Unlike more complicated marking solutions, manual impact presses are low maintenance solutions that are easy to set up and operate. The simplicity of the manual press, coupled with the degree of control it offers, it's safety, and reliability, make it a popular marking solution. Specifically, high volume repetitive indent marking applications are best handled with the use of impact presses which achieve a very short cycle time that cannot be met with any other marking method.
The popularity of the impact press is also due to its versatility. An impact press can be used for a wide variety of applications other than marking including:
- Stamping
- Riveting
- Staking
- Forming
- Punching
- Bending
- Crimping
- Piercing
- Assembling
- Broaching
- Coining
Check out a Durable Technologies Spring Actuated Manual Press in action.
How do they work?
Step 1 - The energy section advances towards the workpiece by gear rack and pinion, powered manually by the operator pulling down the lever.
Step 2 - Once the press stroke is engaged and the workpiece is contacted, the press stroke continues. The workpiece is held in place by the pressure from the energy section (this is a significant safety feature.) The impact spring is compressed and builds force as the press continues to maintain contact with the workpiece.
Step 3 - When the ball bearings reach their release point, the powerful impact is discharged. The impact spring delivers force to the hammer, which in turn strikes the plunger (tool holder.) You can control the amount of impact depending on which spring you choose and how much tension is applied.
This post was published on January 29, 2013 and updated on January 23, 2017.