Shrinker Stretcher

[Charst]

Hi Folks

Just wanted to show the result of the last days of work on FREECAD on my Shrinker/Stretcher.
Waterjet cutting is already in progress and abt. 90% of the other parts are in my workshop and waiting to be assembled.
Apart from the 300 mm throat depth, one special feature are the swiss made jaws from ECKOLD with quick release mechanism. The machine is designed for 1.5mm mild steel sheet metal or 2mm aluminum.
Machine uses a pneumatic membrane cylinder from a truck brake system. It will bring 3 tons of pressure on the jaws by putting 5 bar of air pressure on the cylinder.
Will post photos when it is finished (hope this is done sometimes in March 2018).

Greetings from Germany

Charst

[bimmer1980]

Looks like a nice design!

I'd be interested in a set of the .stp files. I just got solidworks, so should be straight forward to open the files.

I'll be interested in seeing some pictures as you get all your parts together and start assembling it!

Thanks for posting!!

[mwmkravchenko]

I'd be interested in the step files. If they are available.

mark at kravchenko-audio.com

[Mi Tasol]

Hi Charst

Any project photos and finished parts to show to those of us who are interested and jealous yet?

Mi

[KustomsbyKent]

Any progress updates?

[Charst]

Hi Folks! It's been a while...

Here are some pictures of my finished Shrinker/Stretcher. Works great. I optimized the working speed (cycles per minute) by implementing a quick pressure release valve on the pneumatic membrane cylinder. Depending on the work piece it can be up to 30/min now. I also figured that the forces required for shrinking are way higher than for stretching. With the current setting it easily shrinks 1,0mm mild steel and stretches up to 1,5mm. If I had to do one again, I'd use a larger membrane cylinder and a stronger material for the excenter (see 3D pic) which is 2x 12mm plates made of S235, bolted together.
Just ask if you have any questions...

Charst

[mwmkravchenko]

Awesome pictures! I see a quality tool that you have made. Something like this can be very useful for panel work and even bending bar and angle iron. If you were to do it over what metal thickness do you think it would be capable of shrinking or stretching?

Did you ever release the STEP files? I use FreeCAD to!

[KustomsbyKent]

Great build!
Any video of it in action?
I would also be interested in the step files if you're willing to share.
How much did the jaws from Eckold cost? Looks like it would be great for deep shrinking or stretching work.
Thanks
Kent

[DIYer]

Thanks Charst! We've added your Shrinker Stretcher to our Metalworking category,
as well as to your builder page: Charst's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Shrinker Stretcher by Charst

tags: shrinker/stretcher, pneumatic

[Charst]

Hi Kent

The Eckolds are used ones. I was really lucky to get them for a very, very low price
I accidently have deleted the set of STP-Files a couple of months ago and was too lazy to make new ones. I Just have the original .FCStd-Files from FREECad, the DXF-Files for the waterjet cutting and a parts list (German). It's a 10mb Zipfile package that I can send you. Send me a PM with your email adress.

Cheers

Charst