As explained by The Fabricator in their article “Stamping 101: Anatomy of a Mechanical Stamping Press,” comprehending the fundamentals of press technology necessitates addressing some fundamental queries:
What is stamping, and what purpose does a stamping press serve? Which materials are most commonly stamped? What defines a die or press tool, and how is it utilized? What are the primary categories of stamping presses? What exactly are mechanical press drives, and how do they function?
Before we delve into the structure of a press, it’s imperative to understand the primary function of a stamping press.
Stamped components are created by shaping, drawing, trimming, blanking, or piercing sheet or coil metal between two halves – the upper and lower sections – of a press tool, known as a die (refer to “Stamping 101: Die basics”). The upper part is linked to a slide, while the lower component is either clamped or bolted to the bed or bolster. The die’s purpose is to consistently produce components in the required shape and size, meeting production demands. In the press, the two halves of the die come together. Achieving repeatability and precision for the final stamped and assembled part necessitates both force (load) and accuracy.
Various materials are used to manufacture stampings. For instance, aluminum is used to form beverage cans, high-strength steels are employed for numerous automotive parts, and brass is the choice for doorknobs and lock mechanisms. Structural components, like nail plates and joist hangers, are stamped from galvanized steel.
Sizing the die for a press entails two calculations: tonnage (force) and energy consumption. Every press globally is rated by the tonnage (force in tons) it can apply from bottom dead center (BDC) of one press cycle to BDC of the next. It’s vital to note that the tonnage rating of a press should not be confused with the energy generated by the press’s flywheel. Each press features a specific graph tabulating the energy it supplies, as flywheel-generated energy depends on the flywheel’s size and drive ratio. This also significantly affects the press’s cost.
When sizing a die, diligence is paramount. Many experienced engineers, while well-versed in die design, production, or press procurement, often focus on only one of the two calculations. However, considering both tonnage and energy consumed is critical to avoid future issues when attempting to run a part.
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Photo and article with all rights reserved, courtesy of thefabricator.com
