Page 31 - MetalForming August 2014

order to load the shafts from an over- head crane. The operator then drives the gantry nose tool over the high spot to perform the straightening process.
Control is the Key
With the proper press selected for the application, the metalformer then turns its attention to gaining complete control over ram movement while applying tonnage to the shaft. Less control may require more hits. State-of- the-art press controls allow operator to dial-in ram depth in increments of 0.001 in.
The control depicted in Photo D, installed on a moveable-gantry press, allows the operator to view actual main-ram position and then input the desired pressing depth in increments of 0.001 in. Included control features:
1) Aux Power Unit supplies the lift and carriage assemblies. This unit finds use when performing shaft work, and can be shut off during plate or weld- ment work.
2) Lift Assy Up/Down selector switch moves the live centers on which the shaft is mounted.
3) Carriage Up/Down selector switch lifts and lowers the carriage assemblies, to rotate the part and find its high spot.
4) Head and Gantry Lock lifts the
Photo B: Shown is a travelling-gantry straightening press, with x-y axis movement. The traveling carriages sup- port the shaft and are hydraulically operated to raise and lower the shaft off of and on to the V-blocks.
gantry (of a traveling- gantry press) up against the bottom of the press bed to hold it in place during straightening. This prevents the gantry
from tipping and moving off-center to the table surface.
5) Down Pushbutton: This button is required for anti-tiedown and anti- repeat dual-hand controls, complying with OSHA requirements to keep both of the operator’s hands engaged at the start of the cycle. He places one
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