IBM 001

IBM
Industry	Computer hardware
Founded	June 16, 1911; 115 years ago in Endicott, New York, United States
Key people	Herman Hollerith (founder of predecessor company), Raymond Loewy (industrial designer)
Products	Keypunch machines, punched cards, card verifiers
Website	www.ibm.com

A keypunch is a machine designed to create holes in rigid paper cards at precise spots determined by keys pressed by an operator. Comparable devices include the gang punch, pantograph punch, and stamp. The term also referred to equipment that encoded data onto punched tape.

For Hollerith machines and other Unit record equipment, punched cards served as carriers of data for processing tasks. In computer systems utilizing punched card input/output, these cards held either data or programs that controlled operations.

Early Hollerith keypunches were manually operated; subsequent versions became electromechanical, resembling compact desks with typewriter-style keyboards, equipped with hoppers for feeding blank cards and stackers for collecting punched cards. Certain models featured printed characters above each column to display the encoded information. The punched fragments, known as chad, accumulated in a container called a chad box or bit bucket.

Data entry frequently involved a two-step verification process—entering the same data twice to confirm accuracy. This procedure created substantial demand for keypunch operators, predominantly women, who worked in extensive keypunch departments dedicated to data input.

In the 1950s, Remington Rand introduced the UNITYPER, which allowed direct entry of data onto magnetic tape for UNIVAC computers. Building on this, Mohawk Data Sciences developed a magnetic tape encoder in 1965, marketed as an alternative to traditional keypunch machines. The emergence of microprocessors and affordable terminals led to key-to-tape and key-to-disk solutions from firms such as Inforex and Pertec.

Although keypunch devices and punched cards remained widespread through the 1970s, they were swiftly supplanted by cost-effective CRT computer terminals. Eliminating the intermediate card-to-tape or card-to-disk step lowered expenses and enhanced data entry precision. The introduction of video display terminals, interactive timeshared systems, and eventually personal computers enabled users to input data and programs directly, removing the need for keypunch operators.

Stamping Jacquard cards, 1801 through 1890

Initially, Jacquard cards were manually stamped or cut by hand, occasionally employing a guide plate for accuracy. This process evolved by sandwiching the card between two perforated metal plates; punches were then inserted according to the pattern before pressing to create holes. These manual techniques were ultimately replaced by mechanized methods. 'Piano machines,' named for their keyboard-like keys and functioning similarly to unit record keypunches, became the predominant technology.

Hollerith and IBM keypunches, 1890 through 1930s

During the 1890s, Herman Hollerith developed an initial device that punched round holes measuring 3/16 inch in diameter on tickets. To simplify handling, holes were positioned near the edges of the cards. Hollerith subsequently created a Keyboard Punch utilizing a pantograph mechanism that linked a punch tool to a guide pointer moving over a 12 by 20 grid, allowing operators to manually punch holes aligned within one of 20 columns.

In 1901, Hollerith secured a patent for a design where pressing one of twelve keys both punched a hole and automatically advanced the card. This first-generation Type 001 keypunch employed 45 columns with round holes. In 1923, The Tabulating Machine Company introduced the inaugural electric keypunch—the Type 011 Electric Keypunch—where each keystroke activated a solenoid that punched holes. The 80-column punched card format was launched in 1928. Subsequent models included the Type 016 Motor-Driven Electric Duplicating Keypunch (1929), Type 31 Alphabetical Duplicating Punch (1933), and Type 32 Alphabetical Printing Punch (1933).

