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Bolster Extensions

Quick Die Change QDC Bolster Extension

Quick Die Change QDC Bolster Extension Mounting and description
Unlimited Options. Bolster Extensions are available in a variety of types: lift-off, swing-away, detachable, traveling and slotless. PFA can easily customize mountings to meet most applications and can even provide complete custom solutions.

Fast and Easy. Cylindrical rollers on Bolster Extensions typically reduce the force necessary to move a die to about 1 to 3 percent of die weight. Moving the die into the press becomes fast and easy. Loading and unloading dies from Bolster Extensions is also easily done by forklift or crane, making extensions essential components of many Quick Die Change (QDC) systems.

Modular. By reviewing multiple press needs at one time, common QDC components can be selected. Bolster Extensions can often be used on more than one press, greatly saving on the per press cost of QDC.

Lift-Off Extensions

Lift-Off Bolster Extensions

Lift-off Bolster Extensions provide for easy removal during press operations and allow a single pair to be used on multiple presses.  For maximum utility, install mounting brackets on several presses and use a single pair of Bolster Extensions.  Available in a variety of models for a variety of applications.

Model 520 is a “standard duty” lift-off Bolster Extension with rollers, which allows convenient loading and unloading of dies to/from press bolsters. Die weight capacity per pair is 6,000 pounds.  Model 540 is the “heavy duty” version at 8,000 lbs./pair.

Load/unload dies using forklift, die cart or crane. The force required to roll dies on/off the Bolster Extensions is in the range of 1% to 3% of the die weight.

Lift-Off Bolster Extensions are produced in several other models:  522, 522B and 530 for use with Model 706 Mechanical Die Lifters and  bolsters without slots for die lifters.  (See page 30).

Bracket Height (E Dimension) is the height of the bracket itself – not the distance from the bolster surface.  For a typical nominal 0.090” roller height above the bolster surface, the bottom of the mounting bracket would be located at the following distances from the bolster surface:  Model 910 Bracket = 4.6”, Model 6088 Bracket = 4.0”, Model 918 Bracket = 5.2”.  For complete mounting details contact PFA.

Quick Die Change QDC Bolster Extension Lift Off Model 520 and 540
Quick Die Change QDC SMED Bolster Extension Lift Off Mounting
Model No. Type Style A B C D E Approximate Weight
520 Lift-Off Standard
6,000 lbs./pair 		14”/16” 6” 910 Bkt
2.50”
6088 Bkt
2.62” 		910 Bkt
4.20”
6088 Bkt
6.80” 		910 Bkt
4.25”
6088 Bkt
3.62” 		15/20 lbs.
20”/24”/28”/32” 8” 25/35/40/45 lbs.
36”/40” 10” 910 Bkt ONLY 2.50” 910 Bkt ONLY 4.20” 910 Bkt ONLY 4.25” 60/65 lbs.
540 Lift-Off Heavy-Duty
8,000 lbs./pair 		14”/16” 6” 918 Bkt
3.00” 		918 Bkt
7.82”		 918 Bkt
5.00”		 15/20 lbs.
20”/24”/28”/32” 8” 25/35/40/45 lbs.
36”/40” 10” 60/65 lbs.

Please order at least one mounting bracket for each extension arm. Bolster extensions are ordered as each and brackets are ordered separately.To order a pair or extensions, order 2 extensions and at least 2 brackets.

Lift Off Extension and Mounting Bracket Example

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Swing-Away Extensions

Swing-Away Bolster Extensions

Designed as a permanent solution, Swing-Away Bolster Extensions are always available, yet easily moved out of the way, as needed.  Extensions are rated for 6,000 lbs per pair and available up to 40 inches in length, fitting comfortably into most die applications where swing-away extensions are practical.

In applications where extension arms will be stored outward or where the extension separation on the press is greater than 2x the length, arms of the same size work nicely.  For inward storage where arms need to overlap, ordering the next smaller size extension for one side along with a nesting spacer is recommended*. This makes the hinge location different between the two arms and allows one extension to store closer to the bolster than the other arm (See illustration).

Model No. Recommended Spacer Assembly* A B
527-16
527-18
527-20		 2” Thick
P/N: 6580		 16.41”
18.41”
20.41”		 7.20”
527-22
527-24
527-28
527-32		 2” Thick
P/N: 7374
4” Thick
P/N: 14688		 22.41"
24.41”
28.41”
32.41”		 9.15”
527-36
527-40		 4” Thick
P/N: 14689		 36.05”
40.21”		 11.90”

*When using different model (length) arms in a nesting application, use only arms with matching “B” dimensions.

