IBM 029
| File:IBM logo.svg IBM logo | |
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | June 16, 1911 in Endicott, New York, United States |
| Founder | Charles Ranlett Flint |
| Headquarters | Armonk, New York , United States |
| Products | Keypunch machines, punched card equipment, computer hardware |
Number of employees | 352,600 (2023) |
| Website | www |
A keypunch refers to a machine designed to create holes in rigid paper cards at specific points determined by keys pressed by an operator. Comparable apparatuses include the gang punch, pantograph punch, and stamp. The designation also encompasses equipment utilized for encoding information onto punched tape media.
For Jacquard looms, punched cards served as a paper tape "chain" that contained a program guiding the loom's operation.[1]
In unit record devices such as Hollerith machines, punched cards held either data or instructions for processing. Early Hollerith keypunches operated manually; subsequent versions were electromechanical, resembling compact desks equipped with keyboards akin to typewriters, featuring hoppers for unpunched cards and stackers for completed ones. Certain models could print the character corresponding to the holes punched in each column. The discarded punched pieces collected in a chad box, known at IBM as a chip box or bit bucket.
Numerous data processing tasks demanded verification through re-entry of data to ensure accuracy (two pass verification). There was significant demand for keypunch operators, frequently women,[2] employed full-time within extensive keypunch departments responsible for data input operations.
In the 1950s, Remington Rand launched the UNITYPER, which allowed direct data entry onto magnetic tape compatible with UNIVAC systems. Later, in 1965, Mohawk Data Sciences enhanced this concept by introducing a magnetic tape encoder marketed as an alternative to keypunch devices. The emergence of microprocessors and affordable computer terminals encouraged smaller firms like Inforex and Pertec to produce key-to-tape and key-to-disk equipment.[3]
Although keypunches and punched cards were prevalent through the 1970s, they were swiftly supplanted by cost-effective CRT computer terminals. Removing the intermediate step of transferring data to tape or disk lowered expenses and enhanced input accuracy. The introduction of video display terminals, interactive timeshared systems, and eventually personal computers enabled direct input of data and programs by users themselves rather than relying on keypunch operators.
Stamping Jacquard cards, 1801 through 1890
Initially, Jacquard cards were manually stamped or cut, occasionally guided by a template. A later improved technique involved positioning the card between two hinged perforated metal plates; punches were inserted following the pattern, then the assembly was pressed to perforate the card. These manual methods were ultimately replaced by 'piano machines,' which operated via keyboards and performed functions similar to unit record keypunch devices.
Hollerith and IBM Keypunch Machines, 1890s to 1930s
During the 1890s, Herman Hollerith developed his initial card punch device, which was a basic ticket punch creating round holes near the edges of cards. He later advanced this design by inventing a more accurate Keyboard Punch that utilized a pantograph mechanism connecting a punch to a guide pointer over a 12 by 20 grid, allowing manual alignment of punches.
In 1901, Hollerith secured a patent for a device where pressing any of twelve keys would punch a hole and automatically advance the card column. This earliest Type 001 keypunch operated with 45 columns and circular holes. By 1923, The Tabulating Machine Company launched the first electrically powered keypunch, the Type 011 Electric Keypunch, which employed solenoids activated by each keystroke to create holes. The 80-column punched card format debuted in 1928. Later iterations of Hollerith keypunches 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 captured alphabetic data on tabulating cards so that entire words and names, alongside numerical figures, could be printed subsequently by an alphabetical accounting machine. IBM introduced the Type 31 Alphabetical Duplicating Punch in 1933; it automatically ejected one card and fed the next within 0.65 seconds. These devices featured distinct alphabetical and numerical keyboards; the alphabetical keyboard resembled a manual typewriter but lacked shift, tab, backspace, or character keys, instead including skip, release, stacker, and '1' keys." – IBM Archives
Post-World War II IBM Keypunches and Verifiers for 80-Column Cards
Most IBM keypunches and verification machines employed a shared electromechanical keyboard design where keystrokes were encoded through interconnected bails that closed electrical circuits. Each key press activated magnets that returned the keystem to its resting position and reset the encoding bails, offering tactile feedback to operators. The unique "feel" of each machine evolved over time due to wear and adjustments to contact points; however, no explicit "feel" modifications existed beyond calibrating these contacts. Special function keys operated solely through electrical means without mechanical encoding linkages.
Models such as the IBM 024, 026, and 029 utilized program cards to control operations like tabbing and field duplication. The more advanced IBM 129 incorporated electronic circuit cards enabling operators to program straightforward instructions.
IBM 024 and 026 Card Punch Machines
Released in 1949, both the IBM 024 Card Punch and IBM 026 Printing Card Punch were virtually identical except for the inclusion of a printing unit in the latter. Each machine had twelve precise punches—one corresponding to each card row—that punched holes column by column, producing their distinctive "chunk" sound during operation. They supported processing of cards with 51-, 60-, 66-, and 80-column formats.
