November 2021 Volume 3

MAINTENANCE

Hammer Columns Piston Rod and Ram Assembly

The Complete Hammer Assembly The forging hammer is a valuable addition for many operations. When the volumes are low and with proper tooling, set up and maintenance the hammer is cost effective. One key to proper operation and through put is proper machine alignment. If hammers are not set up properly and maintained, they will tend to twist during the forging process. This twisting motion reduces impact forces, and your hammer will not perform at its optimum performance. The following is a check list for proper maintenance of the base, side frames and cylinder for forging hammers. 1. Is your hammer base properly mounted on a foundation that allows for minimal vibration and movement during operation? 2. What is the condition of your sow block in relation to the pocket in the base? Is it fit properly? Is the sow block key tight? Does the sow block move in the hammer base pocket during operation? 3. Is the ram and piston rod running on the centerline of the sow block? 4. Are the side frames aligned to the centerline of the hammer? Are the bolts and springs tight? 5. If the hammer columns have removable guide inserts - are they tight in the pocket? 6. Are the guide bolts tight? 7. Are the front to rear shims between the hammer columns and the hammer base tight and in good condition? 8. CRITICAL: The distance from the hammer column lower rear shim surface where it fits on the hammer base to the centerline of the guide or guide pocket/sow block must The Complete Hammer Assembly The Forging Hammer is a valuable addition for many operations. When the volumes are low a d with proper tooli g, set up and main enance the hammer is cost effective. One key to proper operation and through put is proper machine alignment. If hammers are not set up properly and aintained, they will tend to twist during the forging process. This twisting motion reduces impa t forces, and your hammer will not perform at its optimum performance. The following is a check list for proper maintenance of the base, side frames and cylinder for forging hammers. 1. Is your hammer base properly mounted on a foundation that allows for minimal vibration and movement during operation? 2. What is the condition of your Sow Block in relation to the pocket in the base? Is it fit properly? Is the sow block key tight? Does the sow block move in the hammer base pocket during operation? 3. Is the ram and piston ro running on the centerline of the sow block? 4. Are the side frames align d to the centerline of the hammer? Are the bolts and springs tight? 5. If the hammer columns have removable guide inserts - are they tight in the pocket? 6. Are the guide bolts tight?

FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2021 27 Conclusion Proper machine set up and on-going maintenance will make your forging hammer a valuable asset to your operation. I hope this information will be of assistance to you in your operation. Please feel free to reach out to me with your future questions and concerns. be identical on both side frames. If not, the hammer will run off center which will cause extensive wear. 9. Are all wedges tight and secure? 10. Ensure that the machined surfaces are properly lubricated. 11. Ensure that all linkage and safety systems are in place and operating properly. 12. Follow all machine safety procedures. 13. Inspect all valving, linkage and exposed components clean and free from contamination. Safety Forging hammers can be very dangerous due to the operations being performed. Great care should be exercised by all employees involved in the operation of the hammer and related equipment. Conclusion Proper machine set up and on-going maintenance will make your forging hammer a valuable asset to your operation. I hope this information will be of assistance to you in your operation. Please feel free to reach out to me with your future questions and concerns. ■ Jeff Fredline Sales Engineer MECO Email: prestrade1@icloud.com 8. CRITICAL: The distance from the hammer column lower rear shim surface where if fits on the hammer base to the centerline of the guide or guide pocket/Sow Block must be identical on both side frames. If not, the hammer will run off center which will cause extensive wear. 9. Are al wedges tight and se ure? 10. Ensure that the machined surfaces are properly lubricated. 11. Ensure that all linkage and safety systems are in place and operating properly. 12. Follow all machine safety procedures. 13. Inspect all valving, linkage and exposed components clean and free from contamination. Saf ty Forging hammers can b very dangerous due the operations being performed. Great care should be exercised by all employees involved in the operation of the hammer and related equipment.

Jeff Fredline