This is a difficult question. It is not like a Mechanical press, where we can say, “this press runs 40 spm”. The speeds on a Hydraulic press can and are varied by the application and where in the stroke the press is.
Approach speeds vary from 1 to 1400 inches per minute.
Pressing speeds are application specific and typically range from 25 to 150 inches per minute.
Return speeds can vary from 1 to 1400 inches per minute.
Then you have to consider variables such as, valve shifting time and any time required for dwelling. In the end the answer is;
What does the application require?
Following are some examples.
20 Ton Gap Frame Press, used for punching holes.
Rapid Advance, Close 3” x 60 / 1200 IPM = .150 Seconds
Pressing, Press .030 x 60 / 147 IPM= .012 Seconds
Rapid Open, Open 3.03” x 60 / 1056 IPM= .172 Seconds
Valve Shift Time = .500 Seconds
Total Cycle Time at 100% Efficiency = .834 Seconds
Usable Cycle Time at 95% Efficiency = .875 Seconds
Cycles per Minute 60/ .875 = 68
400 Ton Straight Side Press, used for blanking and forming
Rapid Advance, Close 6” x 60 / 882 IPM = .408 Seconds
Pressing, Press 3” x 60 / 57 IPM= 3.157 Seconds
Rapid Open, Open 9” x 60 / 919 IPM= .587 Seconds
Valve Shift Time = 1.000 Seconds
Total Cycle Time at 100% Efficiency = 5.152 Seconds
Usable Cycle Time at 95% Efficiency = 5.409 Seconds
Cycles per Minute 60/ 5.409 = 11.09
1000 Ton Straight Side Press, used for Coining
Rapid Advance, Close 5.625” x 60 / 565 IPM = .597 Seconds
Pressing, Press .375” x 60 / 23 IPM= 1.00 Seconds
Rapid Open, Open 6.000” x 60 / 635 IPM= .567 Seconds
Valve Shift Time = 1.500 Seconds
Total Cycle Time at 100% Efficiency = 3.664 Seconds
Usable Cycle Time at 95% Efficiency = 3.847 Seconds
Cycles per Minute 60/ 3.847 = 15.60
From reviewing these applications it is obvious that Hydraulic presses can be designed to meet the requirements of most applications. With the PLC based controls and Servo Valves that are available today, customizing the stroke profile is as easy as entering the values in the “Job Recipe”.
Today’s Hydraulic presses are not the slow, oil leaking, dinosaurs of the past. They are fast, efficient, and flexible.
Please call me to review your application.