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Determining Standard Safety Block Length

1. Find stroke of the press.
2. Depending on how block is to be used: With die open (stroke up), measure either the space between the upper and lower die OR the space between the slide (RAM) face and the bolster at the point where the block(s) would be placed.
3. Add (1) and (2) together ~ TOTAL
   (Also when measuring, consider that the slide is adjustable.)
4. If wedges are to be used, subtract 1½" maximum.
   (This is allowance for variation in the stopping point of the crank shaft.)
5. If end caps are ordered, subtract the end cap allowance for the desired size of block.
   SB-1 1¼"     -     SB-2 1¼"     -     SB-3 1½"

Add/subtract as directed and the result will be the safety block length to order.

Canadian and U.S. Applicable Standards for Presses
CSA (Power Press)      7. Machinery Requirements
OSHA (Power Press)   Standards-29 CFR Part 1910

Engineering Data ~ Adjustable & Wedge Style Press Blocks

B.) Determine the Static Load that is to be Supported by the Safety Block (either standard or adjustable screw blocks)
(1) Add the total weight of the slide (RAM) assembly plus upper die and all components.
(2) Multiply this number by two (2) for a safety factor.
(3) The resulting figure is the amount of static weight that the safety block(s) will have to support.

C.) If static load of the ram and top tooling is unknown, calculate an approximated static load using the following formula. This method contains a built-in safety factor of two (2).

D.) Refer to the size safety block that should be used for load by using the product data sheets.

• Many materials are available for use in blocking the ram and upper die of a press. 6061-T6 aluminum offers much higher extruded strength per cubic inch than any other know press safety block material on the market. When static load cpacity of the material is compared, aluminum becomes the clear choice.
• Use only certified material, preferably aluminum. Aluminum is malleable, and will deform. Magnesium is supposed to fracture at a 45 degree angle, but can fracture and cause shrapnel. Steel should never be considered due to potential shrapnel issues.
• .250" of daylight. Under no circumstances should there be more space between the top of the Die Safety Block and the die, or between the top of the Die Safety Block and the slide if the die is absent. It is absolutely critical to accurately calculate the needed Safety Die Block length. An opening greater than .250" changes the force of a moving slide from static to dynamic.
• If two Die Safety Blocks are needed, they should be placed at diagonal corners.