We went through the press selection process last year and learned a lot. Here's our guide for anyone going through it now.
The selection guide covers the 7 key factors, but choosing a servo press is one of those decisions where the details that matter most aren't in any spec sheet.
Here's what I wish someone had told me before my first servo press purchase: visit at least three shops running the press you're considering, and ask to see it run YOUR part (or something similar). Brochure specs are best-case numbers. A press rated for 200 SPM on a simple blank might only do 60 SPM on your deep-draw part because the motion profile eats cycle time.
Drive system choice is another area where I see people get tripped up. Direct drive (crank) servos are simpler and cheaper, but link-drive servos give you that extended dwell near BDC that's critical for drawing and coining. If you're doing any forming work, the link drive premium pays for itself in die life and part quality. Screw-drive servos are a different animal entirely —amazing for precision assembly presses, but the energy curve doesn't suit high-speed stamping.
I'd love to hear from the community:
- What was the deciding factor in your last servo press purchase?
- Anyone regret their drive system choice? What would you pick differently?
- How important was local service/support in your decision vs. press specs?
- For those running multiple brands —which vendor has the best after-sale support?
Real purchase experiences help more than any spec comparison. Share what you've learned.