Developments in Mechanical ServoPress Technology in Press Hardening processes: Improved productivity and energy consumption

What is currently required by users of new press hardening lines?

• Firstly, continuous reductions in the cycle time. This is related to the performance of the press and part transfer system.
• Energy efficiency. It is important to address the environmental and energy costs of an installation.
• Line reliability. Do not include overly sophisticated devices that complicate both the operation and maintenance of the installation.

Now is the right time to establish a new press system model for this type of line.

Although hydraulic presses have improved their performance in terms of speed and control, due to the use of servo-valves and high capacity hydraulic systems, they are still a long way from achieving the characteristics of mechanical presses.
Obviously traditional mechanical presses have not been suitable for use in the press hardening process as it requires the press to stop at Bottom Dead Centre (BDC) to enable part quenching.

On the other hand, there has recently been a great revolution in mechanical press stamping due to the increasing use of direct servomotors, as this system can be used to directly control the slide position. Theoretically, mechanically-operated servo presses meet the requirements for stopping at BDC, although some specific alterations were necessary.

 The hot stamping mechanical servo-press requires special working conditions from the servo motor that are not used in cold stamping

A mechanical servopress is the core component of new, 3rd generation installations. Combined with the correct selectionof other line components it can provide:

• Increased productivity: due to the increased speed of the mechanical press and optimum synchronization with loading and unloading by the linear feeder.
• Energy efficiency: servo press technology with a kinetic buffer improves the results of existing hydraulic presses.
• Overall reliability: tested mechanical servo press system and dedicated linear robots for optimum part quality and line performance.