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Hydraulic Press Advantage

Hydraulic Presses continue to be the press of choice for today's modern manufacturers. The advantages of Hydraulic versus Mechanical Presses is being realized and utilized by more and more manufacturers. Today's modern hydraulic presses provide; Performance, Reliability, and Unlimited Capability in almost any application. Stamping, Punching, Blanking, Drawing, Bending, ..... All standard press designs and circuits can be configured to match even the most non-standard press requirements.

Hydraulic Press Benefits

1. Full Tonnage Throughout The Stroke - Hydraulic Presses have the ability to deliver full pressing force anywhere in the range of stroke, unlike Mechanical Presses which can only develop full force at close to bottom of stroke. This significantly adds to the inherent flexibility of hydraulic presses.

2. Dedicated or Multi-Functional - Hydraulic Presses can be designed to any level of sophistication. Whether the need be a simple dedicated cell press or a fully integrated multi-purpose system, hydraulics are cost effective and easily modified for the task at hand. Their flexibility is further enhanced by additional stroke capability for simplifying die changes and reducing set-up time. Multiple dies with varying shut heights can be run efficiently in a single press.

3. Lower Up Front Costs / Fast ROI - In regard to Presses, Hydraulic Presses are the most simple in basic design and often utilize standardized, proven hydraulic components that are readily available. The basic components to Mechanical Presses, such as crankshafts, clutch and brake systems, etc..., are expensive and often custom built components which serve to add machine cost. Hydraulic Presses are often much less expensive up-front and in long term operation.

4. No Design Limitations - The principles of hydraulic force allow for creative engineering. Presses can be designed for traditional down-acting, up-acting, side-acting and multi-action operation. Power systems can be placed above, below or remote from the press and force actuators. Large bed presses can be designed for low tonnage applications and small bed presses can be designed for high tonnage requirements.

5. Over-Pressure Protection - The incorporation of hydraulic relief valves into hydraulic circuits provide built-in overload protection. A press' force cannot exceed the pressure that it is allowed to build, thereby limiting the maximum pressure attainable controls maximum force.

6. Unlimited Control Options - Hydraulic Presses can be controlled in a variety of ways ranging from basic relays to more sophisticated PLC or PC control systems. Operator interfaces can be added to press systems to facilitate ease of job set by storing individual job parameters for each die. Presses can be controlled for precise pressure and position; including pressure holding, speed control and dynamic adjustments to realtime operating variances. Ram force and speed can be controlled in any direction with various levels of precision.

7. Condensed Footprint - Hydraulics allow for generation of high pressure over small surface area. This ability reduces the overall structure required for support of the force actuators. When compared to Mechanical Presses, Hydraulic Presses consume almost 50% less space for the same tonnage capability. This size advantage results in lower manufacturing costs and a faster return on investment by requiring less long term overhead expense.

Hydraulic Press Industry Terms

Stroke
The amount of possible ram travel. Stroke is the total distance that the ram can travel, from full extension to full retraction.

Shut Height
The distance between the bed bolster and the ram bolster when the ram is fully extended. This is also commonly known as the Closed Height. As standard, this dimension is usually within "0.25" due to assembly processes. For precision shut height requirements, consult the factory.

Daylight
The distance between the bed bolster and the ram bolster when the ram is fully retracted. This is also commonly known as the Open Height.

Bolster
The removable plate that serves as the working surface for the bed and ram. The plate is typically bolted to the bed and ram substructures. The bolsters can be machined with a variety of work holding features such as; T-Slots, Drilled and Tapped Holes, Lift Rails for Quick Die Change, etc...

Stroke Control
The ram travel of the press may be controlled in a variety of ways. Most presses are standard with Adjustable Retract Limit Switches to limit the retract distance of the ram (also know as the Up Limit Position). This can shorten cycle times by only utilizing the required stroke for part loading and unloading. Other adjustable limits may include: Slow Down Limit for deceleration from Fast Speed to Slow Speed; Bottom Stop Position and/or Bottom Stop Pressure, etc...

Bottom Stop
By Pressure:
- The press may be designed to 'return on pressure'. This method utilizes a pressure sensing device which is adjustable and is set to determine the desired maximum pressure to be achieved by the ram. Once this pressure is achieved, the ram typically completes the cycle by returning to the home position or Up Limit position.
By Position:
- The press may be designed to 'return on position'. This method utilizes either a position sensing device or a limit or proximity switch that can be set to signal that the desired ram extension has been achieved.

Bed Height
Bed Height is the distance from the bottom of the press structure to the working height or top of the bed bolster.

Dwell
Hydraulic presses are capable of maintaining force on the work for extended periods of time. This is typically accomplished by using pressure lock valves or variable volume pumps that are remotely controlled for precise and long periods of pressure holding.

Bed Cushion
A bed cushion is a commonly required for draw tooling and is a system that applies resistance when pushed upon. This resistance can be dynamic or statically controlled throughout the stroke. Bed cushions have a "pusher pin plate" that is located just beneath the bed bolster. The bed bolster is provided with multiple through holes where "pusher pins" are inserted. These pins are used by the tooling to generate resistive force as the press ram pushes down. The cushion can also be configured for multiple control zones for on-the-fly dynamic control.

Remote Power Skid
Some press applications may require that the hydraulics be located remotely from the press itself. Other applications may preclude the power system from being able to be installed at the top around the crown structure of the press. In these cases, the power system and even the controls may be designed into a separate unit capable of being placed adjacent to the press or away from the press.

Heated Platens
These are plates that have heating capabilities. They can be heated using electric rods, steam, oil, water or other medium. These system usually require thermal breaks between the heated plates and the press structure. Heating controls can be separate or fully integrated into the press control system.

Article has been provided by Beckwood Press Company