Used Stamping Press & Punch Press Buying Guide

Types of Stamping Presses

OBI (Open Back Inclinable) Presses

The OBI press is the most common type of stamping press and the foundation of general-purpose metal stamping. Its C-frame design provides open access from three sides — front, left, and right — making it easy to feed material, load parts, and eject scrap. Many OBI presses can be tilted backward (inclined) so that stamped parts and scrap fall out the open back by gravity, enabling faster production cycles.

OBI presses are available from 5 tons to around 250 tons, with the most common sizes falling between 30 and 150 tons. They are well suited for blanking, piercing, forming, and shallow drawing operations. Their relatively low cost and versatility make them the go-to choice for job shops, tool rooms, and secondary operations. However, the open C-frame deflects under heavy loads, which limits their precision compared to straight side presses. For progressive die work requiring tight dimensional tolerances, a straight side press is preferred.

OBI presses use either a full-revolution clutch (older design — the ram must complete a full stroke once engaged) or a part-revolution clutch and brake (modern design — the ram can be stopped at any point). Part-revolution clutch presses are significantly safer and more versatile. When buying a used OBI press, always verify the clutch type and ensure it meets current OSHA and ANSI B11.1 safety standards.

OBS (Open Back Stationary) Presses

OBS presses share the C-frame design of OBI presses but cannot be tilted. They tend to be larger and more rigidly constructed, typically ranging from 60 to 400 tons. The stationary frame allows for heavier bolster plates and more robust connections, making them better suited for heavier-duty operations and larger dies. OBS presses are often used in production stamping where the press remains in a fixed position with automated material handling.

Straight Side Presses

Straight side presses use a rigid, box-like frame with two vertical columns (uprights) supporting the crown above the bed. The crown contains the drive mechanism, and the slide (ram) moves vertically within the two uprights. This closed-frame design provides exceptional rigidity and resists angular deflection far better than C-frame presses, resulting in tighter dimensional control and longer die life.

Straight side presses are the standard for progressive die stamping, transfer press operations, and any application requiring high precision or high tonnage. They are available from 100 tons to 4,000+ tons. Single-point presses use one connecting rod (smaller tonnages), two-point presses use two connecting rods (most common for medium tonnage), and four-point presses use four connecting rods (large-tonnage applications for uniform pressure distribution across the slide).

The drive mechanism is typically a crankshaft or eccentric gear. Link-drive (knuckle-joint) presses are a variation that provides slower ram speed near bottom dead center, which is advantageous for drawing and forming operations. Straight side presses cost significantly more than OBI presses of equivalent tonnage, but the investment pays off in precision, reliability, and die longevity.

Hydraulic Stamping Presses

Hydraulic presses use hydraulic cylinders to drive the ram rather than a mechanical crankshaft. They offer several unique advantages for stamping applications: full tonnage available anywhere in the stroke (not just at bottom dead center), variable and programmable stroke speed, adjustable dwell time at bottom, and the ability to produce extremely long strokes. These characteristics make hydraulic presses ideal for deep drawing, coining, embossing, molding, and forming operations that require controlled force application throughout the stroke.

Hydraulic stamping presses are available in C-frame, straight side, and four-column configurations from 10 tons to 10,000+ tons. Their stroke rate (strokes per minute) is lower than mechanical presses — typically 10–25 SPM vs 30–100+ SPM for mechanical — so they are not ideal for high-speed progressive die work. However, for deep draws, complex forms, and applications requiring precise tonnage control, hydraulic presses are often the only viable option.

Gap Frame Presses

Gap frame presses (also called C-frame presses) are a broad category that includes OBI and OBS presses. The defining characteristic is the C-shaped frame that creates a gap between the ram and bed, allowing material to be fed from three sides. Larger gap frame presses (200–400 tons) with part-revolution clutches are used for medium-production stamping and offer a middle ground between standard OBI presses and straight side presses in terms of rigidity and cost.

Key Specifications to Evaluate

Tonnage (Press Capacity)

Tonnage is the maximum force the press can deliver, measured in tons. For mechanical presses, rated tonnage is available only at a specific distance above bottom dead center (typically 1/4 inch for smaller presses and 1/2 inch for larger ones). Operating the press above rated capacity causes frame fatigue, crankshaft failure, and premature wear. Always ensure the tonnage rating exceeds your calculated requirement by at least 20–30%.

