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Metalworking machinery

Everything You Need to Know About Power Hammers

Know About Power Hammers

Do a brief search on YouTube for the words “hydraulic press.” You will quickly discover that, strangely, society seems rather obsessed with watching presses smush everything from pencils to even diamonds. Those of us in industry know that’s because it’s easy to marvel at the sheer force hydraulics provide—this metalworking machinery is simply impressive to watch and use.

For as much power as a hydraulic press exudes, it simply isn’t always the best tool for the job. Primarily, it’s slower, and that can slow a shop down so much that it’s no longer efficient. Instead, many shops use high-impact, high-pressure power hammers. Both devices operate on the same technological basis, but there are differences.

Power Hammer Basics

Power Hammer Basics

What the heck is a power hammer, anyway? This technology isn’t new; in fact, it harkens back throughout human history much further than even the hydraulic press. The original power hammer was often called a forge hammer, and it relied on steam to build pressure and propel the device, but today’s versions use pneumatics or electricity instead.

How a power hammer operates is simple: Like a hammer, it quickly travels downward when force is applied on the opposite side, striking whatever object you place under it. Because they use some form of pressure that builds up force first, the strike occurs much faster and with far more force than if you were using a hand hammer or even a hydraulic press.

Power hammers are also very large in size when compared to other equipment. The more force you need, the larger the machinery, and advanced models may take up as much as four cubic feet of space in your shop or more.

These larger machines also produce smoother, more equalized results because the sheer mass of the device absorbs vibration and movements through weight. That’s a boon for operators and the projects they complete—size improves comfort and outcomes all around. You can expect one of these larger machines to weigh up to 12,000 pounds.

Training and Safe Use

As with any other piece of industrial equipment, no worker should have access to a power hammer without proper training. The most common accidents relate to negligence—getting hands in the way of the hammer, wearing loose clothing that becomes caught in the machine, or being hit with flying debris (especially in the eyes). Much like a hand hammer, hitting your fingers will result in injury (and likely finger loss, too). That’s what makes having a safety protocol so important.

It’s also common for workshops to experience too much vibration or movement, even in larger devices. As any equipment company will tell you, the machine can only work correctly if you use it correctly in the first place. If you find your large-scale power hammer is uncomfortable to use with a high amount of recoil, it may be that it’s off-center or that you aren’t placing your dies and pieces in the right zone. Occasional calibration is the best way to keep everyone safe.

Where you place the material isn’t the only consideration; each project will demand a precise amount of pressure and material movement, too. Often, it’s best to run a test prototype before nailing down these numbers, adjusting the rate of fire as you go. Most brands and machines will provide average numbers for common projects within the manual.

If these warnings seem rather doom and gloom, don’t feel too stressed out—truthfully, power hammers are remarkably safe when used correctly. If you follow a proper safety protocol, they may even be more safe than handheld devices! Whether you’re using your power hammer for metalbending or something else entirely, it’s just a fantastic device to have around. If you’re considering a power hammer for your shop, give us a call at Quantum Machinery Group—we can help you explore your options!

Maintaining Strong Growth in the Manufacturing Industry

Maintaining Growth Manufacturing Industry

Improvements and innovations in technology have been a significant driving force for many industries. Many businesses today fail because of an inability to keep up with the times. The manufacturing industry heavily relies on getting the most productivity out of the least amount of resources possible, especially when it comes to metalworking machinery and metal bending. How much a production business embraces the advancements in technology and education plays a large part in determining their success.

 

Intelligent Use of Analytics

The manufacturing industry has held the same business model for a long time: selling a single complicated and intricate product to a customer with warranty and a service contract for repairs and maintenance. It’s worked for a long time, but it’s become less feasible over time due to changes in technology and real-time data flow.

increase productivity within your manufacturing

Many manufacturing companies are moving toward an updated version of this business model to keep with the times. Selling a single piece of complicated machinery is still viable, though many customers want more from their purchase than just a user manual and repair options a phone call away.

New technology and apps enable manufacturers to integrate real-time updating software and components into their products. They use this information to work with their clients daily to tweak performance levels to their needs and know when the product requires maintenance.

Manufacturers that actively work with their clients to optimize the product will see a greater return on their investments. Building customer loyalty and retention opens up opportunities for more lucrative ventures down the road.

Educate Your Workers

Educated employees are always a valued asset for any business, and their worth has only increased with time. It’s imperative that contemporary manufacturing workers are knowledgeable about current trends in technology. Hiring more workers used to be a more feasible solution in the past, but finding employees that know what they’re doing is more crucial now than when manufacturing was in its adolescence.

STEM education is one of the keys to satisfying this need for smart workers. Ensure that your workers have the training and knowledge they need, whether you’re hiring fresh college graduates or providing supplemental education for your current workforce.

Operational Data Is Your Gold Mine

Improving efficiency is the name of the game in the current state of modern manufacturing. Creating more efficient production lines or methods is always beneficial, but maybe you’re hitting a brick wall. Maybe the cost of re-doing your infrastructure is too expensive or requires more research and development. Many manufacturers are facing these challenges, so they’re looking to squeeze every ounce of productivity out of what they have now.

Keep tabs on the operational data of your machines and devices to learn how to get the most out of them. Improving your efficiency by a few percent makes a big difference whether you’re mass producing or focusing on a single item. Your competitors are doing the same thing, so investing into advanced data collection technology is a great way to stay with, or ahead of, the curve. Quantum Machinery Group understands how to implement high-tech solutions to exceed your business standards. Our experienced staff and machinery can help you push your company ahead of the rest and bring innovation to your metalworking machinery.