Abstract: A method for controlling the drive of a hydraulic press and an associated device for carrying out the method are proposed, the piston/cylinder unit belonging to a press ram being driven via several hydraulic devices connected in series. Depending on the operating phase of the press, the hydraulic devices are here used as required either as hydraulic motors or hydraulic pumps, which effect a delivery of pressure medium into the respective cylinder chamber.

Abstract: A method for controlling a drive for a hydraulic press employed for at least one of forming and cutting sheets of metal. The method involves a press comprising: a press ram and at least one piston-cylinder unit operatively connected to the press ram and including a drive piston having an upper side and a lower side, the drive piston further comprising an upper cylinder chamber communicating with the upper side, and a lower cylinder chamber communicating with the lower side. The method comprises the step of pressurizing the drive piston with hydraulic medium on at least one of its upper side and its lower side for driving the press ram.