IBM 012
| File:IBM logo.svg IBM logo | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Information technology, Computer hardware |
| Founded | June 16, 1911 in Endicott, New York, United States |
| Founder | Charles Ranlett Flint (as Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company) |
| Headquarters | Armonk, New York , United States |
| Products | Keypunch machines, punched card equipment, computers |
Number of employees | 350,000+ (2023) |
| Website | www |
A keypunch refers to a machine designed to create holes in rigid paper cards at exact spots determined by keys pressed by an operator. Devices related to keypunches include the gang punch, pantograph punch, and stamp. The term also encompasses machines that encode information onto punched tape.
In the context of Jacquard looms, punched cards were linked together in a "chain" that contained a program guiding the loom's operation.[1]
For Hollerith machines and other unit record devices, punched cards held data intended for processing. In computer systems using punched card input/output, these cards contained either data or software programs that directed system functions.
The earliest 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. Some models printed characters above columns to represent the punched information. The punched-out pieces, called chad, were collected in a chad box or, at IBM, a chip box or bit bucket.
To ensure accuracy in data processing, punched cards were often verified by re-entering the data—a process known as two pass verification. The demand for keypunch operators, mostly women,[2] was high; these employees worked in extensive keypunch departments responsible for data input tasks.
During the 1950s, Remington Rand introduced the UNITYPER, which allowed direct data input onto magnetic tape for use with UNIVAC systems. In 1965, Mohawk Data Sciences released an advanced magnetic tape encoder marketed as an alternative to traditional keypunches. The emergence of microprocessors and affordable computer terminals encouraged smaller firms like Inforex and Pertec to develop key-to-tape and key-to-disk solutions.[3]
Throughout the 1970s, keypunches and punched cards remained prevalent but were swiftly supplanted by cost-effective CRT computer terminals and video display terminals. This transition eliminated the necessity of converting punched cards to tape or disk formats—cutting expenses and enhancing data verification and correction during input. The proliferation of interactive timeshared systems and later personal computers enabled users to enter data and programs directly, removing the need for keypunch operators altogether.
Stamping Jacquard cards, 1801 through 1890
Initially, Jacquard cards were either stamped or manually cut, occasionally using a guide plate for precision. An advancement involved sandwiching the card between two perforated metal plates, inserting punches according to the design, then passing the assembly through a press. These manual techniques were eventually replaced by 'Piano machines,' which operated via keyboards and functioned similarly to unit record keypunches.
Hollerith and IBM Keypunch Machines, 1890s to 1930s
During the 1890s, Herman Hollerith utilized a standard ticket punch to create circular holes near the edges of cards. He later advanced this concept by inventing a more accurate Keyboard Punch, which employed a pantograph mechanism to position punches across a 12 by 20 grid. In 1901, Hollerith secured a patent for a device where pressing any of 12 keys both punched a hole and automatically advanced the card. This initial Type 001 keypunch operated with 45 columns and round holes.
By 1923, The Tabulating Machine Company unveiled the Type 011 Electric Keypunch, which used key presses to close electrical circuits that triggered solenoids for hole punching. The introduction of the 80-column punched card format came in 1928. Subsequent innovations in Hollerith keypunches included models such as 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 captured alphabetic data on tabulating cards, enabling full words and names alongside numeric information to be printed later. IBM’s Type 31 Alphabetical Duplicating Punch, introduced in 1933, featured automatic card feeding and ejection in just 0.65 seconds. These devices included separate keyboards for alphabetical and numerical input; 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
IBM Keypunches and Verifiers for 80-Column Cards After World War II
Most IBM keypunches and verifiers employed a shared electromechanical keyboard design for encoding keystrokes. Pressing a key activated a series of bails that closed electrical contacts to encode characters. A feedback loop then energized magnets that mechanically returned the keystem to its resting position and reset the encoding bails, offering both tactile and audible confirmation. Each unit developed a distinct "feel" influenced by wear patterns and contact spacing, with only limited adjustment capabilities available. Special function keys operated electrically without engaging mechanical encoding components.
Models such as IBM’s 024, 026, and 029 incorporated program cards to automate tasks like tabbing or field duplication. The later IBM 129 introduced electronic circuit cards that allowed operators to write simple custom programs.
IBM 024 and 026 Card Punches
Released in 1949, the IBM 024 Card Punch and IBM 026 Printing Card Punch were nearly identical except that the latter included a printing feature. Both machines utilized twelve precision punches—one per card row—to punch holes column by column, producing their characteristic "chunk" sound. They supported processing of cards with 51, 60, 66, and 80 columns.
The IBM 026 printed characters above each punched column. By the year 1964, ten different versions existed to accommodate various character sets; scientific models replaced less frequently used commercial symbols with parentheses, equal signs, and plus signs.
The internal logic circuits consisted of diodes, relays, and 25L6 vacuum tubes. The tube-based circuits ran at approximately 150 VDC primarily to energize the punch-clutch magnet; most other electronic components operated at around 48 VDC.
