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Mechanical Presses

Used Mechanical Presses Stamping and Forming Series Production with a Defined Stroke
Rotational drive energy is converted into a controlled press stroke.

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.

Typical applications Stamping, cutting, bending, embossing, drawing and calibrating
Drive principle Flywheel, clutch, gearbox, crank or eccentric mechanism
Production mode Single stroke, continuous operation, progressive-die or automated production
System environment Tooling, coil line, feed system, transfer and part removal

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.

Uniform rotary motion becomes a defined upward and downward movement of the slide.
Energy
The motor and flywheel provide the required working energy The main motor accelerates the drive system. In conventional mechanical presses, the flywheel stores energy that is released during the forming process within a short period.
Engage
The clutch connects the running drive to the press gearbox Different clutch and brake systems are used depending on the design. Their condition, response behaviour, pressure supply and safe disengagement are central inspection points for a used press.
Stroke
A crank, eccentric or linkage system moves the slide The mechanical kinematics determine the stroke length, velocity profile, dwell time within the forming range and force development according to the respective slide position.
Stop
The brake system brings the drive to a defined stopping position Stopping distance, overrun, wear condition and connection to the safety control system influence whether single-stroke, setup and automatic production modes can be performed safely.

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.

Drive concept
Eccentric and Crank Press

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.

Typical application Stamping, bending, embossing, progressive-die production and general sheet-metal forming.
Important data Rated-force point, stroke, stroke rate, eccentric shaft, bearings and transmission ratio.
Drive concept
Knuckle-Joint and Link Press

A linkage or knuckle-joint system changes the slide velocity profile. Slower movement with high force can be achieved in the lower working range.

Typical application Embossing, calibrating, fine blanking and selected forming processes with an extended working phase.
Important data Linkage condition, bearing clearance, motion profile, bottom dead centre and tool loading.
Drive concept
Servo-Mechanical Press

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.

Typical application Flexible series production, demanding forming operations and processes requiring variable slide movement.
Important data Servo motor, converter, energy management, software, motion profiles and spare-parts availability.

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.

Force window The press must supply force and energy at the correct point in the stroke. A high rated force may still be technically unsuitable when the working point, energy demand, off-centre loading or tool height does not match the press configuration.
Rated-force point Indicates the distance before bottom dead centre at which the stated press force may be reached. This value must be compared with the maximum force requirement of the tool.
Working energy Describes the energy available per stroke. Large forming operations can draw too much energy from the flywheel even when the nominal force is sufficient.
Stroke rate The possible stroke rate depends on the stroke length, tooling process, feeding equipment, clutch, braking, lubrication and available motor capacity.
Off-centre loading One-sided or asymmetrical tool forces place greater stress on the slide guides, pressure points and press frame than an evenly distributed load.

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.

Frame Design 01
C-Frame

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.

Accessibility The tool area is comparatively accessible from the front and sides.
Inspection focus Frame deflection, cracks, bed condition and guide behaviour under off-centre loading.
Typical configuration One pressure point, compact bed and single-operation or progressive-die production.
Frame Design 02
Straight-Side

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.

Tool space Suitable for wide tools, larger components and automated material transport.
Inspection focus Uprights, tie rods, pressure points, parallelism and synchronised operation of the drive sides.
Typical configuration Single- or multi-point drive for progressive-die, transfer and large-part production.

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.

Stamping
Cut contours, punch holes or separate parts from strip Cutting force, breakthrough shock, tool clearance, sheet thickness, part discharge and possible springback influence press selection and foundation design.
Force and breakthrough shock
Forming
Bending, drawing, embossing or calibrating Material strength, forming travel, tool geometry, blank holder, die cushion and the required force curve must match the press motion profile.
Assess forming travel
Progressive Die
Combine several processing stages within one tool Strip feed, pitch, tool length, slide parallelism, stroke rate, strip guidance and scrap removal determine the achievable production performance.
Tool and feed system
Transfer
Transport workpieces between multiple forming stages Transfer movement, gripper clearance, lift height, opening angle, station spacing and press control must be synchronised precisely.
Synchronise movements

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.

