Here at Micro Hydrotechnic, we get it – purchasing a hydraulic press represents a major investment for metal-forming shops. Naturally, you want assurance you are choosing the right press for your specific production needs. Our engineers have decades of experience guiding customers through the selection process to find just the right fit. Here are some tips:
Consider Your Material and Part Sizes
The workload range of your shop impacts press requirements significantly. Fabricating small precision parts from thin sheet metal requires far less tonnage capacity versus forming solid steel casting blanks. Make sure to choose adequate tonnage for the materials and part sizes you work with. Undersizing capacity risks damage and safety issues.
Determine Needed Speed Capabilities
The pace of production for your parts should inform your speed requirements. For example, our shop foreman Vijay cranks his press to maximum speed when churning out batches of small brackets to hit targets. But for larger parts requiring deeper draws, he shifts to a slower, more controlled speed setting to avoid defects. Identify your ideal strokes per minute to maintain workflow.
Evaluate Your Work Environment
What kind of space will the press occupy? For Tim’s burgeoning workshop in Mumbai, we recommended a more compact press with a smaller footprint to conserve his limited floor space. Larger standalone presses made less sense. Think about size constraints, power supply, ceiling height, and other factors.
Choose Appropriate Power and Control Types
The way your team needs to control and customize the press should guide your selection. Sandeep’s crew benefits from programmable electro-hydraulic presses with digital controls for frequent pressure and speed adjustments. Other shops may be fine with more basic hydraulic or mechanical presses with manual dials.
Consider Noise Levels
Pressing operations inherently generate noise, but some models run quieter than others. For Vijay’s crew working long shifts, lower dB output meant less fatigue and fewer headaches – literally! Noise levels may not be top of mind initially but can impact productivity over time.
Add Safety Accessories as Needed
While fundamental guards are standard, we encourage adding supplementary accessories like safety blocks, two-hand controls, brake monitors etc. to further minimize risks. Safety upgrades are worthwhile investments that pay dividends in protecting workers.
Of course cost is always a factor too. We offer presses across a range of budgets. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss your specific needs – our team is always happy to help customers find the ideal press to safely achieve their production goals!