Printed characters were produced using a metal "code plate" containing up to 1960 pins arranged in a 5×7 dot matrix (35 pins by 56 characters). Pins corresponding to unused dots were machined away. When pressed against an array of wires, selective engagement occurred to imprint characters onto the ribbon and card. The printing mechanism was regarded as delicate due to fragile wires housed within narrow tubes connecting the code plate to the ribbon. Non-standard punch patterns could cause damage by forcing the code plate beyond its intended range since printing suppression only prevented pin impact but did not disengage the plate’s positioning.
Renowned industrial designer Raymond Loewy, famous for streamlined designs including railway cars, crafted the acclaimed external appearance of the IBM 024/026 Card Punches. Their robust steel construction combined with rounded corners exemplified an industrial Art Deco aesthetic.
IBM 056 Card Verifier
The IBM 056 functioned as the verification counterpart to the 024 Card Punch and the 026 Printing Card Punch. Like the 026 keypunch, it included a red error indicator lens mounted on the machine’s cover. Verification involved the operator retyping the identical data entered by the keypunch operator, allowing the machine to compare and confirm the punched information. Cards that passed verification received a small notch along their right edge.
Most mechanical and electrical parts of the IBM 056 were shared with the 024 and 026 keypunch models, except for differences in the punch assembly and print head. Instead of punching holes, sensing pins detected existing perforations; any discrepancy halted card feeding and activated a red error light. The notching apparatus replaced the 026’s printing mechanism, employing solenoids to create either a top-edge notch or an end-of-card notch.
When verification errors occurred, operators had up to three opportunities to re-enter data. After three unsuccessful attempts, an error notch was punched above the problematic column at the card’s top edge, and the “OK” punch at the card’s bottom was disabled. Although this approach minimized repeated mistakes, some operators could infer original entry errors, prompting certain machines to restrict verification attempts to a single try before marking with a notch.
Cards displaying error notches were generally re-punched on an 024 or 026 by duplicating accurate columns and correcting errors prior to re-verification and application of the “OK” notch. Duplication involved passing the original card through sensing pins that transferred data onto a blank card for correction.
Typewriter Card Punches
The earliest device combining a card punch with a typewriter—allowing selective typing and punching—was developed by Powers in 1925. Later, IBM introduced the 824 Typewriter Card Punch, which replaced the standard 024 keyboard with an IBM electric typewriter. Similarly, the IBM 826 model integrated an IBM electric typewriter with an IBM 026 Keypunch unit.
IBM 029 Card Punch
Launched alongside System/360 in 1964, the IBM 029 introduced new character codes within the EBCDIC set for symbols such as parentheses, equal signs, plus signs, and others. Mechanically akin to the IBM 026, it printed punched characters along the top of cards using an enlarged code plate containing 2240 printing-pin positions to accommodate EBCDIC's broader character range.
The logic circuitry of early IBM 029 units utilized reed relays and diodes mounted on SMS cards, but later models transitioned to wire contact relays to improve reliability. Powered by 48 volts DC, it eliminated vacuum tubes present in earlier models like the 024 and 026. An optional "Left-Zero" feature allowed automatic insertion of leading zeros for right-justified numeric fields, streamlining data entry processes.
IBM 5924 Key Punch
Introduced during IBM's 1971 IBM Kanji System launch, the IBM 5924 Key Punch was a variant of the IBM 029 model T01. It incorporated a specialized keyboard enabling operators to select one of fifteen shift keys with their left hand while choosing from among 240 Kanji characters with their right hand. This design supported computer processing of extensive East Asian character sets comprising over 10,000 symbols.
IBM 059 Card Verifier
The IBM 059 functioned as the verification unit paired with the IBM 029 Card Punch. Differing from its forerunner, the IBM 056, it employed optical detection of card perforations rather than mechanical sensing pins, which greatly diminished operational noise. This optical system utilized a single light source distributed through fiber-optic lightpipes, while preserving operational capabilities comparable to the IBM 056.
Although the quieter operation marked a technical advancement, some verifiers' operators missed the familiar audible cues from earlier models and tended to press keys more forcefully, sometimes accelerating wear on the keyboard mechanisms.
IBM 129 Card Data Recorder
Released alongside the System/370 in 1971, the IBM 129 combined punching, verification, and supplementary online reading and punching of 80-column cards for certain computer systems. A toggle switch on the keyboard allowed users to switch between punch and verify functions.
The transistor-based IBM 129's primary innovation was its electronic buffer capable of storing an entire 80-column card image. Unlike previous IBM keypunches, where errors required manual ejection and correction of cards, the 129 enabled error erasure using the Backspace key and re-entry before automatic punching occurred upon pressing Release.
Its logic circuits were constructed with Solid Logic Technology (SLT) modules mounted on a swing-out wire-wrapped backplane. The device’s throughput was not constrained by sequential column punching since it buffered data electronically. The 129 could hold up to six selectable programs via a rotary switch; program cards were loaded into memory through the card-feed path instead of a physical program drum.
Thanks to electronic memory storage, duplication processes relied on the buffered card image rather than a separate read station. Additionally, cards could be optically read through an integrated reader unit.
Program card
IBM keypunch models 024, 026, and 029, along with their verifiers (056 and 059), supported basic programming capabilities through a Program Card or drum card mechanism. This allowed automated field advancement, default character insertion, and duplication—enhancements over earlier Skip Bar techniques.
