Essential Manufacturing

11Pressworking

Presswork involves carrying out the processes of shearing, bending and drawing in a press that usually holds a press tool. Presswork is the most economic method of mass producing components from sheet metal. Historically, the use of presses allowed the economic production of products so that they could be sold at affordable prices. Products such as clocks, cash registers and adding machines were totally dependent on their components being produced in press tools. However, although products utilising electronics have largely replaced the old mechanical and electromechanical designs, there is still a demand for components made from pressed steel, aluminium and brass. The ubiquitous motor car would be far too expensive for wide ownership if it was not for the pressed steel panels from which its body is constructed. Frames and panels used for ‘white goods’ such as domestic washing machines, fridges and cookers are made in by presswork. The chassis, electrical tags and connectors, and other sundry components found within televisions, phones, computers and other electronic goods are made in presses. Also kitchen utensils, hinges, radiator panels and many other products are all made from pressworked components.

Presses are capable of very high production rates since the time to produce one component is simply the time for one up and down cycle of the ram carrying the press tool, and the time it takes to feed into the press a new portion of material. In fact, using tools ...