Overview
ISO 9188:1993 specifies the characteristics and dimensions for straight-sided, single-action mechanical power presses with nominal forces from 400 kN up to and including 4 000 kN. The standard defines 19 important characteristics (including forces, dimensions and nominal energy) and provides preferred values and dimension tables to support machine specification, manufacture and tool interchangeability. It applies to presses intended for single or continuous operation and to geared or ungeared 1-, 2- or 4-point machines.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and definitions: clear definitions for nominal force (Fn), nominal force travel (hn), nominal energy (Wn), bed cushion force (Ft) and slide knockout force (Fk).
- Characteristic selection: 19 characteristics are specified and chosen from tables 1–8; manufacturers may select combinations to suit design needs.
- Dimensional limits and preferred series: preferred values follow established preferred-number series (R5, R10) and arithmetic progressions for practical steps (e.g., shut-height steps of 100 mm; slide adjustment steps of 25 mm).
- Energy and performance: nominal energy (Wn) is related to flywheel speed reduction and number of strokes per minute - these parameters should be specified together with Wn.
- Tooling and interchangeability: to allow tool interchangeability, the pitch of slide knockouts is standardized (225 mm).
- Tables and example values: the standard includes detailed tables for bedplate and slide widths/depths, shut heights, slide stroke, cushion travel, bedplate thickness, forces and energies (examples: 400 kN to 4 000 kN nominal force; Wn values given across the R10 series).
Applications and users
ISO 9188 is practical for:
- Press manufacturers specifying dimensional and force characteristics during design and production.
- Machine-tool designers and OEMs ensuring compatibility of drive, slide and bed geometry.
- Tool and die makers needing consistent knockout spacing and shut-height data to design interchangeable tooling.
- Plant engineers and procurement teams comparing press models and specifying performance (nominal force, energy, stroke, shut height).
- Maintenance and retrofitting when replacing sub-bolsters, cushions or other components that affect shut height and force ratings.
Related standards
- ISO 9189:1993 - straight-sided high-speed mechanical power presses (related family standard).
- ISO 6898, ISO 8540 - referenced standards for specific press types and vocabulary.
- Annex A (informative) provides bibliography and cross references.
Keywords: ISO 9188, mechanical power presses, straight-sided press dimensions, single-action presses, nominal force, nominal energy, press characteristics, press standard.