Rapid-Air AIR FEED - Manual (Page 2)

RAPID-AIR PRESS FEEDS
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS AND SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS NO. 105
REVISED 8/16/99
INSTALLATIONS - The Rapid-Air Feed will perform best when installed and adjusted in accordance with the following
instructions.
AIR SUPPLY -A clean, lightly oiled air, with pressure set between 75-120 PSI is recommended to maintain feed in proper
operating condition. Do not use feed with air pressure over 125 PSI. A filter, lubricator, regulator should be used for trouble free
service.
LUBRICATION - Use paraffin base hydraulic oil approximately #10 SAE viscosity 140-170 SSU at 100°F. API gravity 29.5 minimum
and aniline point between 150°F and 210°F. Do not use a motor oil or spindle oil. Contact Rapid-Air for recommendations on a
specific oil.
MOUNTING - Bolt the feed down solidly using the two holes provided in the feed main body. The top of the Rapid-Air feed should
be flush with the lower die face. An adjustable bracket to mount on the punch holder is provided to actuate the feed. This bracket
may be mounted either on the upper or lower face of the punch holder. Place the cap screw (furnished) into one of the holes and
secure it with two nuts and washers, one on each side. Adjust the position of the screw so that it contacts the center of the
actuating valve control on the feed; then bolt the bracket firmly to the punch holder.
ADJUSTMENT - Adjust the height of the actuating screw so that there is approximately 1/16 inch clearance between the valve
control and the main body when the cam of the press is at the bottom of its stroke. This will be the proper adjustment for the
majority of cases. However, it may be necessary to increase the clearance because of special conditions such as short stroke
presses or special set-ups. The feed guide rollers are adjusted by loosening the screws and moving the roller along the slot to the
desired position, then tightening the screw. For best results, the stock should be centrally located in the feed. Washers are
included for adjustment to feed thicker material. Change the position of these washers from the top to the under side of the
clamps. Do not allow feed to operate with loose feed and stock clamps. The notches in the guide rails provide for coarse
adjustments of the stop block. The final adjustment for stroke length is made by the set screw in center of the stop block. After
final adjustment is made, secure adjusting screw with locking nut located at the rear of the stop block.
STARTING - With the air off, insert the stock between the guide rollers. Pass the stock under the feed clamp. Lift the stock
clamp and push the stock through to starting position. Turn air on, put safety guards in place and feed is ready to operate.
SPEED ADJUSTING VALVE - The speed adjusting valve on all Rapid-Air feeds adjusts the forward speed of the slide block when
feeding stock into the die. High accuracy under special conditions can thus be maintained by eliminating inertial slippage caused by
oily or heavy stock. The valve is located above the alternate air inlet on top of the feed on the side opposite the main valve. Adjust
for slower speeds by turning screw clockwise. Rapid-Air feeds are shipped with the speed adjusting valve set to provide the best
operating conditions for the majority of situations.
SAFETY REQUIREMENTS - The use of a safety guard is recommended to prevent operator injury. Refer the to Rapid-Air catalog
or install a shield similar to the shield that guards to press. When using an electric valve, have a safety switch handy for the
operator to disconnect power when servicing the equipment. The use of a 3 way shut-off valve is required to be installed at the
feed so the operator can shut off air and purge the feed of air before servicing the feed or press. A 2 way valve is not sufficient as
it will only shut off air and not release the air in the feed. A quick disconnect coupling should also be used behind the shut-off valve
for easy removal of the feed from the press. Make certain the slide block is forward (at main body) before turning on air. If an
electric valve or electrical circuit is used on or with the feed it must be wired through the safety disconnects of the press it is used
on. The feed should always be applied as a slave to the press.
Note: These instructions should be placed in the area of the feed so they are available at any time for the setup man,
maintenance or the operator.