If you’re looking for a new press, it’s important to think about what you need now as well as what you’ll need in the future. Buying a press that meets your immediate needs, but limits your expansion, can cause problems in the future. To select a press for future expansion, there are a few important factors to consider. Let’s take a closer look.
How to Select a Press for Future Expansion
A press that supports the future expansion of your business will allow you to take on different projects, work with different materials, and/or produce higher volumes than you currently do. Looking for particular features in your new press can help you expand confidently in the future.
Adaptable to Different Applications
One of the most important aspects to look for is adaptability. When your press can take on different applications, you’ll be able to work with different clients and complete different tasks. When your press is designed to perform only one job and struggles to move between different tasks, it can limit the work that you can take on. Consider how your press might perform multiple jobs, as needed, such as different stamping and shearing operations, or different metal insertion, riveting, or staking operations, among others.
Adjustable with Different Tooling
The tooling your press is able to work with plays a big role in the jobs and tasks that it can take on. When your press can be adjusted to suit different types of tooling, you’ll be able to work with simple or complex jobs. In some cases, you may need to use different tooling for different jobs, while other jobs may require different tooling to accomplish different tasks working on the same product, part, or component.
Data Collection Enabled
Features that enable data collection can help you reduce defects, improve productivity, and improve quality. Some jobs require higher levels of precision than others, and data collection tools like force and distance monitoring will allow you to meet the needs of jobs with narrow tolerances. These tools can show when the press performs the job with the appropriate level of force and distance, and when the operation is outside of acceptable limits. This, in turn, will help to prevent defects, even when they are not readily visible.
Automation
Automation can increase productivity substantially. This can be especially helpful for high-volume, repetitive jobs. As you plan for future expansion, think about how automation can enhance efficiency and productivity in your manufacturing processes. Look for presses that offer automation capabilities, such as programmable controls, robotic integration, or conveyor systems. Investing in a press with built-in automation features can streamline operations and position your facility for future growth and competitiveness.
Even simple automation, like rotary index tables, for example, can enable much faster movement between different jobs, and increase efficiency for complex parts or products.
Space and Layout
Before investing in a press for future expansion, assess your facility’s space constraints and layout considerations. Ensure that the press you choose fits within your available floor space and can be integrated seamlessly into your production workflow. Consider factors such as access for maintenance, material handling requirements, and safety considerations.
Force Output
Many people choose a press with more power and force than they need. Outsizing your press significantly can result in wasted energy and increased energy costs. However, choosing a press with room to grow will allow you to plan for the future. Consider what jobs you might take on in years to come, and choose a press with enough force to carry them out. Keep in mind that many air-over-oil presses can produce as much as 50 tons of force or more, which means you can reduce the maintenance and overall ownership costs associated with a hydraulic press by choosing a hydropneumatic model.
Selecting a press that supports future expansion will allow you to take on more jobs, work with more clients, and produce more products overall. If you have questions about press performance, force, operation, features, or something else, we can help. Contact us to learn more about pneumatic, hydropneumatic, or hydraulic presses, as well as many features and tools to improve productivity.