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Hydraulic Die Lifters/Rollers

Hydraulic Lifter Selection

Hydraulic Die Lifters

Use Hydraulic Die Lifters for effort free lifting of medium and heavy duty dies.

Use Hydraulic Die Lifters for effort free lifting of medium and heavy duty dies.

When to Use Hydraulic Die Lifters:

Use hydraulic die lifters when die weights are typically standard for medium to large presses. Dies with a small footprint relative to the die weight will typically require Hydraulic Die Lifters.

In addition to a large lifting force, hydraulic actuation allows for easy and controlled movement of the die only when desired, in contrast to spring loaded lifters, typically used in light die applications.

Inline rollers provide for movement along the rail and transverse rollers for movement 90 degrees to the slot direction. Ball roller rails allow for movement in any direction but are generally more limiting in overall die weights.

How they are used:

Hydraulic Die Lifter Rails are secured in the slots via the included mounting bracket. Stand offs ensure the rails are captured in the slots, yet move freely up and down prior to die insertion.

The rails are activated using a PFA Hydraulic Control Unit, placing them in the «lifted» position. The die is then inserted by «rolling» into the press and lowered by rotating the control valve to the «lower» position (venting pressure). After insertion, the die may be indexed into position using an additional pair of transverse rollers lifting the die, alternating use of the transverse lifters and inline lifters, using a single pair of ball roller rails, or by other means.

Applications/Sizing

Hydraulic Die Lifter Rails are sized by determining the amount of load per linear foot of depth in the direction of movement, selecting the rail combinations (quanties and types) to meet this requirement, and then crafting the final part number so the rail will fit and function to the actual press T-slot or Rectangular slot dimenions. Note that it is often recommended to use rectangular rails in both rectangular and T-slots as they work in both and eliminate the chance of scrap and debris falling into the slot on the T portion and limiting travel of the die lifter.

The below procedure steps you through the process and has references to the different die lifters on the Die Lifter Models page and to the Sizing page depending on the type of Rail shape desired.  The use of rectangular rails for all slots is recommended.

How to Determine Available Die Lifter Rail Options

1. List out die sizes and weights. Assuming full lifter coverage under the die, calculate the die load per foot, per pair of lift rails. (W=width in feet)
lifter-rail-dimension-1
Die 1 Weight ________ ÷ W = ________ lbs./ft./pair
Die 2 Weight ________ ÷ W = ________ lbs./ft./pair
Die 3 Weight ________ ÷ W = ________ lbs./ft./pair

Determine heaviest die per foot.
Heaviest die density lb./ft./pair = __________________

2. Measure T-Slot or Rectangular channel throat.
If A = .800 to 1.000, use Narrow Rails
If A = 1.000 to 1.25, use Wide Rails
If A = 1.25, contact PFA

3. For the heaviest die, check the number of available slots under the die: Number of available slots = _______________ (See Chart Below)

4. Take the die density from Part 1 and find the closest larger lbs./ft./pair from the chart below. Then move across the top to find your desired die lifter style keeping in mind the Narrow or Wide from Part 2 and the number of available slots from Part 3.

5. Record the rail model number and number of needed rails from the chart:
Model ___________________ Quantity _________
Model ___________________ Quantity _________
Model ___________________ Quantity _________

6. Select the Model you desire from the chart below.

7. For the selected model, confirm that the number of rails always supports the dies as follows:
[W ft.] x [Chart lbs./ft./pair] x [No. of Rails] / 2 = [Lift Capacity] >. [Weight lbs.]

Die 1 ______ x ______ x ______ ÷ 2 = ______ > ______
Die 2 ______ x ______ x ______ ÷ 2 = ______ > ______

Ensure lift capacity is greater than die weight.

lifter-rail-dimension-28. Use the Model Number and Bolster Length (V) to determine the rail length desired (see the chart on the Die Lifter Models tab). Lifter will be flush with the loading side and should be near the back side but less than length (V). (Continue with Step 9)

9. With the model and length determined, the profile and final shape of the rail must be calculated. The sizing Rectangular Rails and «T» Rails tabs provide simple calculations to obtain the final information for the part number.

 

Note: Rail sizing is done for a nominal lift height of the die of approximately .060” – .080” above the bolster surface. If other heights above the surface are desired, contact PFA for easy sizing to those requirements.

