How to Maintain a Hydraulic Press

If your business relies on hydraulic presses, it's essential to keep them running safely and efficiently. By following a regular maintenance regimen, you can extend your press's lifespan and minimize downtime.

Hydraulic presses are large machines used for compressing, cutting, punching and drilling materials. Unfortunately, they can be hazardous if operated incorrectly or without safety precautions in place.

Check the Pressure

When your facility utilizes a hydraulic press to form metal parts, it's essential that it remains operational and well-maintained. Failure of the equipment could significantly reduce productivity and cause downtime.

Hydraulic presses can generate tens of thousands of pounds of force, making them indispensable in industrial operations. To calculate the force produced, you need to know how much pressure the ram piston is under and its area.

Utilize this information to calculate the force per square inch in pounds and convert it to tons.

To check the pressure in a relief valve and pump, attach a pressure gauge to either of them. Most equipment already has this port for this purpose; however, you can use an adapter if one isn't available.

Check the Temperature

Hydraulic presses should be kept cool, typically between 120 degrees F and 140 degrees F and no higher than 150 degrees F. This helps to avoid overheating and guarantee the machine operates optimally.

Temperature of a hydraulic fluid can be measured using either a thermometer or pressure-resistant sensors that monitor temperatures at various points within the system. The thermometer is by far the simplest way to do so.

Hydraulic presses are widely used in a range of industries. Agricultural manufacturers employ them to separate rusty parts or straighten bent ones, as well as press out bearings on equipment. Concrete manufacturers employ them for testing the tensile strength of set concrete. Food and cosmetics firms also utilize hydraulic presses for making powder products such as fat-free cocoa powder or face powder.

Check the Oil

Hydraulic press oil is essential for lubricating and cooling hydraulic presses. It should be of superior quality with low compressibility, as well as having the ideal viscosity.

Different hydraulic oils possess different lubrication properties and stability, so it's essential to select the correct one for your press. Check with the manufacturer's instructions for the proper fluid grade and VG number to guarantee optimal operation of your machine.

Additionally, regularly inspect the press for leaks can help minimize costly downtime, production loss, and equipment damage.

Additionally, periodically sending a sample of your oil to a lab for analysis can give you an accurate indication as to whether it needs replacing or not. Doing this minimizes the risk of costly machine downtime and saves your plant money and resources in the long run.

Check the Lubrication

Hydraulic press systems rely on oil to create a protective film over metal surfaces, preventing friction. This keeps the machine running smoothly, reduces wear and boosts productivity.

Hydraulic lubricants come in many varieties, such as petroleum-based, synthetic and mineral-based fluids. Each has its own distinct viscosity, seal compatibility and additive package for added benefit.

Mineral-based hydraulic oils are the most prevalent, offering a range of performance characteristics. Some include antiwear, rust and oxidation inhibitors (R&O), corrosion inhibitors and extreme pressure additives.

Maintain the hydraulic system for optimal efficiency by checking its lubricant level regularly. Don't let it get too low or you could end up damaging your press.