The Challenge
A metal stamping manufacturer experienced a critical failure on a 2,000-ton stamping press, threatening to bring production to a standstill. As a key asset in the facility’s metal forming operation, the press was responsible for producing high-volume stamped components, making every hour of downtime costly.
The issue involved the press drive system, including a heavily worn HKB800 clutch brake assembly and bearing damage within the massive 38,000-pound flywheel. The customer required immediate support to avoid prolonged production losses and restore the press to safe, reliable operation.
With production schedules at risk and downtime costs escalating, a rapid onsite solution was essential.
The Solution
DESCH mobilized its field service team to perform an emergency onsite rebuild of the complete press drive system.
The project included:
- Emergency response and onsite technical support.
- Complete rebuild of the HKB800 clutch brake assembly.
- Removal and replacement of damaged flywheel bearings.
- Inspection and restoration of critical press drive components.
- Precision reassembly of the drive system.
- Functional testing and verification prior to returning the press to production.
Performing the repair onsite eliminated the need to remove and transport major components, significantly reducing repair time and accelerating the return to operation.
Product Spotlight
This success story features the Lutex® HKB and DESCH complete drive systems. The Lutex® HKB is a wet-running multi-disc clutch/brake combination designed for intermittently driven machines, while DESCH complete drive systems help simplify machine design and assembly.
The Result
DESCH successfully restored the 2,000-ton stamping press drive system and returned the equipment to service with minimal disruption to production.
The rebuilt clutch brake and new flywheel bearings restored reliable power transmission throughout the press drive, helping ensure safe operation and consistent performance under demanding production conditions.
Key Outcomes
Emergency onsite repair minimized production downtime.
Complete rebuild of the HKB800 clutch brake assembly.
Replacement of bearings in a 38,000-pound press flywheel.
Restored reliability and performance of the press drive system.
Eliminated the delays associated with offsite repairs.
Returned a critical production asset to service quickly.
Reduced the risk of further drivetrain damage and unplanned failures.
Customer Impact
For metal stamping operations, the loss of a large-tonnage press can have an immediate impact on production schedules, customer deliveries, and profitability. Extended downtime often results in missed deadlines, increased operating costs, and significant disruption throughout the manufacturing process.
By responding quickly and performing the repair onsite, DESCH helped the customer avoid a lengthy outage and restore a critical production asset without the delays typically associated with major component repairs.
The project demonstrates DESCH’s ability to provide rapid-response field service for complex clutch, brake, flywheel, and press drive systems—helping manufacturers protect productivity, maintain operational continuity, and keep critical equipment running when it matters most.
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