Narrow Slot  Wide Slot 
Die Density (lbs./ft./pair) Ball Rollers
317N/318N
(1,800 lbs./ft./pr.)		 Cylinder Rollers
315N/316N
(1,800 lbs./ft./pr.)		 Ball Rollers
317W/318W
(2,150 lbs./ft./pr.)		 Cylinder Rollers
315W/316W/322W
(4,000 lbs./ft./pr.)		 Heavy Duty Cylinder Rollers
327W/328W
(9,000 lbs./ft./pr.)
1,800 2 Rails — 2 Rails — —
2,150 3 Rails 2 Rails 2 Rails 2 Rails —
2,700 3 Rails 2 Rails 3 Rails 2 Rails —
3,225 4 Rails 2 Rails 3 Rails 2 Rails —
3,600 4 Rails 2 Rails 4 Rails 2 Rails —
4,000 5 Rails 2 Rails 4 Rails 2 Rails —
4,300 5 Rails 3 Rails 4 Rails 3 Rails 2 Rails
4,500 5 Rails 3 Rails 5 Rails 3 Rails 2 Rails
5,500 6 Rails 3 Rails 5 Rails 3 Rails 2 Rails
6,000 ** ** ** ** **

**For large die densities, call PFA.

Die Lifter Models

Cylindrical & Ball Rollers

Model No. Slot Rectangular
or T-Slot		 Height
Extra Low Profile
Low Profile
High Profile		 Length Max Load per foot
(lbs./ ft./ pr.)		 Max Load Capacity
(lbs./pr.) 		Rollers/ Pistons
(per rail)

Cylindrical Rollers

315N 3/4” (.800)
Narrow 		Rect 1.355 (ELP)
1.495 (LP)
1.805 (HP)
Max stroke
ELP = .320"
LP = .360”
HP = .580” 		9”
11”
14”
21”
24”
30”
33”
36”
40”
42” 		45”
48”
54”
60”
66”
72”
84”
87”
90”
 4,000 3,000
4,000
4,000
7,000
8,000
10,000
11,000
12,000
13,000
14,000 		15,000
16,000
18,000
20,000
22,000
24,000
28,000
29,000
30,000
 04/03
05/04
05/04
08/07
09/08
11/10
12/11
13/12
14/14
15/14 		15/15
18/16
20/18
22/20
24/22
26/24
28/28
29/29
30/30
 rail-chart-image-1
316N T-Slot
315W 1” (.995)
Wide 		Rect
316W T-Slot
327W 1” (.995)
Wide 		Rect 1.385 (ELP)
1.495 (LP)
1.805 (HP)
Max stroke
ELP = .280"
LP = .360”
HP = .580”		 24”
30”
36”
42”
48”
54”
60” 		66”
72”
78”
84”
96”
108”
120” 		9,000 18,000
22,000
27,000
32,000
36,000
40,000
45,000 		49,000
54,000
58,000
63,000
72,000
81,000
93,000 		16/08
20/10
24/12
28/14
30/16
34/18
38/20 		42/22
46/24
50/26
54/28
60/32
68/36
72/40 		rail-chart-image-2
328W T-Slot
322W 1” (.995)
Wide		 T-Slot 1.495 (LP)
1.709 (HP)
Max stroke
LP = .360”
HP = .580”		 24”
30”
36”
42”
48”
54”
60”
66”
72”		 4,000 8,000
10,000
12,000
14,000
16,000
18,000
20,000
22,000
24,000		 14/08
18/10
22/12
26/14
30/16
34/18
38/20
42/22
46/24		 rail-chart-image-3

Ball Rollers

317N 3/4” (.800)
Narrow 		Rect 1.390 (ELP)
1.485 (LP)
1.720 (HP)
Max stroke
ELP = .300”
LP = .380”
HP = .620” 		9”
10”
12”
19”
22”
24”
26”
29”
31”
33”
36”
39”
41” 		44”
48”
50”
53”
58”
60”
62”
64”
66”
69”
72”
78”
 1,800 1,400
1,500
1,800
2,800
3,300
3,600
3,900
4,300
4,600
4,900
5,400
5,800
6,100 		6,600
7,200
7,500
8,200
8,600
8,900
9,200
9,500
9,800
10,300
10,800
11,600
 07/02
08/02
10/02
16/03
18/04
20/04
22/04
24/05
26/05
28/05
30/06
32/07
34/07 		36/08
40/08
42/08
44/09
48/10
50/10
52/10
54/10
56/10
58/11
60/12
64/14
 rail-chart-image-4
318N T-Slot
317W 1” (.995)
Wide 		Rect 1.485 (LP)
1.720 (HP)
Max stroke
LP = .360”
HP = .580” 		14”
19”
24”
29”
34”
39”
44”
48”
53” 		58”
63”
68”
73”
78”
83”
88”
92”
 2,150 2,500
3,400
4,300
5,200
6,100
7,000
7,900
8,600
9,500 		10,400
11,300
12,200
13,100
14,000
14,900
15,800
16,500
 10/03
14/04
18/05
22/06
26/07
30/08
34/09
36/10
40/11 		44/12
48/13
52/14
56/15
60/16
64/17
68/18
70/19
318W T-Slot

Chart shows typical lengths. Shorter, Longer, and custom lengths are available. Special rails are also available for smaller slots. Contact PFA for details.

Sizing Rectangular Rails

Rectangular Rails

How to Size a Rectangular Rail:

Recommended for all slots.
*Nominal .060” to .080” lift above surface of bolster.

