • "Nibble" option for creating clean large-diameter holes without distortion in precision tube hole making
  • Full integration with robotic arms for automated tube punching processes, boosting throughput in high-volume production

Download Brochure

AMP-1 Tube Punching Machine Brochure.pdf

Direct Sales and Support for Hole Making Equipment

At Carson Engineering, we prioritize direct sales to tailor our hole making machines and custom tooling to your specific process requirements and part specifications. Given the custom nature of our tube punching equipment, we foster close relationships with end-users to ensure optimal performance in your operations. From initial consultation to installation, our team provides expert guidance on selecting the right automatic tube hole maker or manual hydraulic punch for your HVAC manifold production or automotive header fabrication needs.

With years of experience in tube forming automation, we offer comprehensive engineering support to design, build, and integrate our machinery, including modifications for enhanced accuracy and efficiency in robotic tube punching systems. Ready to elevate your tube fabrication? Request a quote today or explore our full range of tube forming solutions.

Contact us at (479) 751-2818 or info@carsonengineering.com for personalized assistance on precision hole making for thin-walled tubing.