DE102007008698A1 - Punching machine tool pre-tooling method, involves arranging machine tool in detection area of receiver unit, and arranging machine tool during exceeding of difference limit values for spatial arrangement by using difference data - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves arranging a punching machine tool in a detection area of an optical-electronic receiver unit. Spacer-actual values of the tool are determined in an evaluation unit from data of an illumination unit i.e. laser-line projector, the receiver unit and stored position data based on a working surface. The punching machine tool is assembled during exceeding of difference limit values for the punching machine tool by changing components. The punching machine tool is arranged during exceeding of the difference limit values for a spatial arrangement by using difference data. An independent claim is also included for a device for executing a method for optical pre-tooling of a punching machine tool.

Description

The Invention is a method which determines the setting and geometry parameters a tool in a CNC punching machine via known image processing methods determined and transmits to the control of the machine.

In Punching or nibbling machines are tools that are commonly used from a lower tool, hereafter called Matrize a hold-down, which acts hydraulically or by a spring force and an upper tool, hereinafter also called stamp exist. With such designed tools can Punching with different geometries (punching) or transformations (Imprints) be generated.

Of the in a punching resulting from the punching hole, cutout is referred to below as a punching slug.

In 1 and 2 are a stamp ( 11 ) and its associated matrix ( 16 ). The cutting edges ( 12 . 17 ) are matched in shape. The lengths of punch (LS) and die (LM) are relative to a reference surface ( 13 . 18 ), which is designed differently in shape and position per machine tool. If the punch is located in the tool holder in the machining process, the reference plane can be produced by another reference to the coordinate system of the tool holder. The length measurement can then take place at a known point of the tool holder, instead of the illustrated reference plane.

In 3 is an embossing tool, shown here for punching a gill. The stamp ( 21 ) and the embossing die ( 26 ) have contoured cutting edges ( 22 . 27 ), also reference levels ( 23 . 28 ) and a specific length LPS and LPM.

• A) Im Falle einer Stanzung ist zu beachten, dass • Stempel und Matrize zueinander passen (Größe und Einbaulage/Drehwinkel) • das sog. Schnittspiel (=Durchmesserdifferenz) zwischen Stempel und Matrize, welches von der Blechdicke und der Blech-Streckgrenze Rp_0.2 bestimmt wird, eingehalten wird • der Niederhalter zum Werkzeug passt • die Länge des Stempels so eingestellt ist oder die Hublänge der Maschine so eingestellt wird, dass ein sauberes Stanzergebnis erreicht wird. Dazu ist zu berücksichtigen, dass eine solche Stanzung an der Schnittkante zu einem Anteil von mindestens 20% aus einem Scherschnitt resultiert, der Rest über einen Bruch der verbleibenden Fläche. Dazu muss die Stempel-Oberfläche so weit in die Matrizen-Fläche eindringen, dass der Stanzbutzen abreißt und aufgrund seiner kinetischen Energie oder mit Unterstützung einer z. B. über ein Vakuum erzeugten Sogkraft aus der Matrize befördert wird. Dringt der Stempel jedoch zu tief in die Matrize ein, dann entsteht eine Reibung zwischen Stempel-Außenfläche und der Schnittfläche des Bleches, die zum erhöhten Verschleiß des Stempels führt. Die Genauigkeit, die gefordert ist liegt im Bereich weniger zehntel Millimeter • die Schneide von Stempel und Matrize die erforderliche Geometrie aufweist, d. h. dass keine Ausbrüche vorliegen • die Schneiden von Stempel und Matrize die erforderliche Schärfe aufweisen
• B) Im Falle einer Prägung ist zu beachten, dass • Stempel und Matrize zueinander passen • die Länge des Stempels so eingestellt ist oder die Hublänge der Maschine so eingestellt wird, dass die Endlage der beiden Werkzeughälften (Stempel und Matrize) zueinander so ist, dass die gewünschte Umformung entsteht. Die geforderte Genauigkeit liegt hier in der Regel bei unter ein zehntel bis etwa zwei zehntel Millimeter • Stempel und Matrize keine Ausbrüche aufweisen • Stempel und Matrize keine Verunreinigungen oder sonstige Aufbauten aufweisen

Around the stamp, a hold-down is often used, which strips the workpiece from the punch when the punch is retracted. This is matched to the tool.

