An eccentric or crankshaft converts the rotary motion of the drive into the slide stroke. The motion profile is defined by the construction and repeats with every stroke.
Mechanical Presses
Mechanical presses form, stamp, cut, emboss or draw metal workpieces using a repetitive, mechanically guided slide stroke. They are used particularly where high production rates, reproducible movement and economical series production are required.
How a mechanical press generates its working stroke
The drive train connects the electric motor, energy storage, clutch and brake system and the mechanical transmission to the slide. The exact configuration differs according to press type and machine generation.
Typical mechanical drive concepts
The kinematics influence more than the maximum stroke rate. They also determine how quickly the slide moves through the working range and when the available press force is delivered during the stroke.
A linkage or knuckle-joint system changes the slide velocity profile. Slower movement with high force can be achieved in the lower working range.
A high-performance servo drive moves the mechanical press kinematics without a conventional flywheel concept. Stroke, speed and motion profile may be programmable depending on the configuration.
Press force, working energy and stroke position are different values
The stated rated force of a mechanical press is not automatically available throughout the complete stroke. Tool selection depends on the slide position at which the maximum process force is required.
Frame design and pressure points determine rigidity
The press frame absorbs all forming forces. Accessibility, tool size, off-centre loading and the required parallelism influence the suitable construction.
Gap-frame or C-frame presses provide good access to the tool space. They are frequently used for small and medium press forces and compact stamping and forming operations.
Straight-side, portal or closed-frame presses provide high rigidity and large tool spaces. Depending on the design, the slide is driven through one, two or multiple pressure points.
The application defines the tooling, kinematics and material flow
Mechanical presses can perform very different forming operations. Process force, tool construction, material form and degree of automation must be described together during selection.
The tool space determines practical usability
A press can be used only when the tool, clamping equipment, material feed and part removal can operate safely within the available geometry.
Which technical data determine suitability?
The manufacturer, year of manufacture and rated force provide only an initial classification. The complete working area, force curve, energy balance, drive condition, tooling process and available peripheral equipment are decisive.
The condition of the drive train determines accuracy and availability
All force-transmitting components of a used mechanical press must be inspected together. Local wear can affect slide movement, noise, temperature development and tool quality.
The press is often only the centre of a complete production line
Material feeding, tool monitoring, part transport and scrap removal determine the achievable production performance together with the press.
Technical inspection of a used mechanical press
A meaningful condition assessment includes more than a trial run. The frame, drive, slide guides, clutch and brake, lubrication, electrical system, safety equipment and available peripheral equipment must be documented.
Assess the safety concept completely for the new application
An older press must not be reused solely on the basis of its previous operating condition. The machine, tooling, loading system and operating concept must be assessed together for the new location.
Plan dismantling and reassembly as a complete press project
Mechanical presses have high individual weights, concentrated foundation loads and precisely aligned drive and guide components. Successful relocation therefore begins with a complete survey at the existing location.
Used mechanical presses from various manufacturers
Depending on current inventory, gap-frame presses, straight-side presses, high-speed stamping presses, eccentric presses and other mechanical press systems from different years and capacity classes may be available.
Additional press technology and complementary services
Depending on the forming duty, force progression, automation and production concept, other press types or complete press lines may also be suitable for the project.
FISS supports the search for a suitable mechanical press and its technical assignment based on the press type, application, rated force, rated-force point, working energy, stroke, stroke rate, shut height, tool space, frame design, pressure points, automation and available site infrastructure. If no suitable press is currently listed, FISS can conduct a targeted search through its international network for an appropriate solution.
When selling equipment, FISS supports condition assessment, technical documentation, dismantling planning and international marketing of individual mechanical presses and complete press and forming systems. In addition to brokerage and international marketing, direct purchase by FISS may also be an option depending on the project.