How to Make an Air Over Hydraulic Press

An air over hydraulic press combines the force of a full hydraulic system with compressed air for more cost effective and energy efficient results. They do not require hydraulic pumps and can save up to 70% in energy costs.

Used with muscle power to pump a handle that transfers air pressure from an elevated chamber into the ram cylinder extending it downward, these machines are great for riveting, assembly and press fit applications, joining, crimping and clamping tasks.

The ram

This type of hydraulic press uses compressed air to activate hydraulic oil inside of its ram. When pressure changes occur in an incompressible space, they are instantly transmitted throughout the system and increase pressure in its holding cylinder - raising it and raising the ram to crush any objects placed between it and its plunger.

Metalworkers can use an air-powered press for loads that are too large to be transported by forklift or overhead crane, making this type of press perfect for fabricators who need to straighten and form large sheets of steel.

An air over hydraulic press's ram can be controlled both manually and by means of a pneumatic slave cylinder powered by air. When engaged, this pneumatic slave cylinder extends the booster cylinder which then applies hydraulic pressure directly onto the ram rod; when de-energized, however, the ram returns back into its home position.

The pump

These presses run on compressed air, providing quieter, cleaner and more cost-efficient operation than fully hydraulic or pneumatic presses. Compressed air presses require up to 50% less energy to run while being much more reliable than traditional hydraulic presses - offering options such as tonnage, stroke length and shut height adjustments to customize your press.

Pumping the handle of a 20 ton press uses muscle power to force oil through a small piston in the base of the jack, up through its main (much larger) cylinder and through a much larger piston that pushes a valve that allows its recoil.

A screw pump serves as an intermediary between string routers and tight fits of their housings, creating one or more sets of shifting cells between pump passage and opening that help ensure fluid flows smoothly from Inlet to Outlet for consistent flow rates.

The frame

The frame serves as the basis for the ram, supporting its weight while guiding its movements.

Air over hydraulic presses offer an energy-efficient alternative to hydraulic presses, with fewer moving parts that reduce maintenance and downtime costs and using compressed air instead of hydraulic fluid for energy consumption.

An air hydraulic press can be an invaluable asset in performing numerous tasks, from riveting, assembly and press fit, joining, fastening, crimping and clamping to providing greater daylight for forming and straightening large weldments, fabrications or assemblies. Its movable table provides access for greater lighting when straightening or forming weldments or assemblies.

Air over hydraulic presses - commonly referred to as hydro pneumatic presses - combine the strength and speed of hydraulic equipment with the control and speed of pneumatic devices, eliminating costly hydraulic oil purchases as well as other components required by conventional hydraulic presses. Furthermore, they require less maintenance while offering faster approach/retraction rates than their hydraulic counterparts.

The jack

Air over hydraulic presses combine compressed air with hydraulic oil for performing industrial tasks, such as punching, forming, riveting, and bending. In comparison to hydraulic presses, these systems require less energy usage and have simpler sealing components, making them more affordable and reliable solutions.

Muscle power is used to operate the press by pumping a handle on a jack that forces oil from its reservoir into a small piston in a much larger cylinder and extends it downward. Once completed, a valve at the base of the cylinder opens to release pressure and allow its return upstream.

Precision force regulators allow operators to control the amount of pressure exerted. H-Frame and C-frame systems are available, and each can be customized with various tonnages, stroke lengths, shut heights and bed sizes to meet user requirements. For more information contact Janesville Tool today.