Servopressen

Servopressen, or servo presses, are a type of sheet metal or forming press where the ram movement is driven by an electric servo motor controlled by a servo drive. The drive uses closed-loop feedback from encoders (and sometimes force sensors) to provide precise positioning and force control. This enables programmable motion profiles and force curves, setting servo presses apart from traditional mechanical or hydraulic presses with fixed motion paths.

Most servo presses use a servo motor connected to a mechanism that converts rotary motion into linear ram displacement, such as a crank-slider or toggle linkage. The servo drive selects speed, stroke, and pressure in real time according to a control program, allowing dwell times, ramped approaches, and multi-stage forming. The result is high repeatability and the ability to tailor the process to different materials and thicknesses.

Advantages include high precision and repeatability, energy efficiency from only powering the motion as needed, flexible programming for different parts, quieter operation, and easier changeovers in automated lines. These features make servopressen suitable for flexible sheet metal forming, stamping, punching, embossing, and assembly tasks, especially in low- to mid-volume production or where frequent product changes are required.

Limitations and considerations include higher initial cost and more complex control systems, requiring skilled setup and maintenance. They also typically offer lower tonnage than large conventional hydraulic presses for the same footprint, though modern units can reach substantial forces. Integration with CNC and factory automation is common, providing comprehensive control but increasing system complexity.