November 2021 Volume 3

MAINTENANCE

Power Cylinder for Forging Hammer

Piston Rod and Bushing Similar to the cylinder bore issues, any off-center clearances due to float in the ram as it travels up and down during the hammer stroke will cause side pressure against the bore of the bushing and premature failure of the rod bushing and seals. If the cylinder rod is not lubricated properly excessive heat will be generated during the stroke which will result in excessive wear to the bushing surfaces and well as seal failure. If the piston rod becomes bent, scored or both the rod bushing will quickly deteriorate. Important Maintenance Tip: Keep your piston rod and guides/ hammer ram ways clean as possible and properly lubricated. Daily visual inspection of the rod, hammer ram and guides should be part of your normal operating procedures. A good light and some clean rags will assist in this process. Piston Rod and Bushing imilar to the cylinder bore issues, any off-cente clearances due to float in the ram as it travels up and down during the Hammer stroke will cause side pressure against the bore of the bushing a d premature failure of the rod bushing and seals. It the cylinder rod is not lubricated properly excessive heat will be generated duri g the str ke which will result in excessive wear to the bushing surfaces and well as sea failure. If the piston rod becomes bent, scored or both the rod bushing will quickly deteriorate. Important Maintenance Tip: Keep your piston rod and guides/hammer ram ways clean as possible and properly lubricated. Daily visual inspection of the rod hammer ram and guides should be part of your norma operating procedures. A good light and some clean rags will assist in this process.

er Bore and Sleeve

Cylinder Bore and Sleeve Often a lack of lubrication or contamination due to the adverse conditions during operation cause excessive wear conditions. If the hammer columns and guides are not adjusted for the centerline and proper running clearance the hammer ram will float excessively during operation it places a side load on the piston and rod. This allows the piston rings to wear and dig into the cylinder bores. Many of the cylinders have been bored and sleeved with a hardened steel sleeve, this helps, but does not permanently solve the problem. Important Maintenance Tip: Periodically inspection of the cylinder/piston condition. Part of your PM program should allow for periodic inspection of the cylinder condition. To inspect you will need to pull the cover off the cylinder to expose the cylinder and piston. Perform this inspection with the hammer on BDC so you can see the entire length of the running surface of the cylinder.

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2021 26 ant Maintenance Tip: Periodically inspection cylinder/piston condition. Part of your PM m should allow for periodic inspection of the r condition. To inspect you will need to pull er off the cylinder to expose the cylinder and Perform this inspection with the hammer on o you can see the entire length of the running