Machine Foundation and Press Pits Construction Information

Precise construction of machine foundations and press pits has become paramount to the longevity of today’s complex and heavy machine presses.

Modern day machinery used to manufacture durable goods components such as washing machines and trombones all utilize a similar process known as “pressing” to shape raw materials into finished goods. The processes may vary in the type of force being applied. Hydroforming incorporates the use of a fluid (in varying manners) to shape metals, such as brass or aluminum. The results of the process are products that are structurally rigid and durable. Without press machinery these products would be difficult to make.

Press machinery allows products to be produced efficiently and rapidly. Due to the seemingly endless applications of press machines, manufacturers are able to supply consumer markets with affordable products.

Initial investments in press machines (and other manufacturing machinery) can be costly. Some machines can easily cost multiple hundreds of thousands of dollars. To supply the investors with a worthwhile return on their investment, these machines must be able to efficiently produce products over their lifecycle. These machines can have hundreds of moving parts that occasionally require repair or replacement.

The design of press machines are focused on the most efficient and effective manner of operations. Before the common practice of constructing pits under the press machines, machine design was often hampered by the inability to access the bottom portion of the machines. Access to the bottom of the machines allows all areas of the machine to be accessed for maintenance purposes. The housing of the machine on a suspended foundation with a cavity beneath serves a second purpose as well.

Machine presses most always have scrap material that is produces in the pressing process. Design engineers work with gravitational forces to move this scrap material into channels and away from the machine. With the ability to channel scrap material underneath the machine (a process that is avoided in machine setups without a pit), engineers are able to design machines that operate much more effectively. The scrap material can be collected in bins and move away with vehicles or on a conveyor system.

For machinery that doesn’t require a pit, special precautions must be taken as well. Weight distribution knowledge is one of the most critical components needed in the construction of machine foundations. Machines generate a significant amount of energy in their operational process, and this energy is transferred into the foundation through vibrations.

Proper construction of a machine foundation begins with intelligent design. Exacting the details of the architect’s drawings into an actual foundation should only be attempted by professional concrete specialists. The intricate elements require a thorough understanding and knowledge of the properties of concrete to create the crucial support system for these behemoth machines.

Wayne Bros. Inc. is a commercial concrete construction firm that has been in business for almost 25 years. They are located in Charlotte, NC. They specialize in commercial and heavy industrial concrete foundational platforms for large structures and complex foundation applications, such as machine foundations and press pits.
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