The IBM 026 printed characters above each punched column using a 5×7 dot matrix wire array controlled by a metal "code plate" embedded with machined pins representing different characters. When pressed against printing wires, only selected pins struck the ribbon and card. This printing mechanism was susceptible to damage and challenging to repair, particularly when duplicating non-standard "binary" cards that could misalign or damage the code plate’s positioning.
Internally, these machines relied on logic circuits composed of diodes, vacuum tubes (notably the 25L6), and relays functioning primarily at 48 volts DC; punch-clutch magnets operated at a higher voltage of approximately 150 volts DC.
The external housing of the IBM 024/026 was designed by famed industrial designer Raymond Loewy. His streamlined Art Deco approach featured robust steel construction with rounded edges—an iconic style reminiscent of his earlier work on railway passenger cars.
IBM 056 Card Verifier
The IBM 056 functioned as a verification device paired with the 024 Card Punch and 026 Printing Card Punch. Visually similar to the 026 keypunch, it was distinguished by a red error indicator lens on its cover. The verifier operator duplicated the data entry performed by the keypunch operator, allowing the machine to compare punched information for consistency. Cards that passed verification were marked with a small notch along the right edge.
Most mechanical and electrical parts of the IBM 056 were shared with the 024 and 026 keypunch models, except for its punch unit and print head. Instead of punching holes, the punch unit contained sensing pins that detected existing perforations; any mismatch halted card feeding and activated a red error light. The notching mechanism, powered by solenoids, was positioned where the 026’s printing apparatus typically resided, enabling either a top-edge notch or an end-of-card punch.
When discrepancies were found, operators had up to three chances to re-enter data accurately. If errors persisted after three attempts, an error notch was applied above the problematic card column, and the “OK” notch function was disabled. Although mistakes could originate from either operator, multiple attempts helped reduce repeated errors. Some operators bypassed this process by guessing corrections, which led to machine alterations restricting data entry to a single attempt before error notching occurred.
Cards marked with error notches were generally re-punched on an 024 or 026 by duplicating accurate columns and correcting errors. This duplication process involved running the card without punching; sensing pins read the existing holes and transferred data onto a blank card where corrections were made prior to verification and application of the “OK” notch.
Typewriter Card Punches
The earliest device combining card punching with typewriter functionality for selective text input was developed by Powers in 1925. IBM’s 824 Typewriter Card Punch replaced the standard 024 keyboard with an IBM electric typewriter, while the IBM 826 integrated an IBM 026 Keypunch keyboard.
IBM 029 Card Punch
Launched alongside System/360 in 1964, the IBM 029 introduced new character symbols such as parentheses, equal signs, plus signs, and others used in the EBCDIC encoding scheme. Mechanically akin to the IBM 026, it printed characters above punched holes using an expanded code plate featuring 2240 printing-pin positions to accommodate EBCDIC’s broader character set.
The IBM 029’s control logic utilized wire contact relays in later iterations, whereas early models employed reed relays combined with diodes on SMS cards. Due to reliability concerns with reed relays, IBM reverted to wire-contact relay technology. Operating at 48 volts DC, it eliminated vacuum tubes previously required in earlier models like the 024 and 026. An optional "Left-Zero" capability—implemented through four additional SMS cards—automatically punched leading zeros for right-justified numeric fields, enhancing efficiency during data entry.
IBM 5924 Key Punch
The IBM 5924 Key Punch was a specialized variant of the model T01 IBM 029, introduced in IBM’s 1971 unveiling of the IBM Kanji System. Featuring a unique keyboard layout, operators used fifteen shift keys with their left hand and selected from 240 Kanji characters with their right hand. This design supported computer processing for complex Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language character sets exceeding ten thousand symbols—addressing essential requirements in East Asian data processing applications.
IBM 059 Card Verifier
The IBM 059 functioned as the verification unit paired with the IBM 029 Card Punch and represented a notable evolution from the earlier 056 verifier by employing optical detection rather than mechanical pins. This advancement significantly lowered operational noise, as the optical sensors utilized fiber-optic lightpipes to channel illumination from a single source. Despite this technological enhancement, the underlying verification methodology remained aligned with that of its predecessors.
Interestingly, some users favored the louder audible cues of the older 056 verifier and would apply greater force when pressing keys on the quieter 059 to replicate that tactile feedback, which occasionally led to increased wear on the keyboard mechanisms.
IBM 129 Card Data Recorder
Launched alongside the System/370 in 1971, the IBM 129 integrated card punching, verification, and an online capability for reading and punching 80-column cards. A keyboard toggle switch allowed users to alternate between punch and verify modes.
Its primary innovation was an electronic buffer capable of storing an entire 80-column card image, a departure from earlier IBM keypunch models where correcting keystroke mistakes involved complicated manual procedures. With the 129, errors could be erased using the Backspace key and corrected before automatic punching was executed upon pressing Release.
The machine’s transistorized logic was built with SLT modules mounted on a swing-out backplane featuring wire-wrapped connections. Keystroke speed was no longer constrained by the mechanical punching of each column at the time of entry.
