Generation of High-Pressure Air that Can Be Used as Auxiliary Power Source in a Press Die

Abstract

In this paper, the author reports an upgraded high-pressure air compression unit that can be fixed inside a press die to supply strong air. This can be used as an auxiliary power source by utilizing the reciprocating motion of a press machine. The new unit was developed based on the first generation trial product made two years ago. It adopted a simpler structure that can easily be installed in a normal standard die set, and that generates more powerful compressed air than before. Increasing air pressure and holding experiments were performed, and the results showed that the maximum value of high-pressure air generated reached several tens of times the usual air pressure a workshop is equipped with. This proposition provides the possibility of using self-generated air as an auxiliary power source to finish accompanied actions in pressing processes, such as material feeding, blowing down cutting slugs, and even executing second workings for shape forming. This technology converts a part of the excessive energy from a press machine to air power, and its applications are expected to improve the productivity of press workings.