An air hydraulic press, otherwise known as an air-over-oil or hydropneumatic press, is a powerful type of industrial press used in a wide variety of manufacturing and assembly applications. There are many advantages to these presses and if you’re considering a new press for your business or manufacturing operation, an air-over-oil press may be a perfect fit. Let’s take a look at the advantages of an air hydraulic press, as well as how these presses work.
What is an Air Hydraulic Press?
An air hydraulic press uses a combination of compressed air and compressed hydraulic oil to generate force for pressing, forming, or stamping operations. Unlike traditional hydraulic presses, which rely solely on pump driven motors to move hydraulic fluid for their cylinder operation and are powered by high-voltage energy supply, air-over-oil presses are powered by compressed air and either pneumatically or 110vac controlled.
Air over oil presses are highly efficient compared to a full hydraulic press. They do not require a pump, motor or large hydraulic reservoir. Instead, they rely on a small amount of self-contained hydraulic oil to provide the necessary power, speed, and precision for a wide range of applications.
Our AH-Series Hydropneumatic Press to the right, is an air hydraulic press with a low force, quick approach stroke that initiates a self-contained hydraulic intensified power stroke, with models ranging up to 50 tons.
How Does an Air Hydraulic Press Work?
In an air hydraulic press, compressed air is used to drive a pneumatic cylinder or a section of that cylinder to extend or cycle the press. At some point in the extension of the cylinder, the self-contained oil is intensified or compressed, allowing the press to generate a consistent high-pressure fluid power stroke.
The air hydraulic press typically uses a pneumatic control system that regulates air pressure and flow to control the speed and force of the press stroke. Additionally, the hydraulic intensified system provides smooth and consistent force application, ensuring uniform part quality and accuracy in manufacturing processes.
Air-Hydraulics C-Series Air-Over-Oil Press
Air-Hydraulics Inc. provides a proprietary and unique press model which innovates on the common hydropneumatic press functionality to enable a full power stroke. This is our C-Series Air-Over-Oil press line.
This innovative press model delivers a full length hydraulic intensified power stroke, instead of the typical .500” power stroke. The full power stroke is made possible through a single pneumatic or electric power valve, which shifts and actuates an intensifying cylinder (booster cylinder). This compresses the self-contained hydraulics fluid in the booster cylinder directly into a separate working cylinder (ram cylinder) to intensify the entire press working stroke. This operation functions just like a full hydraulic press, except it is powered by factory supplied air and can be controlled by all pneumatic controls or 110VAC/24VDC powered controls.
Learn more about a hydraulic intensified booster cylinder to power your press
See how it works »
Advantages of an Air Hydraulic Press
Now, let’s take a look at some of the advantages of an air hydraulic press. The air-assisted operation of the hydropneumatic press provides a number of benefits over a hydraulic press which are important to consider when choosing a press.
1. High Speed and Efficiency
One of the advantages of an air-over-oil press is its ability to deliver quick cycling speeds and high production rates. By incorporating compressed air into the press operation, it can achieve faster approach, dwell, and return speeds compared to some traditional hydraulic presses. This increased speed and efficiency result in shorter cycle times and higher throughput, ultimately maximizing productivity and reducing manufacturing costs.
2. Easy Installation and Setup
Air hydraulic presses have a simple installation and set up when compared to other factory press equipment. It’s as easy as installing a properly sized compressed-air line hook up into the lockout valve and plugging the electrical control package into a common 120vac outlet. Some machines don’t have an electrical control package at all and simply require the compressed-air line hook up. Compare this with the costs required to get 3-phase power set up for other types of factory press equipment. Since our air-over-oil presses require very little hydraulic oil, they arrive pre-filled and ready to go, whereas hydraulic presses will require filling with hydraulic oil upon arrival, and testing to ensure the press is in proper working condition before running.
3. Energy Efficiency
Air-over-oil presses are known for their energy-efficiency compared to hydraulic presses. By harnessing the power of compressed air, these presses can achieve high force capabilities without the need for continuous electrical power / high-voltage energy supply. This results in reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs compared to traditional hydraulic presses, making air-over-oil presses a sustainable and cost-effective solution for manufacturers.
4. Versatility and Flexibility
Air hydraulic presses are versatile machines that can be adapted to a wide range of manufacturing applications and industries. They can accommodate various tooling configurations, part geometries, and materials, making them suitable for diverse production needs. Additionally, the flexibility of the pneumatic control system allows for quick setup changes and easy integration into automated manufacturing lines, enhancing production flexibility and scalability.
5. Quiet Operation and Minimal Maintenance
Unlike some hydraulic presses, which can be noisy and require frequent maintenance, air hydraulic presses are known for their quiet operation and minimal maintenance requirements. The pneumatic components of the press are often more durable and reliable, resulting in reduced downtime and lower maintenance costs over the press’s lifespan.
The benefits of an air hydraulic press include efficiency, consistent performance, smooth operation, versatility across applications, and quiet operation with less maintenance. These advantages make air hydraulic presses an attractive choice for manufacturers seeking to optimize their pressing operations and enhance productivity. To learn more about air-over-oil presses, including the C-Series Air-Over-Oil press line or hydraulic intensified booster cylinder, contact us today.