• A) In the case of a punching, it should be noted that • punch and die fit together (size and mounting position / angle of rotation) • the so-called cutting clearance (= diameter difference) between punch and die, which determines the sheet thickness and the sheet yield strength Rp _0.2 the following is complied with: • the blank holder fits the tool • the length of the punch is set or the stroke length of the machine is adjusted so that a clean punching result is achieved. It should be noted that such a cut at the cutting edge results in a proportion of at least 20% from a shear cut, the rest on a fraction of the remaining surface. For this purpose, the stamp surface must penetrate so far into the die surface that the punching rip tears off and due to its kinetic energy or with the support of a z. B. suction force generated by a vacuum is conveyed from the die. However, if the stamp penetrates too deeply into the die, then a friction between the punch outer surface and the cut surface of the sheet, which leads to increased wear of the punch. The accuracy required is in the range of a few tenths of a millimeter • the die and die cutting edge has the required geometry, ie there are no breakouts • the cutting edges of the punch and die have the required sharpness
• B) In the case of embossing, note that • the punch and die fit together • the length of the punch is set or the stroke length of the machine is adjusted so that the end position of the two tool halves (punch and die) is such that the desired forming arises. The required accuracy is generally below one tenth to about two tenths of a millimeter. • The punch and die have no breakouts. • The punch and die have no impurities or other structures

The Setting parameters described under A) and B) are the essential ones Tool parameters, in their compliance and control, the machining result experience is useful.

To In the prior art, the tool length can be measured via tactile systems and manually transferred to the appropriate machine.

All others under A) and B) are exclusively used by the Operator of the machine visually inspected and based on his Experience corrected. This creates a clear variance in the Processing result and partly reject.

In automated machines, where tools automatically in the Machining head are exchanged, this control only finds in very big Time intervals instead. The processing result of many hours must then possibly discarded due to lack of control of the tool parameters become.

The object of the present invention is to provide a method for optical Voreinrichtung of punching machine tools, which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art with reduced burden on the operator and in particular provides a higher quality of the processing result in automated machines by improved control.

By a method of use in punching machines and several thereof derived devices can the disadvantages described by the invention in a surprising solved in a simple way become.

The in A) and B) described by image processing methods be detected, resulting in disruption of manufacturing and operator intervention leads, and in some cases can about changes the machine parameter continued production without interruption become.

In order to the main task of the operator is no longer the full control all setup patterns and the sampling control in long-running production orders, but it will be first for troubleshooting after the image processing described below Tool parameter control in connection with the machine tool control one leading to committee Deviation has detected.

A special inventive expression is the self-employed Correction of some tool parameters or the exchange of defective tools, up to substitution by a for the zu creating contour equivalent Tool through the machine tool control.

Next The machine-integrated optical measurement is the external measurement before installation, for example after the tool assembly or Immediately before installation in the machine.

According to the invention each tool is pre-defined entirely or in known parts or when setting up into the machine when loading of the tool magazine, during a tool change or in the machine head itself illuminated by a lighting unit and by a recording unit optically recorded.

In this case, lighting unit and recording unit are coordinated so that an evaluation unit from the data of lighting unit, recording unit can determine at least one length measurement. If the tool has been completely captured, the length measurement is the distance from the working surface ( 12 . 17 . 22 . 27 ) of the tool to a reference surface defined for the tool ( 13 . 18 . 23 or 28 ). If tool is only partially detected, the illumination and the evaluation unit are designed and arranged such that they measure length coordinates (in at least one direction) and output them as a distance to the reference surface.

Becomes only one length coordinate determined, so in the following 1D measurement is spoken (1 dimensional).