Bed area and press force are not enough. The complete tooling package must fit inside the working area.
Shut height Distance between the bed or bolster plate and the underside of the slide at a defined slide position. Tool height, intermediate plates and clamping equipment must remain within the adjustment range.
Slide adjustment The adjustment is used to adapt the shut height and is not a substitute for an unsuitable stroke. Spindles, nuts, motor, display and locking system should be inspected.
Bed and slide Length, width, scrap opening, T-slots, hole pattern, bolster plate, surface condition and permissible tool weight determine tool mounting.
Stroke and opening space The stroke must be sufficient for the forming travel, part removal, material transport and tool access. An unnecessarily large stroke can reduce the possible production rate.
Die cushion and ejectors Existing pneumatic or hydraulic cushions, ejector movements and passages must match the new tool in terms of force, stroke, position and control.

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.

Press type
Eccentric, crank, knuckle-joint or servo press The kinematics determine the motion profile, force development, working speed and possible application areas.
Press force
Rated force and rated-force point The required process force must remain within the permissible force curve and occur at the correct distance before bottom dead centre.
Working energy
Available energy per stroke The energy requirement of the tool must not exceed the available working capacity of the drive and flywheel.
Stroke
Fixed or adjustable slide stroke Compare the stroke length, opening angle, bottom dead centre and possible stroke adjustment with the tool and material transport.
Stroke rate
Strokes per minute and operating modes Document single stroke, inching, continuous operation, variable speed and permissible continuous performance under production conditions.
Shut height
Tool space and slide adjustment Shut height, adjustment range, maximum opening and tool height must enable safe installation and production.
Bed area
Clamping area and scrap opening Measure the bed and slide dimensions, T-slots, hole patterns, bolster plates and scrap opening completely.
Pressure points
Single-, two- or multi-point suspension The spacing and arrangement of the pressure points influence tool width, slide rigidity and permissible off-centre loading.
Main drive
Motor, flywheel, clutch and brake Inspect motor capacity, speed control, flywheel, clutch type, stopping distance, pressure supply and switching condition.
Tool protection
Overload protection and process monitoring Record hydraulic overload protection, force monitoring, double-sheet control, feed monitoring and tool-protection systems.
Automation
Coil line, feed system or transfer Document the material width, pitch, feed length, entry height, interfaces, cycle and available peripheral equipment.
Installation
Weight, foundation and access route Consider the machine weight, centre of gravity, foundation plan, vibrations, building height, maintenance areas and transport route at the new location.

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.

Flywheel
Energy storage and rotating mass Inspect the bearings, concentric running, pulleys, drive belts, protective cover and braking device for condition and safe operation.
Clutch
Engage and disengage the drive in a controlled manner Inspect linings, seals, valves, air pressure, oil supply, switching behaviour and possible leaks under realistic operating conditions.
Brake
Stop the slide within the specified overrun Brake linings, springs, release clearance, temperature, stopping-time measurement and connection to the safety control system must be assessed.
Gearbox
Transfer speed and torque to the press shaft Tooth flanks, bearings, oil condition, seals, backlash, noise and temperature development provide information about the wear condition.
Crankshaft
Convert rotary motion into the slide stroke Inspect bearing points, eccentrics, connecting rods, joints, pins, bushes and connections for clearance, cracks, lubrication and uniform movement.
Slide guides
Guide the upper tool precisely Guide strips, sliding surfaces, adjustment wedges, lubrication, parallelism and clearance influence tool life and component 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.

Line integration Every stroke requires released material, tooling and safety systems. A high press stroke rate can be used only when the feed system, tool, part removal and safety communication reliably support the same production cycle.
Coil and strip line The decoiler, straightener, strip loop, feeder, entry height, strip width and material thickness must match the press and tool.
Roll or gripper feed Feed length, accuracy, acceleration, pilot release and control synchronisation influence the position of the material within the tool.
Transfer equipment Grippers, rails, lift and closing movement, clearance, station spacing and press angle must be considered as one coordinated motion programme.
Part and scrap removal Chutes, conveyor belts, scrap shears, containers and sensors must detect material jams and block the press stroke where necessary.
Tool monitoring Sensors for feed position, part position, double sheets, ejection, punch breakage and force progression can protect the tool and press from consequential damage.

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.

