The Presswork process is a key element of various manufacturing businesses including car manufacturing. Even though plastics are widely used, they do not always offer the same strength or versatility that metal can and that’s why metal presswork is still key.
The Press or Power Press represents a specific type of machine tool, essential in the performance of industrial manufacturing processes.
It accommodates both single operation and progression tooling and delivers energy through a force that acts over a distance or stroke. The method and nature by which a press machine will deliver its energy will vary, dependent on its type and tonnage.
At Qutec, we can offer press capacity ranging from 20T through to 500T with bed sizes ranging up to 1m x 1.5m. In turn, a number of our presses are able to feed up to 600mm wide coil on progression.
Press machines are the primary machine used in metal forming, extrusion and sheet metal fabrication. Hydraulic and mechanical presses can be employed across metal sheet, coils, strips or blanks, producing metal pressings or drawn and formed metal components.
Advantages of pressing/stamping
- One of the biggest benefits of the presswork process is that it is suitable for a wide range of different applications. Indeed, the presswork process is incredibly versatile.
- Power presses come in a variety of forms and have evolved over many years of development. Most presses are still mechanical which provides a single blow of defined tonnage and stroke. More modern presses are hydraulic or pneumatic which can offer a variable tonnage with an adjustable stroke. The choice of the press should be dictated by the component required.
- The pressing process also provides a high level of strength for relatively thin parts. Again, it guarantees that it is possible to deliver a high-quality component that clients want and expect. This doesn’t change based on the presswork machine you choose. They all provide similar characteristics in the component produced on a repeatable basis, regardless of whether the machine is pneumatic, manual, or hydraulic.
- With suitable tooling, a power press can be used to produce a wide range of components for a variety of industries. Just as we do here at QuTec Pershore Ltd.
- This process can also be completed at a reasonable price. Despite high energy consumption presswork is often an affordable solution and will fit the budget of numerous businesses.
- It’s also easy to make parts in various materials and thicknesses. Presswork is usually associated with high-volume production.
Disadvantages of pressing/stamping
There are several disadvantages to be aware of when using presswork.
- First, a presswork machine needs to be correctly maintained and have the correct safety guards fitted. It also needs to be set-up by a qualified technician. It must also be the correct power press for the application required. That’s why it’s important to choose a business that is using a variety of well-maintained presses like QuTec.
- It is important to have the correct tooling to install in the power presses to produce the component you require. In most instances, more than one tool will be required. Generally, this is what will require the most investment to manufacture the parts that are required. At QuTec we can offer a design & manufacturing service for press tooling.
- It’s also important to be aware that these machines are designed to operate at high speeds. As such, the process is largely efficient providing the correct tooling is in place and well maintained. Also, a sufficient quantity of components is required to justify the tooling investment required
- Presswork is a process that imposes some limitations on the component design. However, the combination of a suitable power press and well-designed press tooling offers an extremely cost-effective method of manufacture.
While there are certainly issues with this particular metal process, it’s clear that the advantages of using presswork certainly outweigh the cons with the right product. That’s why presswork is still a staple of the manufacturing industry today. So, are you fully convinced that presswork is for you? Get in touch today to speak to our friendly staff to find out why QuTec should be your go-to for all your presswork requirements. Call us on +44(0) 1386 555 088 or alternatively email us at production@qutecpershoreltd.com
