A linear-actuated press machine for forming a part, comprising:
- a moveable press ram for holding a tool that forms the part;
- an first actuator for moving the moveable press ram by use of a first male-female thread mechanism that causes a linear movement of the moveable press ram, the first male-female thread mechanism includes a first actuator screw that rotates but remains linearly stationary and a first nut that moves along the first actuator screw, the press ram moves with the first nut as the first nut moves along the first actuator screw as the first actuator screw rotates, the first actuator further including at least one first actuator sprocket for driving the first actuator, the at least one first actuator sprocket being coupled to the first male-female thread mechanism for rotating the first actuator screw of the first male-female thread mechanism;
- a first motor system for producing a low-speed high-force linear movement to the moveable press ram via the first actuator, the first motor system including a first motor, a first clutch operationally coupled to the first motor, a first motor sprocket operationally coupled to the first clutch, a first belt system coupling the first motor sprocket to the at least one first actuator sprocket;
- a second motor system for producing a high-speed low-force linear movement to the moveable press ram via the first actuator, the second motor system including a second motor, a second motor sprocket operationally coupled to the second motor, and a second belt system coupling the second motor sprocket to the at least one first actuator sprocket;
- a second actuator for moving the moveable press ram by use of a second male-female thread mechanism that causes the linear movement of the moveable press ram, the second male-female thread mechanism includes a second actuator screw that rotates but remains linearly stationary and a second nut that moves along the second actuator screw, the press ram moves with the second nut as the second nut moves along the second actuator screw as the second actuator screw rotates, the second actuator further including at least one second actuator sprocket for driving the second actuator, the at least one second actuator sprocket being coupled to the second male-female thread mechanism for rotating the second actuator screw of the second male-female thread mechanism;
- a third motor system for producing, in conjunction with the first motor system, the low-speed high-force linear movement to the moveable press ram, the third motor system being coupled to the second actuator, the third motor system including a third motor, a second clutch operationally coupled to the third motor, a third motor sprocket operationally coupled to the second clutch, and a third belt system coupling the third motor sprocket to the at least one second actuator sprocket;
- and
- wherein, during the high-speed low-force linear movement of the second motor system to advance or retract the press ram relative to the part, (i) the first clutch is at least partially disengaged from the first motor to maintain a rotational speed of the first motor below a limit to reduce possible damage to the first motor, and (ii) the second clutch is at least partially disengaged from the third motor to maintain a rotational speed of the third motor below a limit to reduce possible damage to the third motor;
- and
- wherein, during the low-speed high-force linear movement of the first motor system and the third motor system to form the part, (i) the first clutch is operationally engaged to transfer high torque from the first motor to the first linear actuator, and (ii) the second clutch is operationally engaged to transfer high torque from the third motor to the second linear actuator.