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How to Calculate the Kinetic Energy of a Stamping Press

In a stamping press, a mechanical or hydraulic system drives a ram-mounted die down onto a sheet of metal which is held stationary atop a lower die. The force exerted by the ram cuts or bends the metal sheet to a desired shape. You can calculate the kinetic energy or energy of motion of the descending ram using some simple information about your press -- the mass of the ram and its average speed during its descent.

Instructions

- 1
  Write down the formula for kinetic energy. Kinetic energy is equal to one-half, times the object's mass, times the square of its velocity: (m*v^2) / 2.
- 2
  Find the mass of the ram on your stamping press. You may be able to obtain this information from the manufacturer or from the guidelines for your device. If necessary, you can disassemble and weigh it. However, be certain to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for disassembly and reassembly.
- 3
  Estimate the velocity of your ram by measuring the distance traveled by the ram from its highest point to its lowest point, then measuring the length of time it takes the ram to traverse this distance with a stopwatch. Divide the distance traveled by the time to get average velocity. If the distance traveled is 4 meters and the time is 2 seconds, for example, 4 / 2 = 2 meters per second. If you have an exact figure for the velocity of your ram, of course, you can use that number instead.
- 4
  Square the velocity of your ram. If the velocity is 2 meters per second, for example, 2*2 = 4 meters squared per second squared.
- 5
  Multiply the result from the last step by the mass of your ram. If the mass is 30 kilograms, for example, 30 x 4 = 120 joules.
- 6
  Divide this result by 2. For example, 120 / 2 = 60 joules. This is the kinetic energy.

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