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Mechanical Power
A mechanical press generates its power, mechanically, meaning that a motor is connect in a variety of ways to a
crankshaft that cycles the ram for one complete operation. The motor that generates the momentum is connected to
a flywheel via belts, and in simple punch presses, is connected to the crankshaft and controlled by an attached
clutch. In some bigger punch presses, the flywheel will attach to a pinion that attaches to an additional gear that
rotates the crankshaft. In Straight Side presses, there will typically be two pinions and gears that run the singular
crankshaft.
Here a mechanical press is continuously running through cycles. The main flywheel at the right feeds the clutch the
Hydraulic Power
The hydraulic punch press has no flywheel, and runs via pressure from hydraulic fluid.
Hydraulic punch presses run off of pressurized hydraulic fluid, just like any hydraulic machinery would. The ram of a
hydraulic press is hooked up to a cylinder that receives hydraulic fluid via a motor that pumps the fluid.
Hydraulic presses tend to be used for slower, deep draw parts. The reason hydraulic presses are used for deep draw
parts is because the hydraulic power allows for a more consistent source of pressure in a larger range of the stroke,
as compared to a mechanical press. Hydraulic presses may be used for faster running parts as well, however, the
ability to run deep draw parts is diminished the faster the press is ran. Ensuring that the proper amount of force is
applied at the bottom of the stroke is crucial as well, to avoid over exertion of the material causing ripping and
potential damage to the die and press.
Here is the ram of a hydraulic press. As you can see, there the tubing connecting directly to the ram that forces in
Both mechanical and hydraulic presses have their strengths and weaknesses, but factoring in the different parts and
functions you can create with a die, both styles of presses will always have a place to be used.