Investigation into Noise Emission Reduction of a Cutting Press via Active Vibration Control

High-strength materials are increasingly used in mechanical engineering, posing challenges in sheet metal forming, particularly shearing. Their properties result in high force gradients, causing intense vibrations in the press structure after material separation and leading to increased noise emissions, which can exceed permissible continuous noise limits. The noise can cause health problems and reduce productivity. Current noise reduction solutions, like soundproof cabins or cutting impact dampers, can be effective but often come with high costs, require significant maintenance, and limit workspace accessibility. Noise emissions can also be reduced by means of design modifications, but these are either very costly or not feasible on existing machines. This research aims to reduce machine noise by actively influencing the machine structure's surface by means of targeted external force application on the sound-emitting machine housing. The housing acts as the boundary between the machine and the environment, absorbing vibrations and transmitting them to the environment based on its own vibrational characteristics. This paper presents a measurement- and simulation-based analysis of the structural dynamic and acoustic properties of a cutting press and its housing. Based on this analysis, the active vibration control system is designed and dimensioned.