"Alphabetical duplicating keypunches encoded alphabetic information on tabulating cards so that full words and names could be printed alongside numeric data by an alphabetical accounting machine later on. IBM introduced the Type 31 Alphabetical Duplicating Punch in 1933; it automatically ejected one card while feeding another within 0.65 seconds. These machines had separate alphabetical and numeric keyboards; the alphabetical keyboard resembled a manual typewriter but omitted shift, tab, backspace, and character keys while adding skip, release, stacker, and '1' keys." – IBM Archives

Post-World War II IBM Keypunches and Verifiers for 80-Column Cards

The majority of IBM keypunch and verifier machines utilized a standardized electromechanical keyboard mechanism to translate keystrokes into encoded data. Pressing a key activated a series of bails that closed electrical contacts, thereby encoding the character. A feedback loop energized magnets which mechanically returned the keystem to its original position, reset the encoding bails, and provided both tactile and audible feedback to the operator. Each unit developed a distinctive operational "feel," influenced by mechanical wear and adjustments to contact points. Special function keys operated purely through electrical means, without mechanical encoding linkages.

Models such as the IBM 024, 026, and 029 incorporated program cards that managed functions like tabbing and automatic field duplication. The subsequent IBM 129 model advanced this concept by employing electronic circuit cards, enabling operators to write simple programs.

IBM 024 and 026 Card Punches

Introduced in 1949, the IBM 024 Card Punch and IBM 026 Printing Card Punch were largely similar except for the printing feature on the latter. Both devices employed twelve precision punches—one corresponding to each card row—to punch holes column by column, producing their characteristic "chunk" sound. They were compatible with 51-, 60-, 66-, and 80-column punched cards.

The IBM 026 added the capability to print characters above each punched column; by 1964, ten variants existed supporting different character sets. Scientific versions substituted less frequently used commercial characters with mathematical symbols such as parentheses and plus signs.

Their logic circuits consisted of diodes, 25L6 vacuum tubes, and relays. The vacuum tube circuits operated primarily at 150V DC to control the punch-clutch magnet, while most other circuitry ran on 48V DC.

Character printing was achieved through a 5 × 7 dot matrix wire array actuated by a "code plate"—a metal template with precisely machined pins for each printable character. This plate pressed selected wires against the ink ribbon and card surface. The intricate mechanism was challenging to maintain; repairing broken wires within narrow tubes was particularly tedious. Additionally, attempting to replicate non-standard "binary" punch patterns could damage the printer by overstressing the code-plate positioning system, even if printing was disabled.

The external design of the IBM 024/026 Card Punches was crafted by industrial designer Raymond Loewy, renowned for streamlined aesthetics and railway car designs. The robust steel chassis with rounded edges embodied an industrial Art Deco style and earned design accolades.

IBM 056 Card Verifier

The IBM 056 functioned as a verification device paired with the IBM 024 Card Punch and IBM 026 Printing Card Punch. Resembling the 026 keypunch in appearance, it featured a red error indicator lens mounted on its cover. During verification, operators re-entered data originally punched by keypunch operators; the machine then compared entries for accuracy. Cards passing verification received a small notch along their right edge.

Mechanically and electrically, the IBM 056 shared most components with the 024/026 keypunches except for its punch unit and print head. Unlike punches, its punch unit contained sensing pins that detected holes in the card; any discrepancy caused a contact bail to halt card feeding and illuminate a red error light. The notching mechanism replaced the printing assembly found in the 026 model and used solenoids to apply either a top-edge notch or an end-of-card notch.

Operators were allowed up to three attempts to enter data correctly during verification. After three failed tries, an error notch was punched above the problematic column, and the “OK” punch at the card’s trailing edge was disabled. Although errors could originate from either operator, this multi-pass process significantly reduced repeated mistakes. Some operators attempted to bypass verification by guessing errors; consequently, machines were modified to permit only one retry before error notching occurred.

Cards marked with error notches were commonly re-punched on an IBM 024 or 026 by duplicating accurate columns and manually correcting mistakes. Duplication involved feeding the original card without punching while sensing pins transferred data onto a blank card for punching. Corrected cards underwent re-verification before receiving an “OK notched” designation.

