Jeremy Neil Jeremy Neil
Executive Vice President

Hydraulic Presses: Frame Selection

September 1, 2017
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Monolithic press frame with rolling bolsterHousing press frame with rolling bolster


Gap-frame pressSide-slab press frame


 

Column press frameMulti-frame press

Gap-frame pressFor some hydraulic press users, knowledge of press-frame styles and the applications they are best suited for may be limited to whatever press is on the shop floor. However, there are many available hydraulic-press-frame styles and familiarity with their characteristics will help guide metalformers in deciding which is best for their needs. With that in mind, here’s a rundown of the various frame styles.

Monolithic

  • High stiffness and torsional rigidity for improved off-center-loading capability and low deflection
  • Precision machining of frame due to lack of build-up tolerances associated with machining multiple frame components separately
  • Adjustable eight-point gib or temperature-compensated guiding
  • Low field-assembly costs because of single-piece frame 
  • Accessibility to all four press sides for material flow, die change and maintenance 
  • Suitable for single frame weights to 80 tons 
  • Suitable for presses in capacities to 2500 tons, depending on bed size
  • Practical bed sizes as large as 120 by 96 in., depending on tonnage
  • Suitable for single-acting, single-acting-with-cushion, double-acting or triple-acting metalforming applications
  • Accommodates front-to-back or left-to-right rolling bolsters

Housing

  • High stiffness and torsional rigidity for improved off-center-loading capability and low deflection
  • Frame components (bed, slide, crosshead and housings) are pre-stressed together with tie rods and pre-stressing nuts
  • Accessibility to all four press sides 
  • Adjustable eight-point gib or temperature-compensated guiding
  • Suitable for individual frame-component weights to 150 tons (depending on the press manufacturer’s capabilities) 
  • Allows for larger bed sizes, in excess of 300 in. left-to-right
  • Suitable for single-acting, single-acting-with-cushion, double-acting or triple-acting metalforming applications
  • Can incorporate front-to-back or left-to-right rolling bolsters
  • Ability to dismantle frame allows for large presses to be shipped in smaller and lighter pieces

Column

  • Accessibility to all four press sides
  • Limited off-center-loading capability
  • Generally not ideal for heated applications unless platen-die interfaces are thoroughly insulated
  • Features bushing-type (not adjustable) guiding
  • Can incorporate front-to-back or left-to-right rolling bolsters
  • Ability to dismantle frame allows for large presses to be shipped in smaller and lighter pieces

C- or Gap-Frame

  • Generally used for lower-tonnage applications (less than 1000 tons and typically below 300 tons)
  • Low field-assembly costs because of single-piece frame 
  • Accessibility to the die space from three sides of the press
  • Precision machining of frame due to lack of build-up tolerances associated with machining multiple frame components separately
  • Available for single-acting or single-acting-with-cushion metalforming applications
  • May be supplied with adjustable, eight-point gib guiding or two- or four-post-style guiding.

Multi-Frame

  • High stiffness and torsional rigidity for improved off-center-loading capability and low deflection
  • Suitable for high tonnages (to 20,000 tons) with small bed sizes (to 120 by 60 in.)
  • Provides a compact design for high-tonnage presses
  • Has front and back access (no side access)
  • Can incorporate front-to-back shuttles or rolling bolsters
  • Typically suitable for single-acting applications only
  • Ability to dismantle frame allows for large presses to be shipped in smaller and lighter pieces

Side-Slab

  • High stiffness and torsional rigidity for improved off-center-loading capability and low deflection
  • Frame components (bed, slide, crosshead and side slabs) are pre-stressed together with pre-stressing studs and nuts
  • Features adjustable eight-point gib or temperature-compensated guiding
  • Limited side-opening capability
  • Allows for larger bed sizes, to 240 in. left-to-right
  • Can incorporate a rolling bolster (front-to-back only)

Tap Into Press-Builder’s Expertise

Metalformers have multiple factors to consider when specifying a press–budget, application, size, transportation and facility requirements. Be aware that many frame-style options exist, so work closely with your press supplier to ensure that the frame style ultimately chosen is the best choice for your unique metalforming applications. MF

Industry-Related Terms: Bed, Die, Hydraulic Press
View Glossary of Metalforming Terms

 

See also: Macrodyne Technologies, Inc.

Technologies: Stamping Presses

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