In the invention more complex Shape, is the length measurement not only along an axis (1D), but flat (2D) and in special arrangements spatially (3D 3D).

Out These measurements are made using the methods of optical 1, 2 or 3-dimensional Image evaluation, the actual or the actual measured data is compared with the nominal value (s), and calculated the deviations.

In dependence the type of length measurement will be discovered different fault patterns, and the corrective actions proposed or implemented.

Group 1D (analysis of a line length)

length measurement a section through the measurement object

• – Einstellung der Länge Stempel, Länge Matrize

For symmetrical objects, the length can be determined.

• - Adjustment of length stamp, length die

Group 2D (analysis of a surface like Cut surface or "shadow cast" of a body)

length measurement the largest length of the measurement object

• – Einstellung der Länge Stempel, Länge Matrize

Even with asymmetrical components so the length can be determined.

• - Adjustment of length stamp, length die

Contour comparison TARGET-IS

• – Austausch Werkzeug, Bedienereingriff Verunreinigungen können zum Teil erkannt werden (wie Materialaufbau auf Scheidkanten)
• – Austausch Werkzeug, Bedienereingriff

Many tools differ in their contours. Also, individual edges can be evaluated. An unsafe detection on tool type and cut edge quality is possible

• - Replacement tool, operator intervention Contaminations can be partially recognized (such as material build-up on cutting edges)
• - Exchange tool, operator intervention

Group 3D (analysis of surface shape of the object to be measured, recesses visible)

length measurement the surface, Determine heights and depths of tool details

• - Attitude of length Stamp, length Matrix, both for Punching and embossing tools

• – Austausch Werkzeug, Bedienereingriff

The surface shape allows a reliable comparison of the actual tool with the target tool.

• - Exchange tool, operator intervention

• – Austausch Werkzeug, Bedienereingriff

The surface shape allows the determination of all locally occurring properties, in particular depressions or partial edge breakouts.

• - Exchange tool, operator intervention

To The method presents two different devices. The first one describes a possible execution of the method according to group 2D. By simplification one obtains an execution after the group 1D.

In the first described form is the execution described that part, here the stamp as a whole in his Length determined becomes. The same can be done for the matrix with similar Arrangement performed become.

The device for measuring the length of a stamping / embossing tool is in 4 , shown. It consists of the housing ( 1 ), the tool holder ( 2 ) with clamped tool ( 3 ) and the micrometer array ( 4 ), consisting of two optical CCD micrometers ( 4a and 4b ), which in turn each have a transmission ( 4a / I and 4b / I ) and a receiving unit ( 4a / II and 4b / II ) feature. The device also includes two control units for the optical CCD micrometer and a central control, evaluation and control unit, which are not shown in the figure. The tool holder is designed so that the clamped tool in the course of the measuring process by means of a drive unit, which is controlled by the central control, evaluation and operating unit, gradually 180 ° about the longitudinal axis ( 5 ) of the tool can be rotated

The tool to be measured is clamped in the tool holder before starting the measurement. By initiating the measurement process, which is initiated manually by the operator, the CCD optical micrometers are activated by their respective control units and continuously provide values via the control unit due to the interruption of the beam path between the respective transmitter and receiver components through the body of the tool the evaluation and operating unit, the distance aa and from the tool longitudinal axis orthogonal, applied to the upper and lower edge of the tool line ( 5a respectively. 6a ) to a likewise orthogonal to the tool longitudinal axis straight line through the zero point of each CCD micrometer ( 5b respectively. 6b ) correspond.

During the Continuously capturing the values for aa and ab turns the central Control, evaluation and operating unit, the tool holder and thus the tool in increments of 0.5 ° 180 ° around the tool longitudinal axis. The central control, evaluation and operating unit determined from the transmitted Values aa and ab the respective associated maxima aa max and ab Max. Upon completion of the rotation through 180 °, the continuous detection becomes stopped by values.

