Checking a hydraulic press to keep it in good working condition is more than just a smart operating procedure-it can actually pay off for the manufacturer. By knowing when the hydraulic press is running well or needs attention, and consistently performing preventive maintenance, the service life of the press can be significantly improved. The key is to understand the machinery and develop a written preventive maintenance plan, which will keep the equipment in top condition for many years to come.
1. oil maintenance:
Not maintaining the proper oil level and quality will quickly shorten the service life of the machine. Dirt and heat are particularly harmful to the press. It is very easy to keep the oil in a new state. The optimal operating temperature is about 120 °F. The oil temperature can be maintained by an air or water cooler, the probe is inserted into the oil storage tank, and the temperature is maintained by using a thermostat. The air cooler uses a radiator to dissipate heat and an electric fan to move air through the cooler. Dirt and dust tend to accumulate in the blades of the radiator and prevent airflow from spreading at maximum capacity, so it is important to keep the radiator clean.
To help keep the equipment clean, install an ordinary filter on the heat exchanger, such as those used for heating and air conditioning.
The results may also indicate whether the correct micron-scale filtration was used. Simple hydraulic systems require only a code 10 filter with a cleanliness level of 20/18/15, and more complex systems with proportional or servo valves require a code 03 filter with a cleanliness level of 16/14/12. Multiple companies can perform this test and maintain records.
2. pressure:
If the press is in good working order and there are no leaks, the press should rise to the required maximum pressure in 1/2 to one second, a pressure rise of two to three seconds may indicate a problem with the pump, valve or motor, and the pressure problem is usually related to the pump, although the problem may also be caused by the relief valve working too slowly. Check whether there is dust or gravel in the pipeline, and check whether the opening of the valve is too wide. In addition, if the press motor cannot produce sufficient revolutions per minute (RPM), a pressure drop may occur.
3. electrical maintenance:
Today's electronic products are very reliable, but they do not last indefinitely. The life cycle of the coil located on the valve is usually 3 million stroke, and the relay is usually 1 million stroke. Replacing before a failure occurs can reduce or eliminate troubleshooting time, thereby reducing downtime. Installing hour meters and non-resettable cycle counters will help maintain accurate records and help schedule maintenance. Check the control wiring once a year to ensure that all connections are firm and the wiring is in good condition. Place the loose wires in the form of wires or tie them with wire ties. Unused wires or spare parts should be covered or removed to remove dust on the chassis.
The development of preventive maintenance checklists (daily, monthly and yearly) for hydraulic machines is the key to early detection of problems, so that potentially expensive repairs can be avoided in the future, and the hydraulic machine can maintain peak performance in the next few years.
4. routine quick maintenance inspection contents:
The following routine maintenance checklist provides examples of small tasks that you can perform to keep your equipment running:
1) Look for leaks in all hydraulic lines.
A small leak may cause a lot of trouble. Tighten the joint and remove the excess oil, and keep the press clean to help find the leak and keep the press cool.
2) Measure the liquid level and fill up the oil as needed.
Most presses have an oil mark on the machine that describes the type of oil to be used.
3) Check whether the bolts are loose.
Some molds cause vibrations that can loosen bolts over time.
4) Make sure that there is lubrication on the guide plate.
Some bushings will have grease fittings to maintain lubrication on the rod. Do not apply too much grease, this will cause dust to accumulate and the bearings will wear out. Other bushings have check valve-type fittings with graphite impregnated into bronze, requiring little maintenance. Spread the graphite on the rod, the rod will be a little dry, do not apply grease on such rods.
5) Let the machine heat up to working temperature and check whether the oil temperature is 120 °F.
6) Check the light curtain function.
When the ram goes down, please interrupt the beam. Interrupting the beam during the upward stroke may not stop the press. Please refer to the instruction manual for its normal function.
7) Keep the area clean to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
5. annual inspection:
Other measures taken throughout the year will help the hydraulic press maintain a healthy state of production. It is recommended to check annually:
1) The function of the water cooling system is almost the same as that of the air cooler, the difference is that the water flows through the blades. The method of using water can be tap water, a chiller or an exchanger installed on the roof. To check, remove the end cap to check that the channel is unblocked, and flush with detergent if necessary.
2) Equipment installed on the roof will accumulate dust. This may cause the exchanger to clog and generate rust. Lining the filters in a row will help remove any fine particles.
3) The chiller has good heat dissipation, because the inlet temperature can be adjusted, and rust inhibitor can be added to the water.
4) Oil sampling is required to determine when the filter needs to be replaced. This sample will indicate how many particles of different sizes are in the oil, whether the oil contains water, and lubricity. In most cases, there is no need to change the oil, but certain additives may be required. Oil sampling can be used to determine whether the oil filter is changed at the appropriate interval.