For spacer assemblies use style and model number only. Example:  BE-14688

Quick Die Change QDC Bolster Extension Swing Away part number specification
Quick Die Change QDC SMED Bolster Extension Swing Away model 527
Quick Die Change QDC SMED Bolster Extension Swing Away model 527

For non-nesting application, order same size extensions.
Example – for 28” application:
• Qty. 2   BE-527-28

For nesting application, order one extension shorter with a spacer assembly.  Example – for a 28” application:
• Qty. 1   BE-527-28 extension
• Qty. 1   BE-527-24 extension
• Qty. 1   BE-14688 spacer assembly

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Detachable Extensions

Detachable Bolster Extensions

Designed for larger load applications, Models 524 and 524HD Detachable Bolster Extensions provide maximum flexibility for press access and easy movement to other presses.  A gate latch and lock pin easily secure the bolster extensions to Model 914 mounting brackets for semi-permanent integrity during die loading and unloading operations.  Steel wheels allow for strong rigid support of the extensions during use and comfortable rolling to another press, if used as part of a modular multi-press QDC system.

The Detachable Bolster Extensions are custom made to match the application height requirements with a +/- 2 inch height adjustment for leveling and some flexibility for variations in press heights.  Extension height from the floor to the top of the rollers is specified by a height dimension in the part number.

While the 524 series is designed to be ordered and provided as a standardized production part, customizations of the 524 are available for a variety of unique requirements up to 60,000 lbs./pair.  Please contact PFA with application details.

Bracket Height is for the bracket only and not the distance from the die lifter roller surface or bolster surface.  For a nominal .090” roller height above the surface, the bottom of the mounting bracket will be 6.0” below the surface.  Minimum bolster thickness is 5”.  Please order at least one mounting bracket for each extension arm. Bolster extensions are ordered as each. For complete mounting details contact PFA.

Detachable Extensions Example
Quick Die Change QDC SMED Bolster Extension Removable with Leg 524 and 524HD
Model – Length
Model No.		 A Die Weight
524-36
524-42
524-48
524-60
524-72
524-84
**		 36.00”
42.00”
48.00”
60.00”
72.00”
84.00”
**		 16,000 lbs./pair
524HD-36
524HD-42
524HD-48
524HD-60
524HD-72
524HD-84
**		 36.00”
42.00”
48.00”
60.00”
72.00”
84.00”
**		 35,000 lbs./pair

**Other sizes available. Call PFA for details.

Quick Die Change QDC SMED Bolster Extension Removable with Leg 524 and 524HD

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Traveling & Slotless Extensions

Traveling & Slotless Bolster Extensions

Traveling Bolster Extensions

Models 522 and 522B

Quick Die Change QDC SMED Bolster Extension Traveling model 522 for use with mechanical lifters
Model No. A B Weight
522 14” 6.00” 15 lbs.
16” 6.00” 20 lbs.
20” 8.00” 25 lbs.
24” 8.00” 35 lbs.
28” 8.00” 40 lbs.
32” 8.00” 45 lbs.
36” 10.00” 60 lbs.
40” 10.00” 65 lbs.
530 14” 6.00” 15 lbs.
16” 6.00” 20 lbs.
20” 8.00” 25 lbs.
24” 8.00” 35 lbs.
28” 8.00” 40 lbs.
32” 8.00” 45 lbs.
36” 10.00” 60 lbs.
40” 10.00” 65 lbs.

Please order at least one mounting bracket for each extension arm. Bolster extensions are ordered as each.
To order a pair, order 2 extensions and at least 2 brackets.

Traveling and Slotless Bolster Part Number Example

*For Bridge in T-Slot applications, add a “B” to the Model Number. Contact PFA for application assistance.

Slottless Bolster Extensions

Model 530 for Bolsters without slots for Die Lifters

Quick Die Change QDC SMED Bolster Extension Traveling Slotless for Press without T slots to use
Quick Die Change QDC SMED Bolster Extension Traveling and Slotless - Mounting

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  • BE-522

Extension Arm Videos

Bolster Extensions are available in a variety of types: lift-off, swing-away, detachable, traveling and slotless. PFA can easily customize mountings to meet most applications and can even provide complete custom solutions.  Cylindrical rollers on Bolster Extensions typically reduce the force necessary to move a die to about 1 to 3 percent of die weight. Moving the die into the press becomes fast and easy. Loading and unloading dies from Bolster Extensions is also easily done by forklift or crane, making extensions essential components of many Quick Die Change (QDC) systems.

With a large die loaded on the BE-524 bolster extensions, the video provides a great demonstration on how easily the dies are moved with the PFA QDC system.  The video makes special note of the stops on the end of the extensions that move down out of the way as needed.

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