The purpose of a stamping press is to reshape metal with a die. Dies are considered female or male, depending on the shape and use of the final product. A press is comprised of three main parts: a bolster plate, onto which the die is clamped; the ram/slide that acts like a hammer, and the electrical components that manage the feeder (feeding metal into the machine from a roll to be straightened and stamped). Additionally, a tonnage monitor determines the force exerted to shape the metal.
That force — exerted on both the die and the metal to be shaped —means that distortion or imbalance within the machine will not only cause faster wear to the die but also to the press itself. A press bed can easily twist if it does not have level support. For that reason, it is imperative that the press remains in balance. Since the size of a press can vary greatly depending on the requirements of its output, different leveling solutions apply.
An adjustable wedge is one common option for a heavy press. In this instance, a bolt from the foot of the press fits into one of two or more holes within the three-part wedge. An adjustment knob sits at the front of the wedge, allowing for tightening or loosening of the bolt to attain perfect balance.
Vibration isolation pads are another useful tool in the stabilizing arsenal. Heavy- weight density pads are made especially for stamping presses, absorbing not only the energy from the stamping motion, but also dispersing it harmlessly within the shop floor, meaning other machines remain unaffected by the action of the press. This is vital for a busy manufacturing plant, where machines share space and production interruption is to be avoided at all costs.
For the most massive mechanical presses or progressive die stamping presses, the concrete floor should be inlaid with special support, into which air springs or blocks are pre-set within a separate metal panel. The press is then carefully set atop the springs or blocks so that balance and leveling are achieved.
Because calibration of stamping presses is such a precise process, leveling maintenance is invaluable. If you need help ensuring your machines are operating at full capacity with absolute balance, let us know. Our vibration site survey will aid you in keeping everything running smoothly.
