How to Operate the Heavy Duty Hydraulic Press

Are you planning to fabricate large parts or sections requiring higher tonnage?

Well, we will teach you how to choose how to use heavy duty hydraulic press. From safety process, setting up hydraulic press to critical stages on heavy duty hydraulic press working process.

Let’s dive right:

What is Tonnage for Heavy Duty Hydraulic Press

A heavy duty hydraulic press can exert tonnage in excess of thousands depending on the application. Tonnage refers to the maximum pressure or force a hydraulic press can ideally exert. Some ideal uses of hydraulic press where you can experience great tonnage include:

Automotive forming operations where it can achieve up to a thousand tons
Ship building where it can achieve over five thousand tons forging large metal parts

Steps on Operating Heavy Duty Hydraulic Press

· Consider Safety Precaution in Hydraulic Press Operation

Taking safety precautions when working with a hydraulic press is critical owing to the high pressure and force involved. Otherwise, you can suffer serious injuries and/or equipment damage. Some safety aspects to consider include:

Ensure you are well acclimatized to the hydraulic press, understanding how hydraulic press works including its control features and safety systems.
Prior to using a hydraulic press, conduct an inspection checking for damage, leaks and confirm working of the emergency stop button.
Utilize personal protective equipment and clothing like safety goggles to protect your eyes from flying debris during high-pressure operations.
Properly align the workpiece in the press, securely positioning it to prevent it from slipping during operation or being ejected.
Implement safety features like guards and barriers around the hydraulic press to prevent inadvertent access to dangerous areas during operation.

· Setting up Heavy Duty Hydraulic Press

When setting up a heavy-duty hydraulic press, you have to implement multiple critical steps to ensure your operation is safe and efficient. Setting up ideally requires the following procedures:

Ensure your preferred site for installing the heavy duty hydraulic press has sufficient space to accommodate the press and related equipment.
Positioning the press such that it is well oriented to the workspace layout. It should allow installation of safety barriers and allow free movement of operators.
When connecting the hydraulic press to the appropriate electrical supply, ensure the supply meets the required voltage and current specifications.
Use appropriate hydraulic fluid to fill the reservoir to the required levels ensuring the lines are properly connected, and without leaks. Bleed the system to eliminate any air trapped in the lines.
Perform a trial run ensuring the hydraulic press operates as expected, checking for issues like misalignment and make any necessary adjustments.

· Inserting Workpiece in Hydraulic Press Machine

During workpiece insertion, it is essential to adhere to several aspects to ensure a safe and efficient operation. This way, you avoid damaging the workpiece, tooling and even the press itself while also protecting yourself as a user. When inserting a workpiece, consider the following:

Ensure you have the appropriate tooling installed.
Have on the necessary protective equipment like safety boots and goggles, and gloves.
Confirm all safety guards and barriers as well as other measures are in place.
Positioning the workpiece correctly aligning it with the tooling set.
Secure the workpiece by clamping without damaging it using appropriate fixtures.

· Forming Workpiece with Hydraulic Press

When using a hydraulic press to form a workpiece, you manipulate the material into a desired form using high pressure. Forming operations include drawing, shaping and bending which can be undertaken on various materials, like metals and composites.

Here’s a guide to help you successfully form a workpiece using a hydraulic press:

Determine the forming process you are undertaking considering material properties like plasticity and brittleness.
Choose the required tooling set for the intended forming process. Make sure it can handle the pressure without prematurely wearing out or deforming.
After aligning and positioning the workpiece consider the material properties to set the hydraulic press to the ideal pressure.
Adjust the press ram’s stroke length to match the forming requirements keeping close control of the speed.
Engage the hydraulic press applying pressure gradually to evenly distribute force across the workpiece surface.
Monitor the forming operation continuously, checking for any process irregularities like deformation. Immediately halt the proceedings in case any such issues arise.
Adjust the pressure or stroke length as you see fit to achieve the desired forming.

· Withdrawing Machine and Removing Formed Part

After you complete the forming process, you withdraw the machine and eject the formed part. Like other operations, you need to pay caution to prevent injury or damage. Consider the following thus:

Upon completion of the forming operation, stop the press by releasing the pressure ensuring the ram fully retracts. It is safe to also power down the press at this point to prevent unintended activation.
Be in appropriate protective gear like gloves, since the formed part may be hot from the forming action or with sharp edges. The workpiece should be in a stable position not likely to slip and fall during removal, causing injury.
Disengage the tooling where necessary by, for instance, loosening fixtures or clamps. You can use mechanical aid like cranes where tooling is heavy.
Manually remove the formed workpiece using appropriate tools or mechanical assistance like cranes for heavier parts. Transfer the part to a stable surface.
Inspect the formed part for defects like cracks, deformation and incomplete forming. Use measuring tools to confirm dimensions ensuring they are within the stated tolerances.

· Cleaning Heavy Duty Hydraulic Press Machine

After performing an operation, it is procedural to undertake a cleaning process as a continuing maintenance task to ensure performance longevity. Cleaning reduces component wear and tear and helps prevent contamination ensuring efficient machine operation.

The following guide comes in handy when cleaning a heavy-duty hydraulic press machine:

Before commencing any cleaning procedures, ensure you power down the hydraulic press completely disconnecting it from the mains.
The cleaning process should also not immediately succeed an operation. Allow the machine to cool down first.
Begin cleaning the surface removing loose debris like metal shavings, using a soft-bristle brush or industrial vacuum cleaner.
With a damp lint-free cloth and a mild detergent solution wipe down the hydraulic press’ accessible surfaces. Apply a degreaser for areas with grease or oil buildup scrubbing away with a brush after it sets.
Clean moving parts such as the ram and guide posts wiping them down.
Also clean press bed and bolster plate which accumulate residue from the forming operations. A vacuum cleaner can be effective in removing loose particles before wiping down.
For the die area use a soft-bristle brush and cleaner if accessible taking care not to misalign or damage the tooling.
Clean the hydraulic fluid reservoir exterior checking the fluid levels and condition according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Also inspect and clean hydraulic filters ensuring they’re not clogged.
Using a slightly damp cloth, wipe down gently the control panels and other controls like buttons. Ensure moisture does not enter internals sections.
Remember to also clean the floor area surrounding the hydraulic press. Sweep up debris and wipe out workbenches, guardrails and barriers.

Conclusion

The working principle of hydraulic press is based on utilizing a pressurized fluid to achieve useful force. Consequently, when operating a heavy duty hydraulic press, you can generate immense forces depending on the pressure you subject your fluid.

More resources:

World’s Strongest Hydraulic Press – Source: TSINFA

What is Hydraulic Press used for – Source: TSINFA

How does Hydraulic Press Work – Source: TSINFA

Hydraulic Press – Source: IQS DIRECTORY

Advantages of Hydraulic Press – Source: TSINFA