Hydraulic Press

Baileigh 30 Ton Hydraulic/Air Press

Make: Baileigh

Model: 30T Air Press

Ace: Nathan Hayward (nhayward21@georgefox.edu).

Location: Machine Shop

Description

A hydraulic press is a machine tool that uses a hydraulic cylinder to generate a compressive force. They are often used in shops to press interference fit parts together, such as gears onto shafts or bearings into housings. Some of the other uses include bending and forming metal. Some presses use a manual pump to produce the force while others use compressed air or a power unit driven by an electric motor.

Here is an example of this piece of equipment being used.

Documentation

Terminology

• Pressure Gauge- An indicator that uses a needle to indicate the amount of force being applied to the work piece.
• Release Valve Handle- This is the control handle for releasing the hydraulic pressure in the system. Turn the handle clockwise prior to charging the hydraulic system and counter-clockwise when releasing pressure.
• Table Holding Pin- 4 removable pins support the table and allow for height adjustment.
• Ram- This is is the end of the hydraulic cylinder rod that moves and pushes against your work piece.
• Pump Handle Socket- This is the location for handle placement while pumping up the hydraulic system.

Training

Overview

The hydraulic press has many uses including installation and removal of press fit parts as well as metal forming and punching. The press consists of a pump and hydraulic cylinder that moves down towards the table as the handle is cycled. As long as the cylinder moves the force will remain fairly low. When the cylinder stops moving the hydraulic pressure in the system will start to build. As the force increases so does the risk. Pieces that are subjected to a high amount of force can shatter or explode. Make sure you are aware of what is happening and don't keep pumping on the handle and increasing the force without knowing what is occurring.

Make sure you have a full understanding of what you are attempting to accomplish before attempting a risky situation. Ask a supervisor if you have any questions. Its important to properly set up the press before performing a job. When setting up the press, the table needs to be moved to the proper height to accommodate the work piece. You want to avoid extending the ram farther than needed to prevent material from tipping over. Always make sure you will have enough ram travel to perform the task at hand. The release valve handle will need to be turned fully clockwise to allow the system to build pressure. It is imperative that you keep the work piece from tipping or slipping to the side while applying force. You should use a guide when pressing in a pin to prevent the pin or rod from slipping while installation. Keep an eye on the force gauge to verify your work piece is not sticking or hanging up. When the piece is pressed to its maximum travel pressure will start to build and could cause damage if you keep cycling the handle. Be aware of when you part bottoms out and avoid applying more force at the end of your parts travel than needed.

Demonstration

Demonstrate you can setup the press and safety install a pin with a press fit. You will also press the pin out after insertion. The pin, plate, and guide will be provided. Remember the guide will help keep the pin straight during installation. You will also need an extra person to help adjust the table height.

General Procedure

1. Ensure that the material you are cutting has at least one straight edge and no nails or foreign objects. The straight edge will slide against the fence when ripping.

2. Measure the width of the board and determine the width of cut desired.

3. Lift the locking handle on the fence and slide the fence to the desired cut width using the scale. Make sure you use the scale for the correct side of the blade.

4. Lock the fence by pressing down on the locking handle.

5. Use the elevation handle on the front of the saw to set the height of the blade approximately 1 tooth above the height of the material by placing the material next to the blade as a guide. This limits the exposed blade.

6. Turn on the main power switch on the front of the saw and the dust collector. The green light on the saw will flash and turn solid green when the saw is ready.

7. Make sure nothing is touching the blade. Turn on the saw by gently pulling on the red start paddle switch located on the front of the machine. The paddle switch is also the off switch when pressed.

8. Line up the flat side of the material with the fence without touching the blade. The fence is a guide and the material should be pressed firmly into the fence as well as down on the table. If the board is warped make sure that curved side is face downward.

9. Slowly feed the material in towards the blade while keeping your fingers at least 6" from the blade. Use a push stick to keep fingers away from the blade.

10. Make sure you keep a firm hold on the material and do not stop feeding the material until it has passed beyond the blade.

11. It is helpful to have someone assisting on the back side of the saw to help hold material being fed off the table. Make sure the person helping does not pull on the material.

12. When the saw cut is complete, press in on the paddle switch to turn off the saw and lower the blade below the table to keep anyone from accidentally cutting themselves.

Safety

When operating a hydraulic press be aware that extremely dangerous forces can be produced which could cause parts to shatter and fly like bullets. It's very important to keep an eye on the force gauge while increasing force and to be aware of the dangers of flying parts. Always keep you hands away from the ram and parts being pressed. Keep stacked parts as short as possible to prevent tilting or buckling. If you have questions make sure to ask a supervisor prior to attempting something that could be potentially dangerous. Be aware that you may be working with heavy material located several feet above the floor and there is potential to drop metal on your feet.

Certification

Foxtale Quiz

Troubleshooting

If you pump the handle and the ram doesn't move try tightening the release valve knob.

Maintenance

General maintenance

Keep the press clean. The hydraulic oil level and hoses should be checked by the tech on a regular basis.

Specific Maintenance Tasks

Maintenance Procedure	Frequency	Done By
Sample	Sample	Sample