In the first part of this paper is presented a method for calculating stress of press bed, based on expansion of classic methodology, using reduced frame, determined by the points of application of force and the gravity center line, thus determining sectional geometry and maximum stress. Calculus is extended considering cross sections of the frame, from 15° to 15°, providing more information on both maximum values and the distribution of these tensions. Values obtained confirm the assumption that using the simplified structure is obtained generally large, the calculation usually used for verification. By this method one can get stresses in different sections, not only the maximum value. For a complete stress value and their distribution require a more complex calculation, furthermore allowing any dimensional optimization, such as FEM. Second, is presented a step-by-step method for modeling the frame of mechanical press studied, using Pro/Engineer, in order to perform consequent static or dynamic analysis based on FEM, using COSMOS/M. So are presented the stages of defining the mesh, the environment bonds, the loads, and finally performing analysis and result interpretation. According to FEA results a continuous distribution of displacements and stresses that validate the model. At the end are presented considerations and comparison between the results of analytical method and FEM, regarding stress values and their distribution.

CAD/FEA software, complex structures, mechanical press, modeling, FEM, stress distribution