3 Fundamentals of press design

Die design
Table 6.7.1: Modular system for possible die holder sizes (widths) (bold = frequently used sizes) for
number of and distance between stations
Number of stations Die holder widths with distances between stations in mm
200 250 300 350 400
2 400 500 600/750 700 800
3 600 750 900/1,000 1,050 1,200
4 800 1,000 1,200/1,250 1,400/1,500 1,600
5 1,000 1,250 1,500 1,850 2,000
6 1,200/1,250 1,500 – – –
lar system of this type for a universal press design frequently used for
forming parts of approx. 0.1 to 15 kg. Of course, other component and
die sizes can also be implemented.
The die change system is closely linked with the die holder design.
The range of parts to be produced and the individual batch sizes are the
main criteria that influence the die holder design and the layout of the
die changing system.
The complete die holder change, required when starting work on a
completely new part, involves moving the entire die holder out of the
machine to be replaced by a ready-prepared holder located in a prescribed
waiting position. The die head and base plate of the die holders
are hydraulically clamped (Fig.6.7.1). For moving in and out of the
press, the upper and lower part are moved together by means of
auxiliary columns and locked together with safety straps for transport
(Fig. 6.7.2). A third die holder can be assembled and set-up in the die
shop during the pressing or exchanging the die holders. For this
method of die holder exchange, parts of the gripper rails have to be
uncoupled, fixed on the die holder and removed together from the
press. Depending on the size of the holder, the exchange can take anywhere
between 20 and 40 min. These times include resetting of the
feeding station and, in the case of warm pressing, of the induction furnace
as well.
In exchanging the sleeves, the base and the head plate are left in the
press and the sleeves in the table and slide are replaced individually. For
this purpose, the base and head plate are fastened at the bed and slide.
They are equipped with conical centering rings (Fig. 6.7.3 and 6.7.4).
Metal Forming Handbook / Schuler (c) Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 1998
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