Group Rhodes will display its new range of mechanical presses at MACH 2010. The Rhodes DS2-160, a straight sided, double cranked, 160 tonne mechanical press has been completely revamped to improve productive output and efficiency.

The press, which features the new generation of Rhodes control systems, is designed specifically with two point suspension to provide a larger working bed area to cater for specialist tooling. Furthermore, the suspension ensures even distribution of the nominal tonnage and helps to accommodate any offset loading on large progression tools.

The DS2-160 incorporates a motorised slide and variable speed drive to extend the versatility of the press. The fitting of an inverter allows the acceleration of the main drive motor to be controlled such as to obviate the large peak demand currents associated with star delta starting of an attached flywheel. It is therefore cost-effective to shut down the main motor in idle periods and the software is designed to do this automatically when an idle state is detected.

An additional feature is the enclosure of the double helical gears within the press body. Noise, besides being a pollutant is also a usage of energy and the use of double helical gearing reduces the noise energy losses at source. Enclosing the gearing within the body fabrication rather than encasing in sheetmetal guards further limits the emanation of any remaining sound.

Furthermore, a high performance, low inertia combined friction clutch and brake unit allows a fast single stroke rate with the minimum of heat build-up. This ensures increased operational output when operating with either pitch and trip or automatic feeding equipment. The pneumatic slide balance guarantees smoothness of operation and extended die and bearing life at all speeds.

Also on display will be audiovisual and graphical illustrations of the range of Rhodes Super Plastic Forming and Diffusion Bonding (SPF/DB) presses.

Group Rhodes
www.grouprhodes.com
Hall 4, Stand 4630