What is the difference between a power press and a hydraulic press?

A power press uses a flywheel and crank: fast and best for blanking and piercing. A hydraulic press uses oil pressure: slower but with full force through the stroke, better for drawing and forming.

What does the tonnage of a power press mean?

The maximum force the press can apply near the bottom of the stroke. The press tool's cutting or forming force must stay below it, with a margin.

Who owns the press tool in job work?

Usually the buyer who pays for it, and the workshop keeps it for their orders. Agree this in writing before the tool is made.

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Power press

Also called: mechanical power press, eccentric press, crank press, C-frame press, punching press

A power press is a mechanical press driven by a motor and flywheel through a crank or eccentric. With a press tool (die) fitted, it blanks, pierces, bends and forms sheet metal parts at high speed, from washers and brackets to automotive parts.

Quick facts

Drive: Motor and flywheel through a crank or eccentric shaft
Frames: C-frame (open on three sides) or straight-side (H-frame)
Size range: From about 5 tonnes to several hundred tonnes
Speed: Tens to hundreds of strokes per minute
Clutch: Pneumatic friction clutch-brake (modern) or mechanical (older)
Works with: Sheet and strip, fed by hand or by coil feeder

How it works

The motor keeps a heavy flywheel spinning. When the clutch engages, the flywheel turns the crankshaft, which drives the slide (ram) down and up once. The upper half of the press tool is fixed to the slide and the lower half to the bed, so each stroke makes a part or moves a strip one step through a progressive die.

Work it does

Blanking and piercing: cutting shapes and holes
Bending and forming
Shallow drawing and embossing
Progressive and compound die work for high volumes
Riveting and assembly with special tools

C-frame or straight-side?

	C-frame	Straight-side (H-frame)
Access	Open on three sides, easy loading	Front and back
Rigidity	Opens slightly under load	Very rigid
Best for	Small and medium parts, hand feeding	Large tools, progressive dies, accuracy

Power press or hydraulic press?

Power press: fast, constant stroke; best for high-volume blanking and piercing
Hydraulic press: full force through the stroke and adjustable speed; better for deep drawing and forming

Safety

Power presses are among the most dangerous machines in a workshop. Guarding (fixed or interlocked guards, light curtains), two-hand controls, a working clutch-brake and trained operators are essential; never reach into the tool area while the press can stroke.

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Related job work

Sheet metal stamping (press work)

Machines

Materials

Questions

What is the difference between a power press and a hydraulic press?: A power press uses a flywheel and crank: fast and best for blanking and piercing. A hydraulic press uses oil pressure: slower but with full force through the stroke, better for drawing and forming.
What does the tonnage of a power press mean?: The maximum force the press can apply near the bottom of the stroke. The press tool's cutting or forming force must stay below it, with a margin.
Who owns the press tool in job work?: Usually the buyer who pays for it, and the workshop keeps it for their orders. Agree this in writing before the tool is made.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 8 October 2026.