Dormant Presses?
April 22, 2020Comments
Nidec Minster offers tips for properly shutting down, and then restarting, mechanical stamping presses.
Press Shutdown
• If your stamping press is PLC based, check the processor to see if the red battery-signal light is illuminated. If so, replace the battery before shutting power off to the press, otherwise you risk losing programs.
• Consider backing up the programming on the PLC before shutdown.
• Consider rewinding any coils of steel on the reel or threaded into the press, and banding them to help prevent clock springing and the potential release of hazardous energy.
• Lower the holddown arm on the coil to reduce the energy state of the arm and coil, and to help prevent drift and possible issues at startup.
Restarting a Press
Most issues associated with restarting a press after an extended shutdown period relate to the lubrication system. You may experience problems with the oil filter, flow switch and orifices in the lubrication system. Sediment and debris may have settled in the lubrication system due to the lack of oil flow during shut down, which could possibly clog filters, flow switches and orifices. Be sure to have spare filters, flow switches and orifices on hand.