Stamping press machines have been a mainstay in virtually all major production processes across the past few decades, on a global scale. In short, if you’ve been working with large pieces that need to be further manipulated to create something more acute, you’ve likely taken advantage of stamping press machines.
Stamping presses (sometimes referred to as hydraulic presses, depending on how they are powered) use extreme force and specifically positioned dies – an upper die and a lower die – to “stamp” materials (usually sheet metal) into a certain shape, so they can be further used in the production of objects across an extensive range of industries. Everything from the automotive industry to consumer electrical goods is affected by the stamping process.
But if you’ve been using the same stamping presses in your business for a while, you could be missing out on certain advantages other manufacturers have been benefitting from for a while now. With this in mind, here are a few reasons why you should consider updating your stamping press machines if you haven’t already.
Why should you consider upgrading your stamping press machines?
Speed
Automation technology has vastly improved the rate at which materials used in production can be produced for a greater press capacity. While this has seen a cut in the number of physical workers needed in the production process, the advantages of utilising such tech cannot be understated.
Modern stamping presses can work at seriously impressive rates, offering hundreds if not thousands of stamped pieces per hour, depending on the number of stamping presses at work and the size of the operation.
The process itself may have remained pretty much the same, but advancements in modern production technology, such as high-speed machinery, hydraulic press power dispersion and CNC precision (more on that in a moment) have helped these machines grow to become the all-encompassing production powerhouses we all benefit from today.
Safety
With any process that involves high pressures and heavy moving objects, safety should be paramount. While safety may have been severely lacking when stamping and punching had to be completed by hand with mechanical presses, thankfully, things have improved drastically in the 21st century and beyond. A mechanical press that needed to be operated entirely by hand presented safety concerns every time the operator interacted with the machine, with only seconds between a job well done and the operator accidentally incurring the full tonnage of the machine.
But improvements in safety technology are being implemented all the time, which is why it makes sense to consider the safety qualities of the machines you’re currently working with, and whether it may be worth upgrading to a newer model – if this is of concern.
Thanks to fast-acting halt mechanisms in the event of a fault (or even worse, an injury) the whole process can be shut down virtually in an instant with all pressure alleviated, allowing the appropriate actions to be taken, before starting back up again.
Precision
Wasted materials can cost businesses thousands in unnecessary expenses, if said materials are not stamped properly and are unfit for use. In a press cycle on a large scale, this can present a huge problem if many pieces are inaccurately stamped unknowingly in a short space of time.
But thanks to advancements in computer and AI (artificial intelligence) technology, many such systems have become fully automated, producing results to an incredible degree of accuracy. Utilising Computer Numeric Control (CNC) technology, manufacturers can now command their stamping presses to perform their function to precise increments every single time – effectively removing the element of human error. Better still, this technology also assists with the alignment of the pieces in question before they are stamped, allowing them to be placed into position with the bottom dead centre to the oncoming force.
If you are not yet using such technology in your stamping processes, or if the CNC programs you’re using are not as up-to-date as you would like, it could be time to consider an upgrade.
Contact Cambridge Dynamics for all your stamp press needs
At Cambridge Dynamics, we’re experts in the world of stamping, forming and punch press machines, along with the automation technology that has allowed these processes to thrive in recent years.
Whether you’re shallow drawing or deep drawing, if you need assistance with your stamping presses, if you’re looking to upgrade, or if you simply need expert advice, we’re the ones to speak with.
Get in touch with the Cambridge Dynamics team today and let us help you take your press processes to the next level – so everyone in your business can benefit.