Knuckle Joint Press Produced by Ales Pres: Definition, Applications, and Advantages
What is a Knuckle Joint Press?
A knuckle joint press is a type of mechanical press that uses a special joint mechanism to transfer motion. It’s mainly used in processes that need high forming pressure and short stroke lengths, such as precise metal forming.
Unlike standard mechanical presses that use a crankshaft or eccentric drive, have a variable speed stroke and produce maximum force at the bottom dead center (BDC) of the stroke.
How It Works – Mechanism and Motion
The press is powered by an electric motor that turns a flywheel. The flywheel motion is transferred through a clutch and crankshaft into the knuckle joint mechanism.
The key difference is:
Instead of connecting the crank directly to the ram (like in a standard press), a knuckle joint is placed between the crank and the ram.
This allows:
- Fast ram movement near the top dead center (TDC),
- Slowing down dramatically near BDC due to the joint angle,
- Maximum pressing force right at BDC.
- This is ideal for cold forming, powder pressing, or other applications needing strong, precise pressure in a short stroke.
Technical Features
- Force transmission: The knuckle joint nearly “locks” at the bottom of the stroke, allowing much higher effective pressure than the rated tonnage.
- Stroke length: Shorter than typical mechanical presses (usually 20–60 mm).
- Pressing speed: Slows down near BDC, allowing more controlled and accurate pressing for sensitive materials.
- Build: Strong, rigid frame to avoid deformation; joints made from special alloy steels and hardened against wear.
Common Applications
Knuckle joint presses are widely used in:
- Powder metallurgy: Compacting metal powders (iron, copper, aluminum) under high pressure.
- Cold forging: Precisely shaping high-strength materials.
- Ceramic and graphite pressing: Compacting fragile materials without breaking.
- Watch, jewelry, and fine part manufacturing: Making tiny, complex components with precision.
- Deep drawing and precision bending: For thin sheet materials needing excellent surface finish.
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Key Advantages
- Very high pressure at the bottom of the stroke.
- Accurate shaping at low speeds and short strokes.
- Excellent surface quality and precision.
- Lower risk of breaking delicate materials.
- Long tool and die life (when used properly).
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