Typewriter Card Punch Devices

The initial combination of a card punch with a typewriter, designed for selective text entry and punching, was created by Powers in 1925. IBM advanced this concept with the 824 Typewriter Card Punch, which substituted the 024 keyboard for an IBM electric typewriter. Additionally, the IBM 826 merged an IBM electric typewriter with an IBM 026 Keypunch, significantly boosting data input productivity in commercial settings.

IBM 029 Card Punch

Launched alongside the System/360 in 1964, the IBM 029 introduced new character codes for symbols such as parentheses, equal signs, and plus signs within the EBCDIC character set. Mechanically akin to the IBM 026, it printed punched characters directly on the card using an enlarged code plate containing 2240 printing-pin positions to support EBCDIC's broader range of characters.

The control logic of the 029 transitioned from reed relays and diodes mounted on early SMS cards to wire contact relays in subsequent versions, due to reliability issues with reed relays. Powered by 48 volts DC, it dispensed with vacuum tubes found in earlier models like the 024 and 026. An optional "Left-Zero" feature, available at extra cost, allowed automatic insertion of leading zeros for right-justified numeric fields, streamlining data entry operations.

IBM 5924 Key Punch

A specialized variant of the IBM 029 model T01, the IBM 5924 Key Punch was developed for IBM's 1971 IBM Kanji System debut. It featured a unique keyboard enabling operators to use fifteen shift keys with their left hand and select one of 240 Kanji characters with their right hand. This capability was essential for processing extensive East Asian character sets exceeding 10,000 symbols, supporting Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language data input.

IBM 059 Card Verifier

Designed to work alongside the IBM 029 Card Punch, the IBM 059 Verifier marked a departure from its predecessor, the mechanically based IBM 056 verifier, by utilizing optical sensors to detect card holes rather than mechanical pins. This advancement resulted in a much quieter operation compared to the typically loud 056.

The optical sensing system employed a single light source distributed via fiber-optic lightpipes throughout the device. Despite this technological upgrade, its fundamental verification method remained largely consistent with that of the earlier model.

Notably, some operators favored the older verifier’s audible "thunk" feedback during keying, finding it helpful for confirming entries. The quieter nature of the IBM 059 occasionally led users to press keys more forcefully to compensate for the lack of sound cues, which sometimes accelerated wear on keyboard components.

IBM 129 Card Data Recorder

Introduced with the System/370 in 1971, the IBM 129 integrated punching, verification, and online reading/punching of 80-column cards for certain computer systems. A keyboard switch allowed users to toggle between punch and verify modes.

The transistorized IBM 129's primary innovation over previous keypunch models was its electronic buffer capable of storing an entire 80-column card image. Unlike earlier devices where correcting a keystroke error required ejecting and manually modifying the card, this model permitted error erasure via the Backspace key and retyping before automatically punching all data upon pressing Release.

Its logic circuits were housed in SLT modules mounted on a swing-out wire-wrapped backplane. This electronic memory also removed the necessity for a separate read station; duplication relied on recalling the stored card image. An integrated optical reading unit enabled card reading through the punch station itself.

The IBM 129 supported up to six stored programs selectable through a rotary switch. Unlike prior keypunches that used program drums, program cards were loaded through the standard card-feed path, increasing operational flexibility. Additionally, its keying speed improved since immediate punching after each keystroke was no longer required, enhancing overall throughput.

Program card

IBM keypunch models 024, 026, and 029, along with their verifier counterparts 056 and 059, incorporated limited programmability through the use of Program Cards (also known as drum cards). These cards enhanced automation by managing field positioning, setting default character types, duplicating fields, and more—representing a significant improvement over the earlier Skip Bars system.

Created on standard keypunch machines, program cards were secured around a rotating drum. As the drum turned during punching, starwheels detected perforations in the upper six rows [12,11,0,1,2,3], which activated electrical contacts to regulate various functions. An optional "Second Program" mode allowed encoding in the lower six rows [4–9], selectable via a switch. The drum was designed to be easily removable for swift replacement.

