Reducing noise in a high-speed transfer press

The problem

The manufacture of components in a multi-stage transfer press begins with the formation of the first stage shape under the first press tool. The tool is then lifted clear of the workpiece. The component is transferred horizontally to the next stage tool where the process is repeated. At each stage the tool ram is pressed down by a cam on the main drive shaft and then lifted by a second cam immediately adjacent on the same shaft.

In one machine design, the clearance between cam profiles and the up and down ram lifting arms was as much as 100 mm, resulting in a number of metal-on-metal impacts during each rotation of the cam shaft. This produced high noise levels and limited machine efficiency.

The solution

The machine manufacturers replaced the two separate cams with a single cam. This ran against the roller followers fixed on both the lifting arm and pressure actuator plates. The combination of the new cam profile and the double roller followers enabled operating clearance to be reduced to below 1 mm as well as reduced impact between the cam and rollers. Noise levels were also reduced.

A further modification was to replace the straight spur gears on the main drive train with helical tooth gears.

The cost

Costs are not available. (1995)

The result

A noise reduction of about 10 dB. The press now has higher output.

Source

Information supplied by Platarg Engineering Limited