It is known that the punch motion has a significant effect on sheet metal stamping operations. For example, for deep drawing operations long dwelling is desirable. For blanking operations, on the other hand, the two-step motion can reduce the noise [1]. However, the controlled punch motion cannot be realized using conventional mechanical presses, which has the advantage of being energy efficient, fast and easier to make / maintain. Servo mechanical presses solved some of the problems, but are not energy efficient (because they cannot use flywheels as the conventional mechanical presses). Following our previous research [2–4], this paper presents a new type of controllable mechanical press. It is a 2-DOF planar mechanism driven by a large constant speed motor (which takes 75% of the load) and a small servomotor (which takes 25% of the load). Though, unlike the first design, the new design uses the servomotor to drive a ball screw instead of a crank, which makes building the press simpler and controlling the press easier. The paper describes various issues in designing and controlling the press including (a) Kinematics and inverse kinematics; (b) Static force distribution analysis and parameter design; and (c) Punch motion programming and control. A 250 KN prototype has been built and the experimental testing results confirm that the press is working properly. Comparing to the existing technology, the new press is controllable and energy efficient. It is expected that it will have a significant value to the metal forming industry.Copyright © 2005 by ASME