Key encoded functions included:

Function	#1	Char.	#2	Char.	Purpose
Field Definition	12	&	4	4	Punch all columns except the first within a field
Start Automatic Skip	11	-	5	5	Omit the first column of specified field(s)
Start Automatic Duplication	0	0	6	6	Copy field data from the preceding card
Alphabetic Shift	1	1	7	7	Switch keyboard to Alphabetic mode
Left Zero Print	2	2	8	8	Force printing of leading zeros or signs
Print Suppression	3	3	9	9	Prevent printing in selected column(s)

Programming languages such as FORTRAN, RPG, and IBM Assembly language utilized specific columns for instructions or data (e.g., columns 1, 10, 16, 36, 72). Program cards could automate tabbing to these designated columns or define numeric shift fields; for instance, columns 72 through 80 might contain sequence numbers or continuation markers.

It is important to note that "Field Definition" (code 12) and "Alphabetic Shift" (code 1) produced an A character when printed. Incorrect program codes could generate invalid characters that might damage printing equipment.

Additionally, program cards facilitated operations like "gang punching," which allowed constant fields to be inserted uniformly across multiple card decks. Some operators creatively used this feature to produce rhythmic patterns—alternating noisy special characters with quieter letters during punching—to create musical effects.

IBM 5496 Data Recorder for 96 column cards

In 1969, IBM introduced the System/3 series of entry-level business computers featuring a novel smaller 96-column punched card. The IBM 5496 Data Recorder—a keypunch equipped with printing and verification capabilities—and the IBM 5486 Card Sorter were specifically engineered to handle these new cards.

Powers, Remington Rand (UNIVAC) keypunches

Around 1906, James Powers from the United States Census Bureau developed the Powers Keypunch, designed specifically for census data collection with an extensive keyboard of 240 keys. In 1911, Powers established the Powers Accounting Machine Company, which was later acquired by Remington Rand in 1927. Under Remington Rand's UNIVAC division, keypunch machines were produced for their proprietary 90-column cards as well as compatible models for IBM's standard 80-column cards. Their mechanical design circumvented IBM’s patents by employing a unique approach: UNIVAC keypunches buffered the entire card’s character sequence before punching all holes in a single operation, allowing corrections without wasting cards.

Models produced by Remington Rand included: UNIVAC Card Code Punch Type 306-5 (90 Column Alphabetical Types 306-2 and 306-3), Numerical Types 204-2 and 204-3, Portable Electric Punch Type 202, Spot Punch Type 301, and Automatic Verifying Machine Type 313.

The Type 306-2 permitted verification by re-feeding punched cards through the machine; accurate punches resulted in elongated holes while mistakes produced round perforations. The Automatic Verifying Machine performed rapid mechanical error detection.

The UNIVAC 1710 Verifying Interpreting Punch was introduced in 1969.

Keypunch as a Verb

The expression keypunched—derived from the verb to keypunch—has evolved to signify data input, reflecting the disappearance of the original physical keypunch machine. This verbal form now denotes the act of entering data, replacing the initial method where pressing a key both imprinted a character atop the card and created holes readable by computer card readers.

Shift to Direct Data Input

During the 1950s, Remington Rand launched the UNITYPER, an input apparatus that allowed data to be entered directly onto magnetic tape for use with UNIVAC computers. Subsequently, in 1965, Mohawk Data Sciences introduced an enhanced magnetic tape encoder designed to substitute traditional keypunch devices. By the mid-1970s, advancements in microprocessor technology and affordable computer terminals led companies such as Inforex and Pertec to develop various key-to-tape and key-to-disk solutions.

Although punched cards continued to serve as a popular medium for data entry and programming up until the mid-1980s, bypassing the intermediate step of transferring data from punched cards to tape or disk helped reduce expenses and enhance error detection during input. The emergence of video display terminals, interactive timeshared systems, and later personal computers empowered original data creators to enter information directly, thereby streamlining workflows that previously depended heavily on data entry clerks.

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