The manual (link below) has simple formulae for calculating material thickness limits. Our GEKA is metric, so it’s rated at 55 Metric Tons, so 60.6 US tons. To further complicate things, the shearing capacity is 110 US tons because of the differing leverage of the shear mechanism. 

The manual for this machine refers to “Material Resistance” when calculating maximum material thickness. The units are kg/mm2. This is the Yield or Tensile Strength of the material. 45/kgmm² would be about 65,000 PSI (and often expressed in KSI = 1,000 PSI.)

For Punching Holes to calculate in imperial it is

T = Thickness

R= Tensile

P= Perimeter of Shape PTR / 2000 will give you US Tons needed.

See the manual for more detail.

The physical limitation of the punch is 5/8” and 3/8” for the notcher – see the manual for others (operation dependent.)

The manual section 3.2.1 on Source provides formulae for calculating maximum thickness for other materials and conditions.