  1. Measure Slot Depth (ER) to center bottom:
    ER = __________
    (See diagram of slot to the right and chart for heights and maximum stroke by type ELP/LP/HP on the Die Lifter Models tab.)
  2. Calculating Lift for desired lifted height above bolster surface.
    1. Select the rail height closest to, but LESS THAN the Slot depth ER
    2. For the given slot depth and rail height, calculate the piston stroke to raise the die above the surface (0.80” shown).
      ER + 0.080* – Height = ____________ Piston Stroke.
  3. Can the piston stroke that much?
    1. If calculated piston stroke is less than max stroke shown in the chart, use the appropriate ELP, LP, or HP in the part number and enter the calculated stroke. STOP.
    2. If calculated piston stroke is greater than the max stroke you need to redo the calculation for the next taller rail.
  4. Verify the lowered and raised positions fit the slot for the selected rail and stroke.
    1. Is the rail height (H) less than (ER)? If yes OK. Or Call PFA
    2. Is the rail height less lift height plus stroke equal to or slightly greater than ER? If yes OK. Or call PFA.
      H – .080* + stroke = > ER?
qdc-how-to-size-a-rectangular-rail
T-Slot and Rectangular Drawing

Identify Your Part Number

Example:  6,000 lb. die.  Use 8,000 clamps such as Model 825L, clamp plate thickness (CLH) is 1.0” and has 3/4 T-Slot.

Quick Die Change QDC Air Lifter Rail Part Number specification

** All flange and stroke dimensions are less than 1.000”, thus the decimal is omitted and fraction decimal entered. For example, a .310” stroke is XXX=310.

*** Standard widths are shown as .800 and .995 for standard rails. Use 0800 or 0995 for these units or other as desired. For example, a 1.020 width is YYYY=1020.

****For standard bracket leave blank or add EBK to the part number. If the internal to slot bracket is desired add IB to the part number.

For free sizing assistance and application support, please email or fax application dimensions and information to PFA.

Sizing “T” Rails

"T" Rails

How to Size a “T” Rail:

Only for T-Slots
*Nominal .060” to .080” lift above surface of bolster.

    1. Measure Neck Height (D) and Full Width Depth (ET):
      D = __________
      ET = __________
      (See diagram of slot and chart on «Die Lifter Models» tab for heights and maximum stroke by type ELP/LP/HP)
    2. Calculating Flange Height for desired lifted height above bolster surface.
      1. Select the rail height closest to, but LESS THAN the Slot depth ET
      2. For the given slot depth and rail height, calculate the piston stroke to raise the die above the surface (0.80” shown).
        H – .080* – D = _______ Flange Height
    3. Is anticipated flange height adequate?
      1. If calculated flange height is more than .25”, use the appropriate ELP, LP, or HP in the part number and enter the calculated flange height. STOP.
      2. If calculated flange height is less then .25”, contact PFA for assistance.
    4. Verify lowered and raised positions fit slot for selected rail.
      1. Is “H” less than (ET)?  If yes, ok.  If no, call PFA
      2. Is H – 0.80* – Flange height > = D? If yes, OK. Or call PFA.
Quick Die Change QDC Lifter Rail How to Size
T-Slot and Rectangular Drawing

Identify Your Part Number

Example:  6,000 lb. die.  Use 8,000 clamps such as Model 825L, clamp plate thickness (CLH) is 1.0” and has 3/4 T-Slot.

Quick Die Change QDC Air Lifter Rail Part Number specification

** All flange and stroke dimensions are less than 1.000”, thus the decimal is omitted and fraction decimal entered. For example, a .310” stroke is XXX=310.

*** Standard widths are shown as .800 and .995 for standard rails. Use 0800 or 0995 for these units or other as desired. For example, a 1.020 width is YYYY=1020.

****For standard bracket leave blank or add EBK to the part number. If the internal to slot bracket is desired add IB to the part number.

For free sizing assistance and application support, please email or fax application dimensions and information to PFA.

Installation/Videos

View/Download User Guides

Product Videos

Hydraulic Die Lifter/Roller Bar Oring Seal Replacement Video

Hydraulic Die Lifter Rails, also known as ball bars and roller bars, are secured in the slots via the included mounting bracket. Standoffs on the mounting bolts provide a gap for the bracket and ensure the rails are captured in the slots, yet move freely up and down. The rails are activated using a PFA Hydraulic Control Unit, placing them in the “lifted” position. The die is then inserted by “rolling” into the press and lowered by rotating the control valve on the control unit to the “lower” position (venting pressure).

Using a short DL-316N Hydraulic Die Lifter, the internals of the die lifter are shown as part of the seal replacement procedure. Tips and techniques are demonstrated for easy oring seal replacement.

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Trabajamos con nuestros clientes para resolver los problemas existentes y podemos diseñar soluciones personalizadas cuando sea necesario. Con más de 25 años de experiencia en la revisión de aplicaciones y el suministro de productos personalizados, es probable que PFA ya tenga diseñada la solución a tu problema. ¡Llámanos hoy y cuéntanos como podemos ayudarte!

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