Structural analysis of a 7000-ton press.

 

This analysis was requested by a leading producer of aluminum for a press used for compression moulding of carbon anodes, whose upper yoke cracked after about 20 years of operation. Fatigue cracks appeared after 1.5 million cycles but with a maximum load lower than the design load (7000 tons).

With a preliminary analysis, the conditions which led to failure were investigated. Afterwards, the mechanical component was redesigned, introducing the proper modifications to improve the stress behavior and to obtain a infinite cycle life, leaving interfaces and weight unchanged.

The finite element model was idealized with great detail and included such features as the pretension cables and the contrasting columns.