Six distinct programs could be stored and selected via a rotary switch. These programs were loaded into memory through the card-feed path, replacing previous "program drum" mechanisms.
For duplication tasks, stored card images were used instead of relying on a separate read station. An integrated optical read unit within the punch station facilitated card "read-in" operations.
Program card
The IBM 024, 026, and 029 keypunches along with their verifiers (056 and 059) utilized Program Cards to automate processes such as field skipping, setting default character types, and duplication. Program cards represented an improvement over earlier Skip Bars.
These cards were encoded on punched cards created on any compatible keypunch and wrapped around a rotating drum synchronized with card movement during punching. Holes in the program card engaged electrical contacts via starwheels. Programs were encoded in the top six rows [12,11,0,1,2,3], while an optional Second Program feature used the bottom six rows [4–9], selectable by a switch. The drum was removable for replacement purposes.
Functions available through program cards included:
| Function | #1 | Char. | #2 | Char. | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Definition | 12 | & | 4 | 4 | Punch all columns except the first within a field |
| Start Automatic Skip | 11 | - | 5 | 5 | Punch first column of fields designated to skip |
| Start Automatic Duplication | 0 | 0 | 6 | 6 | Punch first column of fields set for duplication |
| 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 output in specified column |
Programming languages such as FORTRAN, RPG, and IBM Assembly language designated specific columns for various operations. Program cards automated tabbing and field definitions accordingly.
For instance:
1.......10........20........30........40........50........60........70........80 1AAAAAAAA1AAAAA1AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA1AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA &&&&&&&&
In this example, pressing skip would advance to column 10; columns 72 through 80 could be defined as a Numeric Shift field to accommodate special symbols or sequence numbers.
Note that "Field Definition" (12) and "Alphabetic Shift" (1) codes print as A. Use of Program code 2 carried risks of producing invalid characters potentially harmful to printers.
Program cards facilitated automation such as "gang punching," which involved inserting constant fields across multiple decks. They were also employed creatively to generate rhythmic patterns by gang-punching noisy characters for entertainment purposes.
IBM 5496 Data Recorder for 96-Column Cards
In 1969, IBM introduced the System/3 line of entry-level business computers, which utilized a newly designed, more compact 96-column punched card. To support these cards, IBM developed the IBM 5496 Data Recorder—a keypunch device equipped with printing and verification capabilities—as well as the IBM 5486 Card Sorter, both tailored specifically for the 96-column format.
Powers and Remington Rand (UNIVAC) Keypunch Devices
Around 1906, James Powers at the United States Census Bureau created the Powers Keypunch, featuring 240 keys and designed primarily for census data processing. Powers established the Powers Accounting Machine Company in 1911, which was later acquired by Remington Rand in 1927. Within Remington Rand's UNIVAC division, keypunch machines were produced to handle their proprietary 90-column cards as well as compatible devices for IBM’s 80-column cards. Prior to acquiring Eckert–Mauchly Computer Corporation, UNIVAC keypunches employed a mechanical design distinct from IBM’s patents. These machines buffered the entire card's data before punching all holes simultaneously, allowing correction of errors and minimizing card waste.
Remington Rand’s keypunch lineup included models such as the UNIVAC Card Code Punch Type 306-5 (including 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 featured a verification process where cards were reinserted into the keypunch; accurate entries resulted in elongated holes while mistakes appeared as round perforations. The Automatic Verifying Machine could detect errors mechanically at high speed.
In 1969, the UNIVAC 1710 Verifying Interpreting Punch was launched.
To Keypunch as a Verb
The verb keypunched originated from the action of encoding data onto punched cards using a key punch machine. Although physical keypunch devices have become obsolete, the term endures as a synonym for data entry. This linguistic persistence illustrates the transition from mechanical data input to contemporary digital methods.
Shift to Direct Data Entry
During the 1950s, Remington Rand introduced the UNITYPER, an input device that allowed direct recording of data onto magnetic tape for use with UNIVAC systems. Subsequently, in 1965, Mohawk Data Sciences developed an advanced magnetic tape encoder marketed as a replacement for traditional keypunches. By the mid-1970s, advances in microprocessor technology and lower-cost computer terminals encouraged smaller firms such as Inforex and Pertec to manufacture systems capable of key-to-tape and key-to-disk data entry.
Although punched cards continued to be widely used for data input and programming through the mid-1980s, eliminating the intermediate step of transferring punched cards onto tape or disk significantly reduced expenses and enhanced error detection during entry. The emergence of video display terminals, interactive timeshared systems, and eventually personal computers empowered data originators to enter information directly, streamlining processes and diminishing dependence on specialized data entry clerk personnel.
See also
- Punched card input/output
- Punched card
- Hollerith code
- Unit record equipment
- Computer programming in the punched card era
- List of IBM products
- Chad (paper)
Further reading
External links
- Columbia University Computing History: IBM Key Punches
- IBM Archives: Card Punch IBM 029
- IBM Archives: Railroad Application (001 Keypunch)
- IBM Punched Card Accounting Machines (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).