Bed Size (Bolster Area)

The bed size determines the maximum die size that can be mounted on the press. Dimensions are specified as left-to-right × front-to-back. Standard bed sizes range from 12×18 inches on small OBI presses to 120×60 inches or larger on heavy straight side presses. The bed must be large enough for the die plus clamping hardware. Many presses have T-slots or tapped holes in the bolster for die clamping.

Stroke

Stroke is the total distance the ram travels from top dead center to bottom dead center. Fixed-stroke presses have a set stroke length determined by the crankshaft throw. Adjustable-stroke presses (usually hydraulic) can be programmed for different stroke lengths. Stroke must be long enough for the die operation plus clearance for part ejection and material feed.

Shut Height

Shut height is the distance from the top of the bolster (bed) to the bottom of the slide (ram) when the slide is at bottom dead center and the stroke adjustment is at its shortest setting. This dimension determines the maximum closed height of die that can be installed. Shut height adjustment (typically 2–6 inches) allows the press to accommodate dies of different closed heights.

Strokes Per Minute (SPM)

SPM determines production speed. Mechanical presses range from 20 SPM on large presses to 100+ SPM on small, high-speed presses. Some specialized high-speed presses exceed 1,000 SPM for small, thin-material parts. Higher SPM requires faster material feed systems, more robust die construction, and more sophisticated safety systems. Match press speed to your die capability and production requirements.

Slide Adjustment

Slide adjustment allows you to change the shut height by raising or lowering the slide connection point. This accommodates dies of different heights and allows fine-tuning of bottom dead center position. Motorized slide adjustment is standard on modern presses and provides precise, repeatable settings. Manual adjustment is found on older and smaller presses.

Top Stamping Press Brands on the Used Market

Bliss

Bliss has been building stamping presses in the United States since 1867 and is one of the most recognized names in the industry. Bliss presses are known for heavy-duty construction and long service life — many Bliss presses built in the 1960s and 1970s are still in production today. Their OBI presses and straight side presses are staples of the used market. Bliss was acquired by BCN Technical Services and continues to support legacy equipment. Used Bliss presses range from $5,000 for small OBI models to $200,000+ for large straight side presses.

Minster

Minster Machine Company (now part of Nidec Press & Automation) built its reputation on high-speed, precision stamping presses. Minster presses are the gold standard for progressive die stamping at high speeds — their Hevi-Stamper and P2 series are among the most sought-after presses on the used market. Minster presses feature precision-machined slideways, robust crankshaft designs, and excellent repeatability. Used Minster presses command premium pricing: $15,000–$100,000+ depending on model and tonnage.

Clearing (Nidec)

Clearing is another historic American press manufacturer, now part of the Nidec Press & Automation group. Clearing straight side presses are widely used in automotive and appliance stamping. Their presses are known for straightforward, reliable designs that are easy to maintain. The Clearing name remains synonymous with mid-to-large tonnage straight side presses. Used Clearing presses range from $20,000 to $150,000+.

Komatsu

Komatsu is a Japanese manufacturer offering a full range of stamping presses from small OBI presses to large servo-driven production lines. Komatsu servo presses (H1F and H2W series) represent the latest technology in stamping — they use servo motors instead of flywheels, providing programmable slide motion profiles that optimize forming operations. Used Komatsu presses range from $10,000 for standard mechanical presses to $200,000+ for servo press models.

AIDA

AIDA Engineering is a leading Japanese manufacturer of precision stamping presses and servo presses. AIDA presses are widely used in automotive, electronics, and precision component manufacturing. Their servo press technology (DSF series) enables fully programmable slide motion — variable speed, dwell, and multi-action strokes within a single cycle. AIDA presses are premium machines with pricing to match: used models range from $15,000 to $250,000+ depending on type and tonnage.

Used Stamping Press Pricing

Prices vary based on brand, age, condition, controls, and included automation or feed equipment. Presses with servo feeds, coil lines, or automation packages carry significant premiums.

