Power Press Maintenance Checklist: Double Your Die Life

Most die problems are press problems. Before regrinding another die, run this checklist on the machine.

The Five-Point Quarterly Check

First, ram-to-bed parallelism — check with blocks and a dial indicator under light load, not just static; out-of-parallel means one-sided die wear. Second, gib clearance — sloppy gibs let the ram walk laterally at impact so punches enter off-centre. Third, clutch and brake condition — a dragging brake changes bottom-dead-centre position stroke to stroke. Fourth, bolster flatness and cleanliness — a chip under the die shoe tilts everything above it. Fifth, adjusting screw backlash — creeping shut height produces coining loads you never intended.

The Payoff

Done quarterly, these checks drop die grinds dramatically and extend press life. Every Birson press ships with a maintenance schedule, and spares are stocked in Ludhiana.

Book a press health check with the Birson service team. Call +91 98147 15935.