The distance d between the zero-point line ( 5b ) and ( 6b ) was determined once and is known. The central control, evaluation and operating unit now determines the total length l of the tool according to the formula l = d + aa max + from max and outputs this value or transfers it electronically to the control of the machine tool.

Finally it turns the central control, evaluation and operating unit the tool holder back in the starting position and the measured tool can be removed become.

It can be seen from this description that this measurement can also be carried out with only one optical micrometer if the tool ( 3 ) is held so that the distance of the surface 5a to the zero point 6b is known.

This is the case when the tool is clamped in the tool head for machining. Without rotation of the workpiece, this is a possible embodiment of group 1D. If the tool is in the tool head as before around the longitudinal axis ( 5 ), a measurement of the previously described group 2D is performed.

For a measurement the contour of the tools (punch, die) are these tools to bring into a defined position, a position in which the measuring means Advantageously protected are arranged as in the processing position.

The second example is one of the possible devices from group 3.

For acquisition of 3-dimensional surface shape data, a recording unit ( 82 ) and a lighting unit ( 83 ) used. These are arranged with a certain angle in such a way that stamp cut surface or die cut surface ( 81 ) and the respective cut edges are visible and illuminated.

The illumination of the considered area is z. B. over a projected laser line ( 84 ) to reduce stray light effects. Individual areas can thus also be observed and measured one after another by changing the position or orientation of the tool.

In this embodiment, besides the receiving unit ( 83 ) whose position ( 87 ) and alignment of the optical axis ( 85 ) (at the time of measurement with respect to the lighting unit ( 82 ) and their radiation angle / radiation level ( 86 ) known. For this purpose, a LASER line projector is arranged, which is movable along a predetermined path known relative to the lens, so that position coordinates for any surface points of the workpiece relative to a defined coordinate system can be determined by means of an evaluation unit with digital information processing means using trigonometric methods. These data are also stored as actual data.

This Process is as needed for different rotation angle of the tool repeated.

In front the evaluation will be for the one to be tested Tool the data based on an identification number from a Surface shape database as SOLL-Data loaded and together with the limits for the tool, which can come from another database, for later processing stored.

The Evaluation takes place in an evaluation unit, which initially the Sets the machining coordinate system by the actual geometry the determined surface shapes as set of points defined with respect to a coordinate system describes, wherein the coordinate system is selected so that each two Points on the surface of the workpiece, which define a straight line parallel to the X axis of the machine table (World coordinate system) runs, have the same Y coordinates.

For each evaluation feature to be evaluated then be for the tool or the machining first the actual data with the Target data adjusted by the evaluation unit the actual geometry and Target geometry transformed into a common coordinate system. The transformations are performed as translations such that the sum of the squares of the shortest distance of a point to setpoint geometry via all determined points of the actual geometry is minimal, this being The method is referred to below as the best-fit algorithm.

in the Connection, the measurement data of outliers are adjusted by the evaluation unit during the Applying the best fit algorithm identifies such points as outliers, their number compared to the power the total point amount is small and the one excessively large smallest distance to the target geometry exhibit. These outliers are then removed from the total point set.

Then be the data compared and evaluated against the limits.

• • Ausgleichgeraden der Messwerte einer Projektionslinie vor und nach einer Kante
• • der Flächenschwerpunkt mit seinen Koordinaten,
• • die Abweichung der IST-Kontur längs einer SOLL-Kontur mit den lokalen Differenzabständen,
• • die aus den lokalen Differenzabständen nach den Regeln der Oberflächenrauhigkeit Rz berechneten Kantenrauhigkeit,
• • normierte Abweichungsgrößen wie die Standardabweichung für die gesamte Kontur und für Kreisbögen und Streckenabschnitte der SOLL-Kontur,
• • die Flächenträgheitsachsen,
• • Ausgleichsgeraden längs von geraden Kanten,
• • Ausgleichskreisbögen längs von Kreisbögen,
• • die Fläche der SOLL- und IST Konturen und auch
• • das Höhenprofil einer Fläche oder Teilen davon.