Coil Handling and Feed Equipment

Most production stamping operations run coil stock rather than pre-cut blanks. A complete coil line consists of three main components that must be matched to the press and die requirements:

• Coil reel (uncoiler) — holds the coil and pays off material at a controlled rate. Reel capacity is rated by coil weight (typically 2,000–20,000 lbs) and coil width (12–72 inches). Motorized reels with loop control are standard for production work.
• Straightener (leveler) — removes coil set (curvature) from the material by passing it through a series of precision rollers. Straighteners are critical for flatness-sensitive parts and progressive die work. Heavy straighteners with more rolls produce flatter material.
• Feeder — advances material into the die at a precisely controlled length (feed progression) synchronized with the press stroke. Roll feeds, servo feeds, and gripper feeds are the three main types. Servo feeds offer the most accuracy and flexibility, with programmable feed length, speed profiles, and pilot release timing.

When buying a used stamping press for production coil work, budget for the coil line equipment in addition to the press. A complete coil line can add $10,000–$100,000+ to the total investment depending on material width, thickness, and production speed requirements.

What to Inspect When Buying a Used Stamping Press

Frame and Gibs

Inspect the frame for cracks, especially around the connection rod bores and at stress concentrations. On C-frame presses, check for angular deflection under load by measuring frame opening at the front and back under tonnage — excessive deflection indicates the frame may be fatigued. On straight side presses, check tie rod tension (if applicable) and inspect the uprights for cracking. Inspect the gibs (slide guides) for wear — excessive clearance causes poor part quality and accelerates die wear.

Clutch and Brake

The clutch and brake are the most critical safety components on a mechanical stamping press. On part-revolution clutch presses, check the brake stopping angle — OSHA and ANSI B11.1 require the slide to stop within a specified number of degrees (typically 15–30 degrees depending on press speed). Measure the stopping time and compare to the standard. Inspect clutch and brake linings for wear. Air clutch and brake systems should maintain pressure without leaks. Ask when the clutch and brake were last rebuilt — typical rebuild intervals are every 3–5 years in production environments.

Crankshaft and Bearings

The crankshaft is the most expensive single component in a mechanical press — replacement can cost more than the press itself on large machines. Check the crankshaft journals for scoring or heat discoloration. Listen for knocking or rumbling sounds that indicate bearing wear. Check bearing clearances with the manufacturer's specifications. On eccentric-gear presses, inspect the gear teeth for wear or pitting.

Slide and Connections

Check the slide (ram) for parallelism to the bed using a dial indicator — the slide face should be parallel to the bolster within 0.001–0.002 inch per foot. Inspect the connection (connecting rod to slide) for wear or looseness. Check the slide adjustment mechanism for proper function and holding ability — the slide should not drift during operation.

Motor and Drive System

Check the main motor for proper operation, excessive heat, or unusual noise. Inspect the flywheel for cracks and balance. Check belt or gear drive condition. On variable-speed drives, test the speed range and verify smooth operation across the full SPM range. Measure motor amperage under load and compare to the nameplate rating.

Safety Systems and Controls

Verify that all safety systems function correctly: two-hand controls, light curtains, barrier guards, presence-sensing devices, and emergency stop. The press control should include top-stop capability, anti-repeat, and single-stroke mode. OSHA compliance is mandatory — a used press with inadequate safety systems will require expensive upgrades. Many stamping press rebuilders offer safety upgrades as part of a rebuild package.

Die Space and Bolster Condition

Inspect the bolster (bed) surface for damage, wear, or warping. Check T-slots for burrs or damage that would prevent proper die clamping. Verify that the die space dimensions match your tooling requirements. If the press has a cushion (die cushion for drawing operations), test it for proper pressure and function.

Why Buy a Used Stamping Press from Meadoworks

Meadoworks is a trusted source for used stamping presses and metalworking equipment with deep expertise in press technology. We carry presses from all major manufacturers across the full spectrum of types and tonnages — from 30-ton OBI presses for job shops to 1,000-ton straight side presses for production stamping. Every machine is accurately described with honest condition assessments.

We understand stamping applications and can help match the right press to your production requirements. Whether you need a single press or a complete stamping cell with coil line and automation, Meadoworks can help. Contact us or call 800-323-0307 to discuss your stamping needs.

Frequently Asked Questions