Hydraulic Press For Extrusion

Hydraulic presses are extrusion machines used to manufacture various metals and non-metals. They're common across a range of industries, often producing electrical wires, bars, and pipes in various shapes.

Hydraulic presses operate by applying pressure to the press fluid, which in turn drives the ram and die. This system has proven remarkably dependable over time, provided proper maintenance is kept up with.

Hydraulic system

A hydraulic press for extrusion uses two main hydraulic lines and a hydraulic control pressure system. The main hydraulic line drives the ram as its primary consumer, while the control pressure helps minimize non-productive periods in order to maximize productivity.

A hydraulic pump of large capacity is necessary to deliver fluids directly to each press, since several close simultaneously. When several presses close simultaneously, flow is directed toward the one with the lowest pressure drop so it can finish closing more quickly. Unfortunately, during this period leakage losses and underutilization of control pressure pumps may occur.

Cylinders

Hydraulic presses consist of two or more cylinders connected by a pipe filled with hydraulic fluid. When the pistons press against one another, they create pressure that presses down on whatever it's being applied to.

Cylinders are often connected by a pipe with a plunger that exerts pressure on the fluid inside a small chamber. This creates force which is then utilized in the master cylinder.

To reduce the cycle time of an extrusion press, it is necessary to guarantee a constant control pressure is available. This pressure can be generated either through a pump or valve controller.

Furthermore, hydraulic presses can minimize non-productive periods by increasing system pressure or altering cylinder operating speed. Doing so will result in higher productivity of extrusion presses and reduced throttle losses.

Die

Extrusion is the manufacturing process in which metal is formed into a long, straight cross section. It can take various shapes and sizes such as rounds, T-Shapes, L-Shapes, Bars, Tubes & Pipes etc..

The most straightforward and widely used type of extrusion is direct, which involves placing the billet into a container before pushing it through with a ram.

A dummy block is used between the ram and billet to prevent separation between them. Unfortunately, this could result in defects that affect the final part, especially if anodizing or aesthetics are important.

Modern hydraulic presses can be retrofitted with modern hydraulics and controls to boost productivity and availability without investing in a brand-new machine. This helps companies save energy costs, minimize downtime, and maintain production output.

Anvil

Anvils are heavy blocks of iron or steel used by blacksmiths to shape metal. Although they can withstand intense heat and repeated hammer blows without shattering, their price tag makes it important to select one wisely.

Anvils typically feature a flat face and protruding horn that enable the smith to bend their work. Some anvils also feature other features like square or rectangular heels, steps between the face and horn, an upsetting block, side shelf, and multiple punching holes.

Pyrophyllite fills the space between die ring 30 and anvil surfaces 22 to act as a gasket 32, preventing lateral extrusion of workpiece 20 away from pressure faces 18 during extreme volume changes caused by ultra-high pressures applied thereto. Furthermore, it provides support to non-working faces 22 of anvils 12 while still allowing axial forces to provide optimal support to the die ring itself.