Abstract: A progressive forging machine is disclosed in which a tool pack is removably mounted on the machine to facilitate tool changeovers and the like. The tool pack includes tool carriers guided in bearings on the tool pack for reciprocating movement by a bolster mounted on the machine frame. Because the tools are guided by the tool pack itself, inaccuracy of bolster alignment does not adversely affect the position of the tooling. The tool pack also provides a shear, a transfer, strippers, and kickouts for both the dies and the tools. The drives for the various components on the tool pack are provided on the main machine frame and are either automatically connected during installation of the tool pack or are easily connected at the time of such installation. Because the tooling is guided by the tool pack itself, deflections within the main machine frame created by forming loads do not adversely affect tooling alignment.

Abstract: A transfer for hot forging machines or the like is disclosed. Such transfer includes a gripper support structure including a housing providing a longitudinal bore in which spaced cylindrical sleeve bearings are mounted. A gripper support provides the cylindrical portion journaled in the bearings for limited longitudinal movement. Mounted within an axial bore in the gripper support is a spring which resiliently urges the support in the direction of workpiece gripping. The support is provided with a longitudinal opening through which a key projects to prevent relative rotation between the housing and the support, and against which one end of the spring abuts. The housing provides substantially full enclosure of the working parts of the gripper to prevent damage by scale or the like.

Abstract: A fully automated tool changer system for multi-station forging machines is disclosed. This system provides a tool and die supporting head providing spaced support rails on which the tools or dies are supported during the transfer between the machine and the tooling rack. Such head is operable to properly position tools and dies which have different diameters for insertion into the cylindrical cavities in which they are mounted within the machine. A second tooling head is rotated to an operative position when the elements of the shear are to be changed. The tool heads are directly supported on the machine frame or the tool rack so that the loads of installing and removing the tooling are directly transmitted to stationery supports and need not be absorbed by the power transfer system. Further, the supports are arranged so that a high degree of positional accuracy is provided during the tool changing operations.

Abstract: A bar end dropper for forging machines or the like is disclosed which automatically operates to reject blanks cut from the end of the piece of stock which are of unsatisfactory length and to adjust the feed when necessary to ensure that the ends of pieces of stock being fed into the machine are a sufficient distance from the shear plane of the cutter to ensure a clean cutting operation. As sequential pieces of stock are fed to the machine, they are positioned in the measuring position and the measuring carriage moves in to position a sensor a distance from the shear plane determined by the length of the stock. This automatically positions the sensor.

Abstract: An improved knockout mechanism for forging machines or formers is disclosed in which the position of the knockout pin during the working operation of the machine is adjustably located by a tube nut threaded into the machine frame. In one embodiment, the tube nut is releasably locked in the adjusted position by a plate threaded onto the tube nut having a fulcrum on one side of the tube nut and a jackscrew on the other side at a location spaced from the tube nut greater than the spacing between the fulcrum and the tube nut so that a forced multiplication lever action is provided and secure locking is achieved without excessive jacking forces. In another embodiment, locking is provided by a lock nut threaded on the tube nut and connected to a fulcrum plate by a trunnion. A carriage is provided on the machine frame which supports means to operate the jacking screw and adjust the tube nut from locations accessible to the operator.

Abstract: A transfer for a forging machine is disclosed which is operable to progressively transfer workpieces laterally between spaced die stations on a die breast of the machine. The transfer mechanism includes first and second assemblies, each including transfer arms which are positioned on either side of the die stations closely adjacent to the plane of the die breast. The transfer arms are mounted for arcuate movement about parallel axes to provide opening and closing. Lengthwise movement of the arms is provided for the transfer of a gripped part and for return of the grippers. Each transfer arm carries workpiece grippers having finger end portions operable to grip workpieces at each die station as the transfer arms are translated toward each other. Guides are provided to cause the finger end portions of the workpiece grippers to follow paths substantially parallel to the plane of the die breast.