Rapid-Air AIR FEED - Manual (Page 3)

RAPID-AIR CORPORATION
PUNCH PRESS FEEDS
SET UP
The feed unit may be mounted either on the die set, the bolster plate of the press or to any convenient pad or
surface on a special machine. The top surface of the feed should be flush with the lower die face. Care
should be taken in providing at least 1/8” clearance beneath the slide block to avoid interference of the moving
parts. Mounting is easily accomplished by using the two mounting holes provided on each feed. Avoid using
dowel pins or other rigid location devices since these prevent sideways and angular adjustment, which often
differ for each application.
The Rapid-Air feed is exceptionally versatile in feeding presses from either side and front or back depending
on the die and press construction. A point to consider in mounting is when a feed is mounted on the bolster
plate it permits changing die sets without dismounting the feed.
An adjustable bracket to mount on the punch holder is provided to actuate the valve control. The bracket may
be mounted either on the upper or lower face of the punch holder. However, if this bracket does not meet your
needs, a suitable bracket can be made from a piece of steel. A furnished cap screw is then adjusted into
position so that is contacts the center of the valve control.
Careful adjustment of the height of the actuating screw will assure proper sequencing and maximum efficiency.
Valve action is completed when the valve control is depressed approximately 3/16 of an inch. The continued
downward motion is over travel. The adjustment should be made so that valve action takes place at
approximately halfway through its upward stroke the valve action should reverse and stock fed into the die on
the last part of the upward stroke of the ram. On long stroke presses; with dies having long punches, or when
feeding on the extreme upper part of the stroke, it may be necessary to increase the effective length of the air
spring in the valve control. A spring loaded actuating screw can be made.
If the stroke of the press becomes extremely short or long or if special conditions exist, electrical actuation may
be important. If mounting of the valve directly on the feed causes interference of operation care should be
taken in relocating so that the valve is as close to the feed as possible. The external valve must be triggered
by a micro switch mounted so as to be operated by a rotary cam on the crankshaft or a linear cam on the ram
of the press. The actuation calls for greater care in the selection of the actual feeding and retraction signals. A
general rule is to allow 40-60 of the cycle for feeding and 40-50 for retraction.
The feed guide rollers are adjustable by loosening the machine screws and moving the rollers to the desired
position. For best results the stock should be centrally located in the feed.
The notches in the guide rails provide for coarse adjustment of the stop block. Final adjustment for stroke
length is made by the screw in the center of the stop block. The final adjustment is aided by the use of
accurately dimensioned spacers or joe blocks placed between the adjusting screw and the main cushion bolt,
and with the air pressure on keeping the slide block tight against the main body.
With the air pressure off, the material is then inserted between the guide rollers and passed under the feed
clamp. Lift the stock clamp and push the material through to the starting position. Turn on the air (75-120
P.S.I.) and the feed is ready to operate.
The last adjustment if necessary would be the speed adjusting valve. The valve adjustment is located on top
of the main body on the opposite side of the actuating valve. Adjust the screw for minimum impact by turning
clockwise and for faster speed by turning counterclockwise. When the impact is high slippage is possible
resulting in poor repeatability and also part fatigue.