Design optimization of c-frame construction for automation industrial press mechanism at PT. Matahari Megah using FEA

Servo press mechanism is widely used in automation industry to assemble parts that is utilized with software to control press speed, load, position, and has closed-loop feedback system for accurate and precise assembling process. This mechanism needs c-frame construction to support the process which determines press result quality. The frame must be established with robust, sturdy, and economic design consideration to satisfy industrial requirements. However, existing c-frame of servo press cannot meet all of those design considerations, so that optimization must be conducted to increase design performance. Then, the objective in this research is to optimize c-frame construction with strength and sturdy that is conducted by PT. Matahari Megah to compromise with design needs and economic factor. Furthermore, optimization method utilizes FEA software to create preliminary design and analysis, performance comparison, and decision making consideration. Existing c-frame design is robust but is not sturdy enough because deflection is greater than permissible limit. Therefore, three model configurations are considered to obtain design needs. Third case model can meet sturdy requirement with 0.389 mm deflection that is conducted using FEA with general mesh arrangement. Then, proper economic consideration can reduce total machining time and total production cost.