Monitoring Press Operations 220

arm control

A control on the press that prepares for the press to begin in continuous mode. The arm control prevents inadvertent startup of the press when it is in continuous mode.

automatic single stroke mode

A mode of press operation in which the ram completes a single press stroke at a time automatically until it is overridden by another sensor.

auxiliary sensor

A secondary sensor, which helps signal the press to stop.

bed

The main foundation and supporting structure upon which the operating parts of the press are mounted and guided.

bottom dead center

The lowest position in the ram's stroke. BDC is also referred to as stroke-down position.

clutch

The coupling mechanism used on a press to couple the flywheel to the crankshaft, either directly or through a gear train.

coil

A long, thin sheet of metal that has been wound tightly. Stock first appears as coil for many press operations.

continuous mode

A mode of press operation in which the ram strokes multiple times uninterrupted. Continuous mode is also known as production mode.

crankshaft brake

The mechanism used on the press to stop or hold the crankshaft when the clutch is disengaged.

die assembly

The collective assembly of upper and lower die shoes, guide pins and bushings, and punch and die retainers.

die shoes

A metal plate onto which the various die set components are mounted. Die sets typically contain an upper and lower die shoe.

drive mechanism

A mechanism that forces the top section of the press, or ram, down toward the base of the machine.

dual inch buttons

Another name for the dual palm buttons when operating in the inch mode.

dual palm buttons

Two separate buttons that must be pressed simultaneously in order to power the stamping press. The dual palm buttons initiate motion of the ram.

ejection chute

A pathway attached to the press that removes parts or scrap from the die area.

E-stop

Another name for the red stop button.

feed chute

A pathway attached to the press that feeds material to the die area.

feed mechanism

A mechanism designed to intermittently advance stock into the press between strokes.

fiber optic sensor

A type of sensor that uses a bundle of transparent fibers of plastic or glass to transmit light and send a signal to the press if it detects a problem.

flywheel

The main device located in the crown of a mechanical press that is attached to the power source and regulates the reciprocating motion of the ram.

full-revolution clutch presses

A type of press in which the clutch, when it is tripped, cannot be disengaged until the crankshaft has completed a full revolution and the ram a full stroke.

inch mode

A mode of press operation in which the ram moves intermittently at different points in the stroke. Inch mode is most often used during die setup and before loading a new coil.

interlocked barrier guard

A type of safeguarding device that forbids entry into the point of operation while the press cycles.

jogging

Moving the press intermittently up and down to different points in the stroke.

light curtain

A row of either visible or invisible lights just before the point of operation. If the path of the lights is disturbed, the press stops cycling immediately.

lockout

A safety procedure required by OSHA that takes steps to dissipate all stored power during maintenance work. Never try to operate a machine that is under lockout.

main motor start/stop button

Either one or two buttons on the stamping press that both allow the press to begin cycling and subsequently stop the press from cycling.

malfunction sensor

A sensor on the press that detects a problem and signals the press to stop.

micrometer

A hand-held measuring device used to inspect the dimensions of parts. The typical micrometer is accurate within 0.001 in. or 0.02 mm.

mode selector

A locked, key-operated control on the press that selects the proper mode of operation for the stamping press.

operator controls

The controls on the press that, when depressed, cause the press to cycle. Operator controls often contain safety devices that prevent the press from cycling accidentally.

part-revolution clutch presses

A type of press in which the clutch, when it is tripped, can be disengaged at any point before the crankshaft has completed a full revolution and the ram a full stroke.

photoelectric sensor

A type of sensor on the press that emits an electric beam, and when the beam is interrupted, sends a signal to the press to stop the operation.

press

A machine with a stationary base and an upper ram that moves along a vertical axis to shear, bend, or form sheet metal.

press operator

The person who operates and monitors the stamping press.

proximity sensor

A type of sensor on the press that detects the closeness of an object or material and sends a signal to the press if a problem is detected.

ram

The main upper portion of the press that slides up and down within the press frame during operation.

red stop button

A red button on the stamping press that when pressed on part-revolution clutch presses, stops the press immediately. The red stop button is often referred to as E-stop.

scrap conveyor

A long belt that rotates to remove parts or scrap from the die area.

sensing devices

A device that is designed, constructed, and arranged to create a sensing field or area and to deactivate the clutch control of the press when the body part of an operator is within this field or area.

single stroke mode

A mode of press operation in which the ram completes one stroke. Single stroke mode is often used in manually fed operations.

straightener

A mechanism designed to repeatedly bend stock back and forth to remove any natural curvature.

stroke-up position

The position of the ram at the top of its cycle.

tonnage monitor

A device that checks and records the amount of pressure being exerted on the die. If there is too much pressure on the die, the tonnage monitor will signal the press to stop.

top dead center

The highest position in the ram's stroke. TDC is also referred to as stroke-up position.

top stop button

Another name for the yellow stop button.

uncoiler

A mechanism designed to hold coil and gradually unwind it during press operations.

yellow stop button

A yellow button on the stamping press that stops the press once it reaches the stroke-up position. The yellow stop button is often referred to as the top stop button.