Do You Know the Difference Between Friction Machine and Press?

Friction Machine is a device that heats and shapes metal through the heat generated by friction. It is generally divided into two types: vertical friction machine and horizontal friction machine. Vertical friction machine is mainly used for processing parts such as rotating shafts and gears, and horizontal friction machine is used for the production of formed parts. The principle of Friction Machine is to put a round bar or square bar into the friction machine, set the friction head part, and heat the bar under high-speed friction to deform or shape it.

The two objects generate heat through the friction, and the friction force generated by the contact surface of the friction pair is used to transmit power, and the function is realized by combining the power closed-loop structure, force application system and automatic control. Then use high temperature to process the metal to change its material properties and finally achieve the purpose of forming.

Press is a machine tool used for cold pressing or cold extrusion. The popular understanding is pressing, kneading, and pinching. It is a device for extruding or shaping processed metal. In the manufacturing industry, press is one of the most important equipment and is widely used in light industry, heavy industry, aviation, automobile, electronics and other industries. Presses are divided into punch presses, pendulum presses, roller presses, die-casting machines, etc. according to different forms.

Although both Friction Machine and press are processing equipment, there are obvious differences between the two in principle and application. First, the friction machine is used for metal heating and forming, while the press is used for cold pressing and cold extrusion, which is also the biggest difference. Secondly, the drive mode is different. The friction machine uses the motor to drive the friction head part to rotate to generate friction heating, while the press is driven by hydraulic or mechanical drive and is used to process metal plates, pipes, etc.

‌Friction pair structure‌: The driving wheel and the driven wheel (or the specimen and the friction body) transmit motion and power through the friction force of the contact surface. To prevent slipping, high friction coefficient materials (such as rubber, asbestos, etc.) are usually used or positive pressure (such as spring devices) is applied. Drive system‌: The motor (such as Panasonic AC motor) drives the spindle, and the power is transmitted to the friction pair through a synchronous belt or gear reduction mechanism. For example, the spindle speed range of the vertical universal friction and wear tester can reach 10-2000r/min, and high-precision power transmission is achieved through a circular arc tooth synchronous belt.

‌Force and loading control‌ process is as follows. Closed-loop loading: The test force is applied by weights, springs or microcomputer-controlled stepper motors. For example, after the spring-type force application system compresses the spring, the force is transmitted to the friction pair through the load sensor to achieve dynamic loading. Automatic adjustment: The microcomputer controls the test force loading rate and supports the power-off memory function to ensure parameter continuity and test consistency.

The measurement and temperature control system mainly includes friction torque measurement: the sensor is used to monitor the friction torque in real time, and the data is recorded in combination with the digital display system. For example, the lower guide spindle is equipped with a friction force sensor, and the sensitivity is improved by a linear ball bearing. Temperature control: The sample heating and temperature adjustment are achieved through a temperature control meter, a power regulator or a Pt-100 platinum resistor, and the range usually covers room temperature to 100°C. Some test machines support multiple independent temperature control modules.

Friction Machine realizes the integrated functions of power transmission, precise force application and data measurement through the combination of mechanical transmission and the physical characteristics of the friction pair with electronic control technology. Friction Machine and press have different applications in production. The former is mainly used for metal heating and forming, while the latter is used for cold pressing and cold extrusion. There are also big differences in the principles and applications of the two. In the manufacturing industry, both machines are widely used, providing great convenience for production and processing.