Industry Insight: Hydraulic Press Automation

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Efficiency and precision are key to success in today&#;s manufacturing landscape. As Industry 4.0 continues to take over the industrial space, it is imperative for manufacturers to integrate the latest technologies to streamline their processes. One way for metal manufacturers to achieve this is through press automation. Automation technology has revolutionized the way that manufacturers produce precision metal parts, making the process faster, more accurate, and more cost-effective.

What is Hydraulic Press Automation?

Press automation involves using technology to enhance efficiency, safety, and quality control, allowing for precise operation and flexible production runs.

How Does Hydraulic Press Automation Work?

In modern manufacturing, metal forming presses are commonly automated using several sophisticated methods, each offering distinct benefits.

Robotic arms and manipulators are a popular choice; they not only enhance precision in loading and unloading parts but also allow for complex movement patterns, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of human error.

Automatic feed systems are another crucial method, streamlining the process by consistently feeding metal sheets or coils into the press. This automation ensures a steady supply of material, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity.

Lastly, Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) play a key role in press automation. They provide precise control over the press&#;s speed, pressure, and timing, and their reprogrammable nature allows for quick adaptation to different tasks, thereby enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of the manufacturing process.

Each of these methods significantly contributes to improved safety, consistency, and overall productivity in metal forming operations.

While hydraulic press automation alone can result in a more efficient manufacturing process, many manufacturers also experience significant benefits by automating ancillary processes that surround their hydraulic press as well. Beckwood collaborates with third party automation companies to engineer integrated works cell for customers. These work cells allow customers to entirely optimize their precision metal forming processes and maximize the benefits of hydraulic press automation.

Beckwood can integrate any level of automation into your hydraulic press machinery.

Explore the possibilities today with the guidance of one of our automation engineers. 

How Hydraulic Press Automation Improves Precision Metal forming

Increased Efficiency and Productivity

One of the main benefits of hydraulic press automation is the elimination or reduction in human error due to a more repeatable process. Additionally, the press can operate at a faster speed and with more precision than manual operation. This results in a higher output of quality metal parts in a shorter amount of time.

Automation reduces the need for manual labor, therefore freeing up workers to focus on other value-added tasks as the hydraulic press system runs. This can lead to a more streamlined and efficient manufacturing process overall.

Cost Savings

By increasing efficiency and reducing the risk of errors, hydraulic press automation can also lead to cost savings for manufacturers. With faster production times and fewer defects, manufacturers can save on labor costs and materials.

Additionally, automation can reduce the need for manual inspections and quality control, further reducing costs and increasing overall profitability for manufacturers of all kinds.

Hydraulic Press Automation in Industry Applications

Hydraulic press automation has a wide range of applications in the manufacturing industry. Some common uses include:

Metal Stamping

Metal stamping is the process of shaping and forming metal parts through the use of a press and a die. This process is commonly used in the automotive industry to produce car parts, such as body panels. These systems can integrate all levels of automation, from automated material feeding to robotic trimming and finishing of parts.

Deep Drawing

Deep drawing is a precision metal forming process that involves stretching a sheet of metal over a die to create a three-dimensional shape. This process is commonly used in the production of kitchenware, automotive parts, and other metal products.

Hydraulic press automation allows for precise control over the pressure and movement of the press, resulting in more accurate and consistent deep drawn parts.

Coining

Coining is a metal forming process that involves compressing a metal blank between two dies to create a specific shape. This process is commonly used in the production of coins, medals, and other small metal objects. Repeatability and consistent quality are key in coining, making the process a great candidate for automation.

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How to Implement Automation for Hydraulic Press Machinery

Choosing the Right Press- Hydraulic, Servo, or Hydroforming?

The first step in implementing hydraulic press automation is choosing the right press for your needs. Beckwood offers a wide selection of hydraulic and servo presses to choose from, each with its own capabilities and features.

Consider factors such as the size and type of parts you will be producing, the level of precision required, and the speed of production when selecting a press.

Our TRIFORM sheet hydroforming presses are ideal for precision metalforming of aluminum and high strength materials like titanium and lightweight composites for aerospace applications. TRIFORM presses can produce parts with high draw ratios that are complex in geometry, or a multitude of smaller parts in just a single machine stroke. This is due to an elastomeric diaphragm that acts as a universal female die.

For more information, please visit automated hydraulic press.

LSP and EVOx linear servo presses utilize servo-electric technology to achieve unmatched forming precision for standard and exotic metals alike. Unlike traditional hydraulic press machinery and TRIFORM sheet hydroforming presses, servo-electric presses eliminate the need for hydraulic fluid. This makes them the top choice for cleanliness and safety as well as precision metalforming.