As a measure of this are mainly used:

• • Balancing lines of the measured values of a projection line before and after an edge
• • the centroid with its coordinates,
• The deviation of the actual contour along a desired contour with the local difference distances,
• The edge roughness calculated from the local difference distances according to the rules of the surface roughness Rz,
• • normalized deviation quantities such as the standard deviation for the entire contour and for circular arcs and sections of the nominal contour,
• The area axes of inertia,
• Compensation lines along straight edges,
• • balancing circular arcs along circular arcs,
• • the area of the target and actual contours and also
• • the height profile of a surface or parts thereof.

When Limits can the form and position tolerances according to DIN used for the respective tools unless other tolerance requirements are specified for the individual case are.

• • Die Werkzeuglänge wird über eine Konturauswertung des aufgenommenen Bildes ermittelt.
• • Der Abstand Stempel/Matrize wird über eine Konturauswertung des aufgenommenen Bildes ermittelt.
• • Die Größe, Form, Ausbrüche, Werkzeugbruch und Verunreinigungen werden über den Vergleich der Oberflächenformdaten (IST zu SOLL) bestimmt.
• • Die Schnittkanten können aus dem Vergleich der Oberflächenformdaten (IST zu SOLL) bestimmt werden, oder einfacher über die Winkeländerung der projizierten Laserlinie vermessen.

Thus, the following evaluations of the surface shape for identification and testing of the tool can be made:

• • The tool length is determined via a contour evaluation of the recorded image.
• • The distance between punch and die is determined by means of a contour evaluation of the recorded image.
• • The size, shape, breakouts, tool breakage and contamination are determined by comparing the surface shape data (IS to SOLL).
• • The cut edges can be determined from the comparison of the surface shape data (IS to SOLL), or more easily measured by the angle change of the projected laser line.

The evaluations are carried out using the methods customary for optical image processing, and are described below with reference to examples:
In 5 the evaluation and error detection is graphically simplified.

In the first part of the example, the target surface shape is a cylinder ( 5a ). The recording unit detects points of the surface shape, of which only a few are shown by way of example below. ( 5b ).

These are arranged to the desired surface shape so that the distances of the actual surface shape measurement points to the target surface shape are small for all measurement points ( 5c ).

For each measuring point of the actual surface shape, it is then checked in accordance with the limit value applicable to this tool whether the nearest point of the desired surface shape is within a defined distance radius and thus within the permissible tolerance. In 5d is the limit, shown as a dashed ball around each reading, the cutting lines of the ball with the desired geometry are also shown. The nearest points are marked with an arrow.

In In this example, all points are within the allowable tolerance. If that for all other measurement points also apply, the tool can be used like this become.

In the second part of the example, the case is shown that a target surface shape after 5e to be produced. By an error z. For example, when setting up for the follow-up job, but in 5a used tool shown. The measuring points thus generated are again reduced by way of example in FIG 5b shown.

The described assignment of the desired surface shape to the actual values is carried out as previously discussed. The result in this example is a shift in this direction because of the one-sided missing volume segment. ( 5f )

On the basis of the measured values, it is checked whether the respectively nearest point of the desired surface shape (arrow in 5g ) within the limits (dashed bullets in 5g ) lies.

This is for a point not shown the case. The exam is negative, the tool so can not be used.

The Position of the cut edges is in the method described above not measured, but it is determined whether the cut edges within the permissible Limits are.

A Determination of the position of the cut edges is by the numerical evaluation the actual data based on the target data possible. To the effort of evaluation can reduce for the TARGET data only certain shape features are tested. These test features are in this case assigned to the tool and in a database saved.

For a target surface ( 61 ) according to 6 the error check is illustrated by another example.

