The notching and punching unit for radiant ceiling panels combines individual panels with two clinch points on top of each other and performs the punching of a rectangular punched opening for the subsequent insertion of a transverse tube. The individual panels are automatically aligned and clamped during processing. The convenient input of the freely programmable points and the requisite parameters takes place via a 15" infra-red touch panel. Due to the robust design of the system, the necessary punching forces of up to 150 kN are no problem.