heavy duty
press

SCOPE

This case study focuses on the design of a massive press capable of exerting a maximum force of 13,000 tons. The press's static strength and resistance to fatigue over 1 million load cycles were both crucial factors that needed to be thoroughly examined. Additionally, special attention was given to the yokes and the chassis upon which the press would be situated.

APPROACH

The press assembly comprises 12 yokes, each 100 mm thick and constructed from S355 material. The yokes are joined together by pipes with an outer diameter of approximately 140 mm and an inner diameter of approximately 84 mm. The press block consists of a top and bottom plate, each around 1.7 m wide, 3.35 m long, and 150 mm thick. The cylinders have a diameter of 1.1 m.

The design process began by evaluating the ultimate limit state (ULS) through a static analysis, which involved testing for different load positions and asymmetries. Next, the assembly's fatigue resistance was assessed by analyzing the FE results using FKM. Finally, buckling analyses were conducted to evaluate the yokes' resistance to asymmetric loading conditions.

To further enhance the yokes' durability, design modifications were explored, with a particular focus on the inner corners of the yokes.

RESULT

The press has been operating without any issues.