Program cards were punched on any compatible keypunch and wrapped around a rotating program drum. Perforations in the card engaged electrical contacts via starwheels to activate functions encoded in rows [12,11,0,1,2,3]; an optional Second Program utilized rows [4–9], selectable by a switch. The drum was designed for easy removal to facilitate reprogramming.
Functions encoded by the program card included:
| Function | #1 | Char. | #2 | Char. | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Definition | 12 | & | 4 | 4 | Punch all columns except first within field |
| Start Automatic Skip | 11 | - | 5 | 5 | Skip initial column(s) of field(s) |
| Start Automatic Duplication | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | Duplicate first column(s) of field(s) |
| 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 | Suppress printing in specified column(s) |
Programming languages such as FORTRAN, RPG, and IBM’s Assembly language often assigned specific operations to designated columns (e.g., columns 1,10,16,36,72). A typical program card configuration would define fields and skips to expedite data entry accordingly.
For instance, activating skip after entering initial characters would advance input focus directly to column 10. Numeric Shift fields (coded as Field Definition) commonly encompassed columns like 72–80 for special symbols or sequence numbering.
It is important to note that "Field Definition" (row 12) and "Alphabetic Shift" (row 1) both printed as A. Misapplication of Program 2 codes could result in invalid or potentially harmful printer characters.
Program cards automated processes such as gang punching—applying constant data fields across multiple cards—and could even generate rhythmic punching patterns for entertainment by selectively creating noisy characters.
IBM 5496 Data Recorder for 96-Column Cards
In 1969, IBM introduced the System/3 line of entry-level business computers, which utilized a novel, more compact 96-column punched card. To support this format, IBM developed the IBM 5496 Data Recorder—a keypunch device offering both printing and verification features—as well as the IBM 5486 Card Sorter, specifically engineered for handling these 96-column cards.
Powers and Remington Rand (UNIVAC) Keypunch Machines
Circa 1906, James Powers of the United States Census Bureau created the Powers Keypunch, designed to process census data through a keyboard equipped with 240 keys. Powers established the Powers Accounting Machine Company in 1911, which later became part of Remington Rand in 1927. Under Remington Rand’s UNIVAC division, keypunch machines were manufactured to accommodate their distinctive 90-column cards, alongside compatible equipment for IBM’s standard 80-column cards. Their mechanical design circumvented IBM’s patents by enabling all holes to be punched in a single operation, facilitating error corrections without discarding cards.
Among Remington Rand’s keypunch lineup were models such as the UNIVAC Card Code Punch Type 306-5 (90 Column Alphabetical), Types 306-2 and 306-3 (Alphabetical), Types 204-2 and 204-3 (Numerical), Portable Electric Punch Type 202, Spot Punch Type 301, and the Automatic Verifying Machine Type 313.
The Type 306-2 model featured a verification process that involved rekeying data onto cards; accurate entries resulted in elongated perforations, whereas mistakes produced circular holes. These discrepancies were mechanically identified by the Automatic Verifying Machine.
In 1969, the UNIVAC 1710 Verifying Interpreting Punch was launched.
Keypunch as a Verb
The expression keypunched (from the verb to keypunch) initially referred to encoding information onto punched cards through a keypunch device. Although the original technology has become obsolete, this term now broadly encompasses the act of data entry.
Originally, pressing keys on a keypunch would simultaneously imprint characters atop a card and punch corresponding holes readable by computer systems. The contemporary usage has expanded beyond this specific mechanism.
Shift Toward Direct Data Entry
During the 1950s, Remington Rand introduced the UNITYPER, an input apparatus allowing direct data recording onto magnetic tape for UNIVAC computers. Subsequently, in 1965, Mohawk Data Sciences developed an enhanced magnetic tape encoder marketed as an alternative to traditional keypunch machines. By the mid-1970s, advancements in microprocessor technology and affordable computer terminals encouraged smaller firms such as Inforex and Pertec to produce systems capable of direct key-to-tape and key-to-disk data entry.
Although punched cards remained prevalent for programming and data input until approximately the mid-1980s, eliminating the intermediate step of transferring data from punched cards to tape or disk significantly lowered expenses and improved error detection during input. The emergence of video display terminals, interactive timeshared systems, and eventually personal computers empowered users to enter data at its source directly, streamlining processes and diminishing dependence on specialized data entry clerks.
See also
- Punched card
- Punched card input/output
- Hollerith code
- Unit record equipment
- Computer programming in the punched card era
- List of IBM products
- Chad (paper)
Additional resources
External links
- Columbia University Computing History: IBM Keypunch Devices
- IBM Archives: IBM 029 — Card Punch Machine
- IBM Archives: Railroad Applications of the 001 Keypunch
- IBM Punched Card Accounting Systems (1955)
- ↑ Bell, T.F. (1895) Jacquard Weaving and Designing, Longmans, Green And Co.
- ↑ IBM Archive: Keypunch operators, 1934, Stockholm
- ↑ Lua error in Module:Citation/CS1/Configuration at line 2123: attempt to index field '?' (a nil value).