MEASUREMENT OF FORCES FOR FORMING SHEET METAL.

Strain gages suitably positioned on mechanical presses and pressure transducers on hydraulic presses can be used for measurement of forces during forming. Three basic types of measuring instruments can be used: laboratory equipment, portable instruments which usually include a memory device, and automatic permanent equipment incorporating overload devices. A better knowledge of press forces for blanking, piercing, cropping, bending or drawing has reduced press breakdown, enabled lighter presses to be used for some jobs, and provided tool designers with more accurate data.