Don&#;t see quite what you need? Get in touch with our sales team today to start developing a custom hydraulic press engineered to be an ideal fit for your application.

Selecting the Right Hydraulic Press Automation System

Once you have chosen your hydraulic press machinery, the next step is selecting the right automation system. This will depend on the capabilities of your press and the specific needs of your manufacturing process.

Some common hydraulic press automation systems include:

• Automatic Feed Systems: Automated material feed systems ensure that the right amount of material is delivered to the press bed at the right time. This not only boosts production efficiency but also improves worker safety by reducing the need to interact with hydraulic press machinery.
• Quick Die Change Systems: These systems are excellent for high-mix productions which require dies and tooling to be frequently changed. An automated quick die change system can help maximize uptime for a more efficient workflow and reduce the amount of unnecessary wear on tooling.

Hydraulic press automation has revolutionized the manufacturing industry, providing increased efficiency, precision, and cost savings. By choosing the right hydraulic press machinery and automation system, manufacturers can streamline their processes and achieve greater success.

With the continued advancements in technology, hydraulic press automation will only continue to improve and play a crucial role in the manufacturing industry. If you&#;re ready to upgrade your hydraulic press machinery with a custom automation solution, contact Beckwood Press today.

Hydraulic press automation systems have many benefits that can improve a manufacturer&#;s production process. They can also help to increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve product quality.

Today&#;s hydraulic presses use programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to provide increased automation and quicker response times. This reduces energy consumption and prevents breakdowns.

Hydraulic Presses Increases Productivity

Hydraulic presses are used for a wide range of applications in the manufacturing industry, from forming tough titanium housings and tuba bells to bending hardened road grader blades. They also are used in laboratory testing and sample preparation, allowing manufacturers to test the quality of their products before putting them on the market.

As a result, hydraulic press automation systems are becoming more important than ever to boost efficiency while decreasing product quality issues. For example, if the machine&#;s control system is programmed to automatically adjust the press&#;s ram force and direction based on part &#;recipes,&#; it can save manufacturers time and money.

In addition, the full power of a hydraulic press can be delivered at any point in its stroke, which offers advantages for deforming operations. The ram can be made to approach work rapidly and then shifted to a lower speed before contacting the work, promoting tool life and reducing the risk of damaging or breaking the die.

Lower Maintenance Costs by Using Hydraulic Press Machines

Hydraulic presses are a more cost-effective solution than mechanical presses, as they have fewer moving parts. This means lower maintenance costs and a longer lifespan for your press.

One example of this is in the space industry, where hydraulic forming machines are used for manufacturing complex components. They can bend metal without creasing or rounding, and they can form multiple parts simultaneously.

In addition, because they have a very compact footprint, hydraulic presses can be used in areas where space is limited. This allows companies to optimize their facilities&#; assets and increase efficiency.

Performing regular maintenance on your press can help to extend its life and prevent problems from occurring. This includes checking the ram seal, bronze bushings, flexible intake lines and other important elements.

Increased Safety with Hydraulic Presses

Hydraulic presses are a critical piece of machine shop equipment. They help manufacturers shape metal parts into different shapes and sizes.

However, hydraulic press machines can be dangerous if operators don&#;t use safety precautions. Accidents can be prevented with proper training, eye protection, and safety footwear.

Fortunately, modern presses are designed with a variety of safety features to keep workers safe. Guards, interlocks, electro-sensitive and op-to-electronic devices, emergency stop systems, and other redundant components safeguard operators from potential harm.

The safety of your employees is important to your operation&#;s success. It&#;s your responsibility to train them how to operate the hydraulic press safely and how to recognize warning signs of machine failure.

Several issues can cause a hydraulic press to fail, including oil leaks and overheating. By addressing these problems before they result in machine failure, you can decrease your maintenance costs and increase your uptime. This is especially true if you use energy-optimized hydraulic systems.

Hydraulic Press Machine Reduces Downtime and Maximizes Productivity

Hydraulic press automation has the ability to reduce downtime, which can be a significant cost for a manufacturing operation. This reduction can help to increase productivity, which ultimately results in more profit for the company.

For example, electronic controls can monitor job status, advance feed lengths, check progressive dies, vary press speeds and guarantee all press functions are operating properly. This helps to improve productivity by reducing downtime and engineering changes.

This technology is available through many press manufacturers. It can be a cost-effective solution for companies with large presses, or those that have several presses. It is important to choose a partner who has the right expertise for your needs and can provide a solution that will fit into your production workflow. This includes partnering with a press manufacturer who is also an authorized system integrator. This can give the customer a better view of potential process improvements and allow them to leverage their investment in their press.

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