Unsticking Procedures

Avoiding Shut Height Errors

The best plan is to work carefully at all times to avoid sticking the press on bottom. Basic diesetting skills such as checking die shut height with a tape measure and adjusting the press shut height on bottom to allow enough room plus a safety factor before setting the die will avoid many problems.

Following Basic Good Diesetting Practices

Basic diesetting skills apply to all diesetting situations. It doesn't matter if the assignment is to set a die weighing less than 50 pounds (23 kg) in an OBI press, or to exchange dies weighing many tons (tonnes) each in a multi-slide transfer press. Checking for mechanical interference with a simple tape measure is often required to avoid difficulty.

Making Shut Height

This is the most basic task that the diesetter must do. Simply stated, the closed height of the die must not be greater than the shut height (at bottom dead center) of the press. Never guess; instead carefully double-check with a tape measure. However, a mechanical press can become stuck on bottom dead center for a number of reasons. Not all are the fault of the diesetter. Avoiding the problem and solving it should it occur is essential to maintaining production schedules and minimizing maintenance costs.