Enhancement of a Hydraulic Press for Research into Metal Forming

Summary

In preparation for a programme of research into metal forming, with special reference to hydromechanical deep drawing, a triple-acting hydraulic press needed to undergo extensive up-grading to become compatible with a microprocessor-based control system. During this period the need for computerized metal-forming presses for automated factories was noted. Where a press already exists it can, in most cases, be enhanced to be compatible with a microcomputerized control system. A method was identified to simplify the up-grading. The task was divided into its basic constituent elements and each was tackled in its own right. This paper is in two sections; the first outlines the method and rationale of the approach to the task and the second describes briefly the specific case of enhancement of a hydraulic press carried out at Leeds Polytechnic. This not only provided a press with special features required for the research programme but also the cost was less than 10% that of purchasing a computerized hydraulic press of similar capabilities.