November 2025 Volume 7

MAINTENANCE

• Check that the die space is parallel between the bolster plate and the slide face. • Ensure the surfaces of the bolster, slide face, and tooling are clean and free from contamination. • Inspect for air leaks in the counterbalances or clutch/brake assemblies. • Verify that the electrical control system operates properly and that no components are damaged. • Confirm that all safety guarding is in place and functional. A small amount of time spent maintaining press condition will pay great dividends in uptime, productivity, and product quality. Automation and Modern Applications More recently, Gap Frame Presses have been integrated into automated production lines. Gap Frame Presses offer many advantages. They are less expensive than Straight Side Presses and require less foundation work. They can be easily set up as work cells, and multiple presses organized together can manufacture complex metal parts without the expense and challenges of multi-station progressive dies. Press-to press part transfer can also be implemented to reduce labor costs. In the past, Gap Frame Presses were used primarily as stand-alone machines within work cells. They perform well for trimming operations and secondary forming processes in the forging industry. Their versatile, open-die space—accessible on three sides—makes them particularly well-suited for automation and material feeding. Jeff Fredline PRESTRADE Phone: 615-517-4282 Email: jeff@prestradesolutions.com Special Thanks

frame and should be checked regularly for proper lubrication and clearance. Deflection between the bolster and slide during operation can also cause an out-of-parallel condition, particularly front-to-rear, under heavy loading. Excessive deflection can damage tooling, resulting in lost production. Key Maintenance Practices Several maintenance tasks are critical to maintaining maximum throughput: • Monitor lubrication system function. • Verify that lubrication is adequate, clear, and clean. Check for broken or damaged lubrication lines and fittings. Ensure the pump operates properly. • Confirm lubricant levels in reservoirs are sufficient.

Special thanks to Stamtec Corporation, manufacturer of stamping and forging presses, for the images used in this article. Consider Stamtec for your next press purchase.

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FIA MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2025 21