Punching device, process for stamping a workpiece, and computer program product for carrying out the method

The invention relates to a punching device (1) comprising: a punch (5), which during a punching stroke along a stroke axis (Z) to a to be punched workpiece (2) to and during a return stroke of the punched workpiece (2) away is movable wherein the punching tool (5) comprises a first component (6) and a second member (7) (Z) for common movement along the stroke axis hydraulically coupled, and a punch drive (8) for moving the first component (6) along the stroke axis (Z), said punching device (1) is adapted to move during the punching stroke the second component (7) having a first speed ratio relative to the first component (6) and, except where the punching stroke, a threshold value of a counter-force (F is exceeded), which the material to be punched workpiece (2) on the punching tool (5) exerts to move the second member (7) with a second (different from the first speed ratio relative to the first component 6). The punching device (1) is designed, at least along a partial stretch of the return stroke of the punching tool (5) along the stroke axis (Z) an immediately after punching the workpiece (2) occupied relative position (.DELTA.P ') of the two components (6, 7) maintain each other. The invention also relates to an associated method for punching a workpiece (2) and a computer program product for implementing the method.