What is a Servo Press and How Does it Work?

Industrial Machine Presses play a vital role in the mass production of metal parts. They are highly efficient tools often used in sectors where there is a high volume of production such as aerospace and automotive industries.

The Servo Press, in particular, represents a significant advancement in press technology with standout features such as its ability to stop and control every aspect of the ram motion throughout the press cycle.

Servo Presses provide a more flexible, precise, and energy-efficient process in comparison to other types of machine presses like the Hydraulic Press and the Traditional Mechanical Press.

What is a Servo Press?

The Electrical Servo Press is a good fit for aerospace, automotive and electronic industries as it provides high precision and control, suitable for complex stamping and assembly processes. It uses extreme force to stamp, cut, shape, and set metallic components.

Other types of machine presses may use a flywheel with a clutch and break but the electronic servo press uses an electromechanical motor to power the gear that operates the slide of the press. As a result, the servo press can carry out complex tasks while following the exact dimensions required.

Servo Presses are also an energy-efficient option as they convert all electrical energy directly into mechanical force with little waste.

Overall, the servo press can achieve a wider range of press operations that combine features of both the traditional mechanical press and hydraulic press machine, all in one machine.

Differences Between the Servo Press, Hydraulic Press, and Mechanical Press:

Servo Press

While the servo press offers quicker, more energy-efficient, and more precise applications to industrial processes they are a more expensive to initially purchase than other presses.

Hydraulic Press

Hydraulic presses utilise hydraulic fluid to create the necessary force for compressing and shaping metal. In contrast, servo presses employ a motor to drive the gear that controls the slide of the press.

Although the hydraulic press cannot match the cycling speeds of the mechanical press and the servo press, it offers more versatility in its variable stroke length, die space, and pressure.

Mechanical Press

One of the oldest types of industrial press is the mechanical press. These presses operate by converting the rotational motion of a motor into a linear motion at the press ram. They use mechanical linkages, flywheels with clutches and brakes. Mechanical presses are commonly used in industries that require high-volume production.

The key benefits of using a mechanical press are its high production speeds for large-volume tasks and its long operational life that requires minimal maintenance - unlike the electronic servo press.

Advantages & Disadvantages of a Servo Press

Advantages

High Accuracy

Flexibility

Repeatability

Excellent Process Control

Powerful

High Speed

Energy-efficient

Low Mechanical Complexity

Disadvantages

Expensive

Controls

Servo presses require sophisticated control systems to operate effectively. This can be challenging for some operators to understand and troubleshoot. This complexity can lead to downtime and production delays if issues arise that are difficult to diagnose and resolve. However, this is rarely the case as the control system can also assist with diagnosis through its in-built sensors and monitoring programs. It will tell you what it thinks is wrong and not just stop working.

High Voltage

Only Recommended for Specific Applications

Servo presses are only recommended for specific applications where their precision and control capabilities are necessary. For more straightforward forming or punching tasks, a traditional mechanical press may be more cost-effective and suitable. Therefore, companies must carefully evaluate their production needs and requirements before investing in a servo press to ensure that it is the right choice for their operations.

Servo Press FAQs

Why are Servo Presses becoming more popular with manufacturers?

As the manufacturing world evolves, the demand for servo presses have risen. This is because servo presses offer the best functions of both the hydraulic and mechanical press, all in one machine.

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