An edge ( 62 ) should be checked. The position of the edge profile is calculated from the measured data (area data) ( 63 ) and compared with the DESIRED data. The surfaces ( 65 . 66 ) on the tool form the edge ( 62 ). In order to reduce the effort of the test, a narrower test area ( 64 ) extending on both surfaces along the edge. Thus, the actual values are selected for evaluation whose distance is less than a limit value. This limit is usually the same as the shape deviation value from the previous example. Every surface ( 65 . 66 ), measurement data ( 63 ) from the test area ( 64 ). Subsequently, a compensation level is calculated for each measurement data group. Both balancing planes intersect in a straight line. This determined and calculated line represents the balancing line ( 67 ) of the IST surface. This can now be compared in the section of the target surface edge with this.

A simpler possibility, which is also applicable in 2D methods, is the evaluation of the curve shape of a line projected by a lighting unit on a target surface ( 71 ). This runs only on flat surfaces ( 72 ) as a straight line ( 73 ). When edges are reached, discontinuities ( 74 . 76 ) on. Non-flat surfaces result in a curved line ( 75 ).

These discontinuities ( 74 . 76 ) are used to determine the position of the edge. For discontinuities with continuous line ( 74 ) can be formed from the actual measured data of the line sections on both sides of the discontinuity ever a compensation function. Their intersection describes the position of the edge.

If the line is interrupted by a discontinuity ( 76 ), a compensation function is formed from the one-sided measuring points. With this compensation function, the position of the measuring point following the line end can be calculated on the basis of the measuring point distances. The edge is between this calculated and the adjacent measured position.

to exam the goodness Cutting or cutting edges has an evaluation of deviations near the edges with lower limits proved to be advantageous.

The arrangement of receiving unit and lighting unit becomes an example 9 explained below.

On the housing ( 1 ) in the area of the tool holder ( 2 ) a swivel arm ( 7 ) for the attachment of lighting and recording unit ( 82 . 83 ) arranged. The orientation of the optical axes of the lighting and recording unit (dashed line) ( 82 . 83 ) are at the working level ( 88 ). Above the working level ( 8th ) is the stamp ( 3 ) and below the working plane the die ( 16 ).

The swivel arm ( 7 ) indicates that the lighting and recording unit ( 82 . 83 ) are movable in any position. The position should be selected in such a way that it is possible to observe the punch and die in order to determine the respective geometries and coordinates.

In a variant to the representation after 9a It is provided that the punch is moved into a measuring position, so that via the lighting and recording unit ( 82 . 83 ) allows free, unobstructed scanning for the work area. Details are the 9b and 9c refer to.

In 9b , which represents the top of a punching machine tool as a schematic diagram, the stamp is scanned in the raised position by a respective lighting and recording unit. In the raised position (also called measuring position) the stamp is protected. The working position of the stamp is indicated below the lighting and recording unit in dashed lines.

In the variant after 9c the punch and the die are positioned in the working position. This means that the measuring and working positions are identical so that the measurements can be made without time delay.

The working plane is represented by the table indicated as a dashed line. Lighting and recording unit are after 9c each arranged on one side (top or bottom) of the work table.

1

casing

2

tool holder

3

Tool, here. stamp

4a, 4b

optical micrometer / 1 transmission unit / 2 receiving unit

5

longitudinal axis of the tool

5a, 5b

tool end

6a, 6b

zero optical micrometer

7

pivoting poor

8th

working level

11

stamp

12

cutting edge stamp

13

Reference surface stamp

LS

Length of the stamp

16

die

17

cutting edge die

18

Reference surface die

LM

Length of the die

21

Embossing stamp

22

cutting edge with imprint of the stamping stamp

23

Reference surface embossing stamp

LPS

Length of the Embossing stamp

26

Embossing die

27

cutting edge with imprint the embossing die

28

Reference surface embossing die

LPM

Length embossing die

61

DESIRED surface

62

edge

63

IS-measuring points on the surface

64

evaluation range

65

Area 1

66

Area 2

67

fit line

71

DESIRED surface

72

level area

73

straight Course of the projected line

74

inconstancy in the line, with continuous line course

75

curvier curve

76

inconstancy in the course of the line, with one-sided line end

81

Tool

82

lighting unit

83

Recording unit

84

laser lines

85

optical Axis recording unit

86

Beam lighting unit

87

coordinate system for determining the position and direction of the receiving unit and lighting unit

