01 / Focus on presses

Safety inspections and retrofits for presses

Modernisation and safety inspection of press brakes, mechanical presses and hydraulic presses – from initial assessment to renewed control and safety systems.

Press retrofitsControls · safety systems · operation
02 / Core services

Two services. One focus: presses.

Safety inspection and technical modernisation come together where existing presses are to remain reliable, safe and economically viable.

01

Safety inspections for presses

Inspection of presses, protective devices and safety functions – including stopping-time measurements, safety distances and assessment of identified defects.

You receive clear, legally robust documentation with defined measures for safe continued operation.

02

Press retrofits

Modernisation of existing presses when the mechanical structure and basic machine substance should continue to be used.

Depending on the machine, this can include renewal of controls, safety systems, control cabinet, operator interface and protective devices through to a comprehensive technical overhaul.

03 / Press types

Experience with different press types

The technical tasks vary with press design, existing control technology and operating requirements.

01

Press brakes

Modernisation and safety inspection of press brakes from different manufacturers and years of manufacture. Typical tasks include obsolete controls, unreliable safety systems, worn components or adaptation to new operating requirements.

02

Mechanical presses

Inspection and retrofit of eccentric and other mechanical presses. The focus is on safe control sequences, protective devices, stopping behaviour and modernisation of existing control and safety systems.

03

Hydraulic presses

Safety inspection and modernisation of hydraulic presses – from controls and safety systems to hydraulic functions, protective devices and operating concepts.

04 / Starting point

When an inspection or retrofit makes sense

Many projects start not with a predefined technical solution, but with an operational problem.

  • The control or safety system is obsolete.
  • Spare parts are no longer available or difficult to obtain.
  • A press is to be recommissioned after a long period of inactivity.
  • Protective devices or safety distances need to be verified.
  • A machine is to be modified or integrated into an existing production system.
  • The mechanical structure is still sound and replacing the entire press would not be economically sensible.
  • An inspection has identified defects that require a sound technical solution.

Depending on the starting point, a safety inspection with clear assessment and documentation may be sufficient – or targeted modernisation of the machine may be the better solution.

05 / Projects

Selected projects

Four examples show different starting points – from a comprehensive press-brake retrofit to the recommissioning of a hydraulic press.

Lead project · Press brake

Placke HQPBM4

Starting point

The existing control and safety technology of the press brake was technically obsolete and partly unreliable.

Implementation

Comprehensive retrofit with a modern Delem CNC control, Fiessler safety control and AKAS safety system. The control cabinet, electrical components and further machine functions were also reworked.

Result

An existing press brake with sound mechanical substance received modern CNC, control and safety technology and could continue to be used economically.

This project represents a core area to be expanded further: comprehensive modernisation of existing press brakes.

Press brake · Spain

HERA COP 160 t / 6 m

Starting point
The existing CNC control was defective and technically obsolete. Spare parts had only limited availability.
Implementation
Replacement of the old Cybelec control with a modern Cybelec system, together with further adaptations to the electrical system, operator interface and machine.
Result
The press could remain in service and was technically modernised. The project also demonstrates the execution of retrofit projects outside Germany.
Mechanical press

IMS Exzenterpresse

Starting point
The 1998 press was equipped with obsolete control technology and formed part of an automated production system.
Implementation
Renewal of machine and safety controls, control cabinet and operator interface, plus safe integration into the automated production system.
Result
A modernised mechanical press with current control and safety technology and updated technical documentation.
Hydraulic press

Müller Weingarten 250 t

Starting point
The 1994 press had been out of operation for several years. Control components were defective or no longer available, while the mechanical structure remained sound.
Implementation
Comprehensive renewal of controls, control cabinet, operator interface and electrical components. Hydraulic work was carried out together with a specialised partner company.
Result
The existing press could be returned to economical operation with modern control, safety and hydraulic technology.
Further selected projects
06 / Press retrofits

What a press retrofit can include

The scope depends on the condition, design and use of the press. Depending on the machine, individual assemblies may be modernised or the control and safety systems may be comprehensively renewed.

  • Renewal of machine and safety controls
  • For press brakes: replacement of obsolete CNC controls with modern Cybelec or Delem systems
  • New or reworked control cabinet
  • New operator interface or HMI
  • Renewal of switches, sensors and operating elements
  • Adaptation or renewal of protective devices
  • Light curtains, guard doors and two-hand controls
  • Drive-system adaptations
  • Hydraulic adaptations plus inspection and cleaning of hydraulic blocks in cooperation with a specialised partner company
  • Revision of electrical drawings and technical documentation
  • Testing and validation of implemented safety functions
The objective is a technically reliable and safely operable press whose existing mechanical substance can continue to be used sensibly.
07 / Safety inspection

Safety inspection and legally robust documentation

Safety inspections can be carried out as an initial inspection – for example after modification, installation or recommissioning – as well as on a recurring basis.

  • Mechanical, electrical and hydraulic condition of the press
  • Safety control and safety-related control functions
  • Emergency stop and protection against unexpected restart
  • Fixed and movable guards
  • Guard doors and interlocks
  • Light curtains and other electro-sensitive protective equipment
  • Travelling protective systems on press brakes
  • Two-hand controls and foot controls
  • Stopping-time measurements and verification of required safety distances
  • Changes since the previous inspection

Inspection result

Inspection results, measured values and identified defects are documented clearly and traceably.

The operator receives an inspection report with a clear assessment and required measures and – for recurring inspections – identification showing the inspection date and next due date.

This provides robust, legally sound documentation for the safe operation of the press.

08 / Project process

How a project works

01

Assess the machine and starting point

The machine condition, existing technology, safety functions and requirements are recorded and the appropriate approach is defined.

02

Plan the technical solution

Based on the existing machine, a suitable concept is developed for controls, safety systems, operation and, where necessary, further assemblies.

03

Implement the retrofit or corrective measures

The planned work is carried out, the required components are integrated and the machine is restored to operational condition.

04

Test and document

After completion, the implemented functions are tested and the required technical documentation is created or updated.

09 / Pohlann

Why Pohlann

André Pohlann combines many years of international commissioning experience in machinery and plant engineering with qualifications in electrical engineering, machinery safety and industrial automation.

Many years of international commissioning experience in machinery and plant engineering
Control and safety technology from a single source
Manufacturer-independent selection of suitable components
Planning, implementation, inspection and documentation
Cooperation with specialised partner companies where additional disciplines are required
Technical communication in German and English
10 / Contact

Inspect or modernise a press?

If you want to keep an existing press in safe operation, modernise it technically or recommission it after a long period of inactivity, get in touch.

For an initial assessment, details of the manufacturer, type, year of manufacture, existing control system and current problem are helpful. Photos or available documentation can also be sent directly.

Get in touch →
Direct contact
+49 172 7509529 andre@pohlann.de Technical communication in German and English