TL;DR
Die misalignment on the Aida NC1 is usually worn guide pins or an uneven bolster surface. Measure punch-to-die clearance on all four sides before adjusting anything.
What you might see
- parts off-center or uneven wall thickness
- punch and die contact on one side only
- guide pin wear marks asymmetric
- abnormal burr pattern on stamped parts
Likely causes
Worn guide pins or bushings increasing lateral play in the die set
Bolster plate surface damage or contamination shifting the die position
Die set clamping bolts loose or uneven, allowing the die to shift under load
Ram parallelism out of tolerance from extended service or an overload event
Required tools
- Feeler gauge set
- Outside micrometer (for guide pin diameter)
- Inside micrometer or bore gauge (for bushing bore)
- Fine sharpening stone
- Torque wrench
- Dial indicator with magnetic base
- LOTO kit
- Die block (press-specific)
Safety first
- Insert the die block before entering the press work zone. Never work inside the press stroke area without a secured die block.
- Lock out the main disconnect before removing or installing any die tooling.
- Light curtains must be fully operational before returning the press to production.
Procedure
- 1
Stop the press and insert the die block. Lock out the main disconnect.
- 2
Remove the die from the press and measure the guide pin diameter and bushing bore. Compare to Aida tooling specification.[1]
- 3
Measure the punch-to-die clearance on all four sides using feeler gauges. Uniform clearance confirms the die is centered.
- 4
Inspect the bolster plate surface for burrs, weld spatter, chips, or raised edges. Clean any contamination with a fine stone.
- 5
Inspect the upper die shoe mounting surface in the ram for the same defects.
- 6
Replace worn guide pins and bushings with parts to Aida tooling tolerance. Do not attempt to re-grind guide pins in the field.[1]
- 7
Reinstall the die. Torque all clamping bolts to the value specified on the Aida die setup sheet, using a cross-pattern sequence.
- 8
Close the press slowly by inching to bottom dead center. Re-check punch-to-die clearance before running production parts.
- 9
If clearance is uniform but misalignment persists, check ram parallelism with a dial indicator. Ram parallelism is outside field adjustment scope; contact Aida service.
Sources
Aida NC1 Mechanical Servo Press Operation Manual, Aida Engineering
Aida NC1 Mechanical Press Operation Manual, die set and tooling alignment procedures (general)
View source
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