Forming apparatus

#The object of this invention is to provide an improved construction of forming apparatus or press for producing formed metal or other parts or pressings to a high degree of accuracy. Practical advantages in this and other respects will be apparent from the following disclosure.

#In practice constructions and arrangements of the forming apparatus as a press are as follows, reference being had to the accompanying drawings in which:

#FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrammatic elevational views each showing an alternative arrangement of the press,

#FIG. 3 is a hydraulic diagram applicable to either of the arrangements of FIGS. 1 and 2,

#Referring to FIG. 1, the support structure 1 of the machine provides a base 10 which carries one part 2 of the press tooling with a co-operating part 3 thereof carried by an overhead crosshead 4 arranged for up and down vertical outwith movement in relation to the base 10. For this purpose the crosshead 4 is carried by vertically movable guide pillars or pins 5 extending upwardly from a lower crosshead 6 housed within the support structure 1 of the press. The crossheads 4, 6 are thus rigidly connected with one another.

#The pillars or pins 5 are slidably mounted in and through the base 10, by means of hydrostatic linear bearings 7 which arrangement not only ensures a high degree of accuracy in the movement of the crosshead 4 and hence in the registration of the press tooling 2, 3 used but also results in a low degree of friction in the vertical movement of the pillars 5 which is further in the interests of reliable high speed operation and a long serviceable life of the press.

#Supply of hydraulic fluid such as a suitable oil to the pockets 71 of the bushes 70 of the bearings 7 and to other hydrostatic bearings of the press is hereinafter referred to with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.