Monitoring energy consumption of machines which are used in manufacture is a current trend. We can achieve the reduction of energy consumption by appropriate optimization. The goal of this article is to compare different approaches to energy balance in various industries. We focus on one working cycle of a forming machine, where we monitor the ratio between the used and consumed energy. We divide the consumed energy into losses caused by friction and losses due to the elastic deformation of the machine. We do not focus on energy losses during unproductive time. Different industrial sectors have different ways of dealing with energy balance we therefore decided to create a basic comparison in order to improve our existing approach to energy balance.

The paper deals with the influence of the thermal state of the machine on its function and product accuracy. The results of the experimental measurement on a particular machine are presented and consequently a virtual simulation of the thermal state of the working space depending on the time of its operation of the machine is performed. Model examples for changed boundary conditions are calculated with respect to the possibility of reducing energy consumption while maintaining a constant thermal state of the machine. Based on the simulation of the thermal state a structural analysis is performed to determine the effect of thermal conditions on the clearance of the ram guiding.

The paper deals with the drive options of mechanical presses and their influence on energy efficiency. Although the main focus is on energy efficiency, we also emphasize design and operational issues. The press machine is divided into two separate sections – the machine side and the drive side. The machine side and its efficiency is described using an energy balance formula. We quantify the energy balance for an 80 MN forging press. We describe eight different types of drives from a typical drive with a flywheel to direct drive and their combinations. We describe individual losses and efficiencies for components of the drive side.

This article deals with a virtual simulation of forging press made with finite element method. The aim is to extend simulation model about a toll holders and tools. We analyzed differences between results of stress load of press' frame.

The article is aimed at verifying the state of a real workplace using virtual reality. In analyzing the readiness of virtual reality applications, augmented reality was selected for the following work. The most significant advantage of augmented reality is the implementation of a virtual model and the ability to deal with the analysis in a real environment, which is particularly beneficial in the case of production plants. In the first phase of the work, an analysis of the current state of the workplace was carried out, where the requirements for the design of the new workplace were specified. This was followed by the phase of design preparation in 3D modeller. At this very stage it appeared to be advantageous to use virtual reality applications; in the design process, regular approval procedures are required as for an expert team (management, design, quality, ...), which puts high qualification requirements on the readiness of this team. In this phase, the 3D design of the new workplace was inserted into the application supported by augmented reality and some options were indicated to deal with the ergonomic and risk analysis. The result of this work is, in particular, an extension of options in designing and analyzing production workplaces and machinery in multidisciplinary teams.