Optimizing the Design Structure of Recycled Aluminum Pressing Machine using the Finite Element Method

Abstract

This research presents the design and analysis of five variations of a hydraulic press machine frame with a length of 720 mm, a width of 1060 mm, and a height of 430 mm. The proposed design optimization is based on the needs of one of the SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) that produces non-precision aluminum components in Indonesia, namely CV C-Maxi Alloycast. The design was analyzed using the Finite Element Method (FEA) to determine the stress equivalent, total deformation, and safety factor of the frame after static loading. The design uses ASTM A36 Steel Plate material, equipped with three hydraulics that press the horizontal load in the X and Y axes of 40 tons and the Z direction of 35 tons. The simulation results show that the safest design is to modify the number of frames in the critical parts of the press machine door with a wall thickness of 15 mm and a frame of 20 mm. Meanwhile, the minimum safety factor value is obtained from a design with a minimum number of frames with a wall thickness of 10 mm and a frame thickness of 20 mm. The addition of frames at critical door points has a significant influence on increasing design safety, so researchers recommend using wall and frame thicknesses with values greater than the minimum safe design values. It is hoped that the findings from the simulation results can become a reference in the fabrication of aluminum press machines.

Keywords

• Aluminum
• FEA
• Hydraulic Press Machine