adjustable panel guard

An adjustable barrier guard that prohibits access to the die area during a press operation.

barrier guard

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

coil-fed press operation

A type of press operation in which raw material is fed to the press from a coil. The press operator needs only to press a button to begin stamping, and the press continuously stamps out parts until it recieves a stop signal.

continuous mode

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

crankshaft

The device in some mechanical presses that connects the ram to the flywheel.

die area

The area that contains the die. Press operators should only enter the die area with approved handling tools.

die safety block

A safety device that is placed between the die shoes to ensure that the press cannot accidentally cycle during maintenance work.

dual palm buttons

Two separate buttons that must be pressed simultaneously in order to power the stamping press. Dual palm buttons are considered safeguarding devices.

earmuffs

Ear wear that protects hearing. Earmuffs also prevent flying objects from entering the ear.

earplugs

Ear wear that protects hearing. Earplugs are inserted inside the ear to muffle outside noises.

E-stop

Another name for the red stop button. "E-stop" is short for "emergency stop".

feed chute

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

fixed panel guard

A barrier guard that prohibits access to the die area at all times during a press operation. Fixed panel guards cannot be adjusted.

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.

foot switch

An operator control that requires press operators to insert their foot into a guard, and press a button in order to operate the press.

forward and reverse key selector

A locked, key-operated control on the press that selects the direction in which the motor turns the crankshaft.

full-revolution clutch press

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.

hand vacuum tool

A type of handling tool that allows press operators to enter the die area without using their hands.

holdouts

A safeguarding device that requires the press operator to wear wristbands. Holdouts do not allow the press operator to enter the point of operation at any time.

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.

interlock plug

A device that attaches to the die safety block to prevent the press from cycling when the die safety block is in place.

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 energy during maintenance work. Never try to operate a machine that is under lockout.

lower die shoe

The lower plate of a die set that contains the cavity into which the punch shears the sheet metal.

magnetic lifter

A type of handling tool that allows the press operator to enter the die area without using their hands. A magnetic lifter uses magnets to easily pick up scraps and workpieces.

main motor start and stop button

Either one or two buttons on the stamping press that turn the press main motor on and off.

manually fed press operation

A type of press operation in which an operator inserts a part into the die, then presses a button to cycle the press.

mode selector

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

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

A government agency that sets the standards for working conditions in the United States. OSHA ensures that employees work in safe and healthy environments.

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.

OSHA

The abbreviation for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

part-revolution clutch press

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.

parts conveyor

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

personal protection equipment

Any of various articles of clothing or safeguarding devices that press operators are required to wear. Personal protection equipment (PPE) varies from shop to shop.

point of operation

The area between the lower die shoe and the upper die shoe where metal forming takes place.

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 individual who monitors and operates the stamping press.

pullback cables

A safeguarding device that requires the press operator to wear wristbands. When the press cycles, pullback cables pull back to ensure that the press operator's hands do not go near the point of operation.

ram

The main upper portion of the press that slides up and down within the press frame. The upper die shoe is attached to the ram. The ram can also be referred to as the slide.

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.

safeguarding device

A device used to protect the operator from the point of operation. The type of safeguarding devices used depends on the shop and type of stamping press.

safety tongs

A type of handling tool that allows press operators to enter the die area without using their hands. A press operator manipulates the tongs to grab the part from the die 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.

slide

The upper portion of the press that slides up and down within the press frame. The upper die shoe is attached to the slide. The slide is also referred to as the ram.

sliding gate

A barrier guard that slides down each time the press cycles to prohibit access to the point of operation during a press operation.

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.

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.

upper die shoe

The upper plate of a die set that secures the punch holder.

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.