Hydraulic presses

Hydraulic Presses © 1993, 1999 Rev 9 Dec 1999
C07.doc Smith & Associates, 530 Hollywood Drive, Monroe, Michigan 48162-2943

HYDRAULIC PRESSES
The hydraulic press is one of the oldest of the basic machine tools. In its modern form, is well adapted to presswork ranging from coining jewelry to forging aircraft parts. Modern hydraulic presses are, in some cases, better suited to applications where the mechanical press has been traditionally more popular. 1

Advantages of Hydraulic Presses
The mechanical press has been the first choice of many press users for years. The training of tool and die makers and manufacturing engineers in North America has been oriented toward applying mechanical presses to sheet-metal pressworking.
Modern hydraulic presses offer good performance and reliability.
Widespread
application of other types of hydraulic power equipment in manufacturing requires maintenance technicians who know how to service hydraulic components. New fast acting valves, electrical components, and more efficient hydraulic circuits have enhanced the performance capability of hydraulic presses.

Factors That May Favor the Use of a Hydraulic Press
Factors that may favor the use of hydraulic presses over their mechanical counterparts may include the following:
1. Depending on the application, a hydraulic press may cost less than an equivalent mechanical press.
2. In small lot production where hand feeding and single stroking occurs, production rates equal to mechanical presses are achieved.
3. Single stroking does not result in additional press wear.
4. Die shut heights variations do not change the force applied.
5. There is no tonnage curve derating factor.
6. Forming and drawing speeds can be accurately controlled throughout the stroke.
7. Hydraulic presses with double actions and or hydraulic die cushions are capable of forming and drawing operations that would not be possible in a mechanical press. 1

R. Lown, "Hydraulic Presses in