The article deals with the development of large forging presses for die forging. It analyses individual aspects of the development of large presses. This is followed by market analysis and a search of design solutions by individual manufacturers. Set of design recommendations has been compiled from a variety of technical solutions, according to which a press that surpasses the competition can be properly assembled.

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 work is focused on the design solution of fixing the exchangeable working rolls into cross-wedge rolling machine. The tools are clamped to the cylinders. In case of technology change, the tools must be replaced. Tools can be changed directly on the machine, this is a non-productive time. Another way to change tools is to replace entire cylinders. The diameter of the rollers is large, so the rollers themselves cannot be pulled out through the side hole, as is the case with a rolling mill. There are several ways to connect the middle part of the cylinders to the pins located in the stands. The work compares connections with a lid and a square or cylindrical shaft and variants in a singlesided extension able shaft with a conical or spherical surface. The aim of the work is to compare the stiffness of connection methods.

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.