PRESS TERMINOLOGY

Anti-Repeat

Part of the control system designed to limit the press to a single stroke after operator initiation.

Anti-Tie Down

Part of the control system designed to limit the press to a single stroke if the actuating device is held in the actuating position.

Bolster

Plate(s) attached to the bed of the press having a means for attaching die components.

Bottom Dead Center

The reference position in the stroke where the slide is at its lowest possible position. Also referred to as 180° when using the rotation of the crankshaft as the basis for slide location.

Brake

The mechanism in the drive train of a mechanical press used to stop motion of the ram and crankshaft.

Clutch

The mechanism used on a mechanical press to selectively couple the flywheel to the drive train.

Full Revolution Clutch

Type of clutch that, when actuated, cannot be disengaged until the press slide has completed a single stroke.

Part Revolution Clutch

Type of clutch that can be engaged or disengaged at any point in the stroke.

Con Rod

The connecting member that conveys motion and force from the crankshaft or eccentric to the slide. Also called the connecting rod or pitman.

Continuous Stroking

Uninterrupted, multiple strokes of the press without disengaging and engaging clutch between strokes.

Operator Maintained Continuous Stroking

The press strokes continuously as long as the operator maintains actuation of the operator control.

Continuous on Demand

Once the operator's initial start, the press continues to stroke with the clutch disengaging after each stroke. The clutch reengages by a signal provided by a feed mechanism or other auxiliary equipment.

Die

An upper and lower tool set configured to cut, bend, form, draw, or coin metal that is placed between it. The press guides the tool set together under pressure.

Two-Hand Trip Device

An actuating means requiring concurrent use of both hands of the operator to trip the press.

Flywheel

A massive rotating wheel on a shaft. The flywheel receives and stores energy from the drive motor, and then provides energy to perform work during the press stroke.

Hands In Die Operation

A press production system where the operator places his hands within the safeguarded point of operation at any time for parts placement, positioning, or removal.

Hands Out of Die Operation

A press production system where the operator does not have to place his hands within the safeguarded point of operation for parts placement, positioning, or removal.

OBI

Open back inclinable

Pinch Point

Any point other than the point of operation at which it is possible for a part of the body to be caught between moving parts of the press or auxiliary equipment, or between the material and between moving parts of the press or auxiliary equipment.

Point of Operation

The area of the die where material is actually positioned and work is being performed.

Ram

See slide.

Shut Height

The distance from the top of the press bed to the bottom of the slide face, with the stroke down and adjustment up.

Slide

The main reciprocating press member also called a ram, plunger, or platen.  Connected to the upper half of the tool set, the slide is powered by the crankshaft and delivers the force (tonnage).

SPM

Stokes per minute.

Tonnage Capacity

The maximum load that the frame is designed to safely sustain.

Tonnage Rating

(work capacity) The tonnage force that the press can exert a specified point from the bottom of the stroke. For presses rated at 32 tons and less, industry standards measure this rating at 1/32" off bottom dead center.

Top Dead Center

The reference position in the stroke where the slide is at its highest possible position. Also referred to as 0° when using the rotation of the crankshaft as the basis for slide location.