How to Square Up a Hydraulic Press

Hydraulic presses are among the most versatile metal-forming tools found in any jeweler's workshop, consisting of a strong frame into which a hydraulic ram is inserted for metal shaping. You can purchase or make one yourself for as little as $50 by collecting scrap steel pieces like U channel or IL shapes from junk yards and garage sales.

Platen

A platen is a flat steel sheet used in press cycles to apply pressure to dies during pressing cycles, its size depending on the material being formed. Platens may be heated for improved accuracy of forming; heated plates may be powered by water (steam), oil, or electricity and human-machine interfaces are often employed to monitor and record important data regarding their use.

Heated platen presses are versatile metal forming tools designed for various metalworking applications. Their sizes and forming temperatures depend on customer specifications as well as the parts produced.

The Classic Pro hydraulic press is an intuitive tool designed to safely emboss, texture, bend, form, and shape silver and gold accurately and effortlessly. As your most versatile tool in your workshop, this versatile piece comes equipped with everything necessary for immediate forming action - hand pump and high quality Norco/Enerpac hydraulics as well as low deflection frame construction with strong head channel and sideplate designs to extend press life while decreasing maintenance time.

Ram

The ram is the central weldment on a press that slides within its frame to apply pressure on tools or dies. Depending on its configuration, this piece may move vertically or horizontally for optimal pressure delivery.

Cylinders: Cylinders are mechanical actuators which convert hydraulic force into linear motion to drive the ram. Rams may also feature bushings - either fixed or removable - to reduce friction; graphite-impregnated bronze bushings are commonly employed.

Daylight (also referred to as open height) measures the distance between the bed bolster and ram bolster when fully retracting their respective rams, so as to maintain proper clearance when making adjustments for them. It should always be kept in mind.

Hollow or center hole rams are perfect for stretching cable, pulling bolts and threaded rods or pressing. Available in various sizes, tonnages & dimensions they can even come equipped with rod end load cells for accurate force measurement.

Die

Die cutting is an effective and quick way to produce repeatable forms quickly without looking too machine-made, without raising, chasing or masonite dies looking too mass produced. Although casting male/female conforming dies made from metal or pourable epoxy-steel can also work, the ideal die for this purpose would likely be cast male/female conforming dies which meet this criteria.

Die shapes made with 3-dimensional die molds provide for full forming with male-female conformity and greater detail than other die types. Once installed in a press, sheet metal is compressed between these dies under hydraulic pressure to achieve full formation.

An expensive commercial hydraulic press costs approximately $1000; you can create your own for much less by using old pipe, welding together frames, and an inexpensive hydraulic jack. Here's how:

Clamps

Hydraulic clamps use hydraulic pressure to secure workpieces. They're widely used in casegoods, door, and window production. A popular model is the bridge clamp - its powerful rocker arm clears away each cycle without hindering workpiece production; plus they're easy to mount and lightweight!

Purchase or construct your own bolt together system - either one can provide an affordable alternative for shops unable to afford a rotary Taylor clamp.

Establish a solid tool changeover system is critical. We suggest designing a master die shoe with multiple hydraulic clamp patterns built-in, so you can select the most effective pattern for each new build. Furthermore, standard heights for all tools should also be integrated so as to quickly change workpiece heights during production and save time overall.