06/03/2026
Metalock recently performed a mechanical repair on a multi-cylinder press used to produce various wooden sheet products in the Northwestern US. One of the cylinders experienced a fatigue crack in the transition radius from the main cylinder section to the packing gland fl**ge. This is a common location for fatigue cracks to initiate and propagate. Cracking resulted in significant leakage of hydraulic fluid during operation. While the cylinder was fabricated from a weldable material, logistics and scheduling made removal of the cylinder and liner to access the cracked region unfeasible. Therefore, Metalock engineers recommended a mechanical repair be implemented to return the cylinder to service.
Sixteen (16) holes were drilled and tapped into the packing gland fl**ge in order to install custom 1-1/4” bolts. Three (3) of the holes used to install packing gland ring studs were drilled and tapped to install custom 1” bolts. Custom step studs were fabricated to replace the OEM packing gland ring studs. The length of these bolts was such that the crack plane is in compression when the bolts are torqued thus sealing the crack. All work was performed in the overhead position.
The work was performed over three (3) days and the press was returned to service.