Which hydraulic presses require a water chiller?

Whether a hydraulic press requires a water chiller isn't determined by the model itself, but rather by its operating conditions, performance requirements, and economic benefits. Simply put, a water chiller is necessary when the heat generated by the hydraulic system cannot be dissipated naturally to achieve a reasonable oil temperature balance. The following is a discussion from the editors of Jianlong Hydraulic Technology for your reference!

1. High-Duty Cycle and Continuous Operation Hydraulic Presses

1.1 Characteristics: The equipment operates continuously 24 hours a day, or at a very high pace with minimal downtime.

1.2 Cause: The rate of heat accumulation in the hydraulic system far exceeds its natural heat dissipation rate (through the oil tank surface and air convection). Without forced cooling, the oil temperature will continue to rise until it exceeds the specified temperature.

1.3 Examples:

1.3.1 Large forging hydraulic presses and die presses: Continuously operate at high pressures and generate significant heat.

1.3.2 Hydraulic presses on automated production lines: For example, automotive parts stamping lines, which operate at high speeds and rarely require extended downtime.

2. High-Precision, Servo-Controlled Hydraulic Press

2.1 Features: Uses servo motors, proportional valves, or servo valves to control pressure, speed, and position, requiring extremely high precision.

2.2 Causes:

2.2.1 Oil Temperature Affects Viscosity: Fluctuations in oil temperature directly cause changes in hydraulic oil viscosity, which in turn affects the servo system's response speed and control accuracy.

2.2.2 Protects Precision Components: Precision components such as servo valves are extremely sensitive to oil cleanliness and temperature. High temperatures accelerate oil oxidation, shortening component life.

2.3 Examples:

2.3.1 SMC (Sheet Molding Compound) Hydraulic Press

2.3.2 Powder Metallurgy Hydraulic Press

2.3.3 Precision Drawing Hydraulic Press

3. Harsh Working Environments or High Temperatures

3.1 Features: The workshop itself has a high ambient temperature (such as a foundry or a workshop with high summer temperatures) or is poorly ventilated.

3.2 Causes: High ambient temperatures reduce the temperature difference between the hydraulic system and the surrounding environment, significantly reducing the efficiency of natural heat dissipation. The "thermal equilibrium temperature" may even exceed the allowable operating temperature.

3.3 Example: During the hot summer months, even hydraulic presses that normally don't require a chiller may still experience a high oil temperature alarm due to high workshop temperatures.

4. The system itself has a large excess heat source

4.1 Characteristics: The hydraulic system utilizes inefficient circuits such as throttling (especially bypass throttling), or the oil pump is oversized, resulting in a large amount of energy being dissipated as heat through the relief valve.

4.2 Cause: These designs inherently generate a large amount of excess heat, necessitating a chiller to maintain thermal equilibrium.

5. Processes with strict temperature requirements for product quality

5.1 Characteristics: Hydraulic oil temperature indirectly or directly affects the quality of the molded product.

5.2 Cause: Maintaining a stable oil temperature means maintaining a stable mold temperature or process.

5.3 Example:

5.3.1 Plastic injection molding machine (although it is an injection molding machine, the principles are similar): Mold temperature is crucial to product formation. 5.3.2 Laminating Machines and Composite Molding Machines: A stable temperature field is required to ensure material curing quality.

The most direct verification method is to run the hydraulic press continuously for 2-4 hours at full load and normal operation, while continuously monitoring the hydraulic oil temperature. If the oil temperature remains stable below 55-60°C, a chiller can generally be omitted or temporarily deferred. If the oil temperature continues to rise and exceeds 60°C, a chiller is required. For further inquiries/recommendations regarding the need for a chiller for a hydraulic press, or to purchase other high-quality hydraulic presses, please contact us (or scan the WhatsApp QR code below). Jianlong Hydraulic Technology will provide you with personalized, customized professional solutions and is dedicated to serving you.