Claims (11)

Method for optical pre-arrangement of punching machine tools, wherein a punching machine tool is arranged in the detection range of an optical-electronic recording unit and the geometry of the punching machine tool is detected digitally, wherein the data is stored by means of a computer connected to the receiving unit, characterized in that a) a punching machine tool with the components required for the respective processing, such as punch, die and / or hold-down is selected b) Desired data and allowable difference values for the selected punching machine tool, the individual components and a spatial arrangement of the individual components in the selected punching machine tool are entered in the computer directly or with reference to an existing database c) the selected punching machine tool wholly or partially assembled and in the D) the receiving unit and a lighting unit is aligned with a part or the complete shape of the punching machine tool e) that of the receiving unit taking into account f) in the computer the position data in the form of length coordinates, each with a reference plane for punch and die are stored as actual data of the assembled punching machine tool g) from the setpoint position of the partially or fully illuminated punching machine tool Data and actual data are obtained by comparison difference data and forwarded to an evaluation unit h) in the evaluation unit from the data of illumination unit, recording unit and the stored position data distance-actual values of the tool with respect to the work surface are determined i) the punching machine tool when exceeding a Difference limit value for the punching machine tool with replacement of at least one constituent part with return to c) is reassembled and j) the punching machine tool when a difference limit for the spatial arrangement is exceeded rearranged using the difference data. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that that the recording unit consists of at least one camera, the The tool is partially or completely recorded. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit consists of at least one Radiation source exists on at least a portion of the tool can be aligned. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized in that each tool is known in full or in defined Share before or during setup the machine tool, when equipping of the tool magazine, during a tool change or in the machine head itself illuminated by the lighting unit and the receiving unit is optically detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit and the receiving unit are coordinated so that an evaluation of the Data from lighting unit and recording unit at least one Length measured value related to determine a coordinate system. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length measured value with complete detection of the tool, the distance from the working surface ( 12 . 17 . 22 . 27 ) of the tool to a reference surface ( 13 . 18 . 23 or 28 ), which is defined for the respective tool. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a partial detection of the tool, the illumination unit and the evaluation unit are arranged so that the length coordinates measured in at least one direction and this as a distance from the reference surface ( 13 . 18 . 23 or 28 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting unit is a laser line projector is used along a predetermined, relative to the lens known trajectory is movable, so for any surface points of the workpiece Position coordinates related to a defined coordinate system with means of digital information processing using Trigonometric method can be determined. Apparatus for carrying out a method for the optical pre-arrangement of punching machine tools consisting of a magazine for punching machine tools such as punches, dies or the like, a receiving unit for digital detection of the geometry of punching machine tools and a computer in which the data acquired by the recording unit and desired data for the are stored in a tool holder of a length measuring and position determining device, wherein the tool holder is designed so that the clamped tool in the course of the measuring process by means of a drive unit, which is controllable by the central control evaluation and operating unit, can be rotated stepwise by 180 ° about the longitudinal axis of the tool and that the clamped tool ( 3 ) in a micrometer arrangement ( 4 ), consisting of two optical CCD micrometers ( 4a . 4b ) is rotatably arranged, wherein the optical CCD micrometer ( 4a . 4b ) via one transmission ( 4a1 . 4b1 ) and a receiving unit ( 4a2 . 4b2 ) have the distances aa and from the orthogonal to the tool longitudinal axis, applied to the upper and lower edge of the tool ( 5a respectively. 6a ) to a likewise orthogonal to the tool longitudinal axis degrees through the zero point of the respective CCD micrometer. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that that measurements on reference surfaces of the tool feasible are. Device according to claim 9 or 10, characterized that the measurement is at a known position of the measuring device and reference surface on the tool in the form of a length measurement feasible is.