Inspection area Press frame and tie rods Inspect the frame, uprights, welds, cast sections, tie rods, connections and known repair areas for cracks, deformation or corrosion.
Inspection area Bed, slide and parallelism Inspect clamping surfaces, wear, machining marks, slide parallelism, guide condition and clearance at several stroke positions.
Inspection area Main drive and gearbox Assess the motor, belts, flywheel, gears, shafts, bearings, lubrication condition, noise and temperature development during operation.
Inspection area Clutch and brake Check switching function, pressure supply, tightness, linings, overrun, single-stroke function and safe disengagement of the drive.
Inspection area Crank drive and bearing points Inspect the crank or eccentric shaft, connecting rods, pins, bushes, joints, bearing clearance and lubrication for wear.
Inspection area Lubrication and compressed air Document pumps, distributors, lines, pressure switches, oil level monitoring, filters, air receivers and possible leaks completely.
Inspection area Electrical equipment and control system Document the electrical cabinet, PLC, operator panel, contactors, drives, encoders, operating modes, programmes and available interfaces.
Inspection area Safety equipment and scope of supply Clearly record guards, light curtains, two-hand controls, emergency stops, interlocks, tool protection, documentation and accessories.

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.

A safe press results from mechanics, control technology and effective access protection.
Operating modes Off, setup, inching, single stroke and automatic operation must be selectable clearly and operate together with the intended safety functions.
Access to the tool area Fixed guards, movable safety doors, light curtains, two-hand controls or other measures must match the specific operating and material flow.
Overrun and braking The measured stopping time is an important basis for positioning electro-sensitive protective equipment and must be verifiable regularly.
Restart protection An unintended press stroke must not occur after an interruption, an opened guard or a fault.
Tool changes Energy sources, slide support, tool weight, clamping equipment, crane operation and setup procedures must be included in the safety concept.
Site requirements The technical, legal and operational requirements applicable at the new location must be checked specifically before recommissioning.

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.

Survey
Document the machine, foundation and peripheral equipment Record dimensions, weight, centre of gravity, assemblies, foundation plan, utilities, electrical cabinet, material feeding and safety area completely.
Shutdown
Disconnect energy sources and secure the slide Shut down the electrical supply, compressed air, hydraulics, stored energy, flywheel and moving components under controlled conditions.
Dismantling
Label assemblies and dismantle them securely for transport Clearly identify the motor, flywheel, crown, slide, bed, uprights, tie rods, lines and peripheral equipment according to the machine concept.
Transport
Coordinate lifting points, individual weights and the access route Plan crane capacity, vehicle, transport height, centre of gravity, lifting equipment, road transport and building access at an early stage.
Foundation
Check load capacity, anchoring and vibration behaviour The foundation geometry, mounting, levelling, vibration isolation and connection to the coil or transfer line must match the new layout.
Commissioning
Release alignment, functions and safety systems step by step Check the geometry, lubrication, direction of rotation, clutch, brake, inching mode, single stroke, protective functions and production test under controlled conditions.

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.

Aida · Bruderer · EBU · Erfurt · Haulick + Roos · Kaiser · MABU · Müller Weingarten · Raster · Schuler · Smeral · Zani
The manufacturer, year of manufacture, press force, stroke, stroke rate, frame design, automation and scope of supply may change with the available machine inventory. The information in the individual machine listing is authoritative.

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.

Used Presses Overview of mechanical, hydraulic, transfer, forging, spotting and other presses. View overview
Hydraulic Presses Presses with hydraulic force generation and flexibly controllable force and travel profiles. View category
Press Lines Interconnected press systems for multi-stage sheet-metal forming and automated part transport. View category
Transfer Presses Multi-stage forming with integrated transfer between the individual tool stations. View category
Forging Presses Press systems for hot, warm or cold forming of solid workpieces. View category
Spotting Presses Machines for inspecting, adjusting, opening and closing large tools and moulds. View category
Other Presses Additional press designs for special forming, assembly and production duties. View category
Reconditioning and Modernisation Functional inspection, partial refurbishment, repair and adaptation of used machines and systems. View service
Dismantling and Transport Planning, dismantling, logistics and relocation of heavy industrial machines and complete systems. View service
Buy or sell used mechanical presses

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.