The main focus of HAX Technologies is the hydraulics and control systems that make an extrusion press work. With our solid knowledge and long experience of this type of machine, we can offer a large portfolio of services and products that can improve and speed up a press.
Aluminium
The most common type of presses we work with are extrusion presses for aluminum. The process involves a heated piece of aluminum (billet) being pressed through a die to form a profile. The profile is then cooled down and stretched to become completely straight, after which it is transported to a saw that cuts the profile into shorter lengths. The final product can be installed in a car, become a bicycle rack or perhaps part of a facade system.
Brass
The process of extruding brass is largely similar to that of extruding aluminum, although the material properties and temperatures are different. However, the hydraulic press with hydraulic and control systems has the same basic functions and the same requirements for cycle times and availability as a press for aluminum. We also have experience working with brass presses.
What we offer
We offer help with everything related to hydraulics and control systems. Here are some examples of jobs we can perform:
- Analysis – We visit the customer and go through the machine hydraulically and electrically. We measure pressure in the system to find errors and measure cycle times. We also go through the control system and identify any bottlenecks and components with high-risk for future operational reliability.
- Troubleshooting – If the customer has specific problems, we can help find and fix these
- Optimization – We go into depth about how the press works and take immediate action to improve cycle times and performance. We work together as experts in automation and hydraulics to effectively find optimal operating methods for all movements of the machine. The cooperation between the fields is very important and we always follow up on the results so that, for example, an improvement in cycle times does not have negative consequences when it comes to stresses in the machine or pressure spikes in the hydraulic system.
- Partial modernization – When parts of the hydraulic or control system are outdated and causing problems, it may be time to make a minor rebuild to extend the life and increase performance. An example of a partial modernization could be replacing a valve manifold in a press while retaining other manifolds and pipes. We can deliver turnkey solutions where we are responsible for the entire chain from design to installation and commissioning. It is often also possible to add improved functions to the valve blocks that are replaced.
- Full modernization – A full modernization of an extrusion press can mean stripping out all hydraulics, including the piping system and tank, and then installing a complete new system. The press usually has a mechanical lifespan that far exceeds that of the hydraulics, and therefore it can often be worthwhile to do a full modernization on a 20-30 year old press. It is often possible to significantly reduce the cycle time with a modern hydraulic system, while at the same time reducing energy consumption.
- Control system replacement – Although the vast majority of control systems on the market are very durable and reliable, development is moving forward rapidly. After about 20 years, it often becomes more difficult to find spare parts for the components and availability decreases. In some cases, it is appropriate to replace only the PLC and keep the cabling and I/O modules. In other cases, a complete electrical overhaul is best. Regardless, we have the expertise in the company to develop a custom control system according to the customer’s wishes and carry out the replacement quickly and efficiently with a guarantee of the resulting cycle time and performance. Our PLC program for extrusion presses makes it easy to tune the press’s movements for optimal performance and we always leave all code available to the customer for future troubleshooting and improvement work.