Finally got that stubborn riser to break clean on the old 200-ton press

We had a big steel casting with a riser that just would not snap off clean. It kept tearing into the casting surface, ruining the finish. I tried adjusting the break-off bar height, the angle, even the temperature of the piece before the break. Nothing worked for two whole shifts. Finally, one of the old-timers suggested we wrap a wet rag around the riser neck for 90 seconds right before the break. It cooled that spot just enough and it popped off perfect on the first try. Has anyone else had to get creative with a riser break on a stubborn alloy?

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2 Comments

the_lucas5mo ago

That "wet rag around the riser neck" trick is a lifesaver. We had a similar nightmare with some high-chrome stuff where it just wouldn't let go. Ended up using a targeted shot from the CO2 fire extinguisher on the neck right before the press cycle. Looked ridiculous but it worked.

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harper_murphy5mo ago

CO2 on chrome... wonder if that causes any hidden stress cracks later.

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