The aPriori baseline machine selection logic for the press uses the green density of the specified material and compaction coefficients to determine the required compaction pressure. Next, the compaction pressure is multiplied by the projected cross sectional area of the part to give a required force. The force is used to determine the required press.

You can manually select a different machine using the Edit Machine Selection window which lists the properties of all machines available at the facility. For information on how to select a different machine, see the "Selecting a machine for an operation" section of the aPriori User Guide.

The aPriori baseline powder metal model includes a set of hydraulic and mechanical (rigid frame) machines for the compaction pressing process, ranging from 12 to 1,600 tons. Hydraulic machines have multiple die sets (which can minimize the need for tool changes), can run at variable speeds during a cycle and are CNC programmable. Conversely, mechanical machines run at a constant speed during each cycle but may have die sets.

The aPriori baseline selects the sinter oven by assessing the size of the part and the belt speed, furnace length and belt width of the furnace. By default, aPriori selects the machine which results in the lowest sintering cost.