The Advantages of the Hydraulic Metal Press

A hydraulic press is being widely used today among manufacturers because of its reliable, versatile and efficient production. It is so versatile that it is chosen more often over the mechanical press, which is the other option for production of parts, components and other metal items. A hydraulic press offers the capabilities that today's manufacturer's need to produce high quality goods at very low production costs.

Performance

A hydraulic press performs much better than a mechanical press in several ways. Since the hydraulic press is powered by a hydraulic motor, it can produce more force and therefore operates at a higher level. The speed of the machine has also been improved by advanced motor drives and computer systems that control the positioning of the metal in the press. This results in faster production and higher precision than a mechanical press.

Capabilities

A hydraulic press is also more versatile in function than a mechanical press. It can be easily configured to produce a range of items because it has a slide mechanism that positions the metal inside the machine. It also has settings that can adjust the amount of power delivered to the press. The amount of time it takes to set up the press or "tool" the machine is very short as well, because the machine is very simple in construction. The machine can stamp, shape, press and mold metal without an expensive overhaul or retooling time.

Functions

A hydraulic press has the advantage of being able to perform the role of several machines, but it also takes the place of additional machines that are used to complete items built on a mechanical press. In many projects, a hydraulic press removes the need to reshape an item that if built on a mechanical press, would require a secondary operation. This also saves a production company money and resources. Hydraulic presses can cut, form and shape, combining three steps into one process.

Control and Power

A hydraulic press also has more control over the power it has. The press can be set to apply a smaller amount of force when necessary. This is a big advantage in production when lighter materials are used. For stamping into light metals, the hydraulic press can be set to apply a smaller amount of force, so as not to destroy the metal or weaken it during the operation. Newer presses are also highly advanced in controlling the fluids used during metal pressing and cutting. All of these advantages are due to better performing electric pressure circuits and valves that control the fluid pressure in the machine. Laser measuring devices make the machines more accurate and allow for a higher level of precision engineering in parts and components.

Speed

Hydraulic presses are very fast-running at 200 strokes or more per minute. This stroke speed accounts for the number of movements the machine can make in one minute. To help it be more accurate a laser assisted measuring system can be utilized as well. When the job is finished the program can be stored inside of the machine and movements can be reset for another operation. This also allows the machines to "switch gears" very fast going from one production job to the next without downtime.

Resources

• Advantages of hydraulic press
• Hydraulic over mechanical presses