Industry Insight: Hydraulic Press Automation
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.
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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.
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.