NCCER Millwright Practice Exam

On a hydraulic press, it is advised to use a piece of material softer than the workpiece to avoid what?

1. Heating the workpiece

2. Marring the workpiece

3. Cracking the workpiece

4. Breaking the press

The correct answer is: Marring the workpiece

Using a piece of material softer than the workpiece helps to avoid marring the workpiece. When a hydraulic press exerts force, the softer material can deform and absorb any impact without scratching or damaging the surface of the harder workpiece. This is crucial in applications where surface integrity is paramount, such as in machining or when working with precision components. By placing the softer material in contact with the workpiece, the potential for creating any marks, dents, or scratches during the pressing process is significantly reduced, ensuring that the final product maintains its intended quality and finish. While other considerations such as heating, cracking, or breaking the press are important, they are not the primary concern when using a softer material for preserving the surface quality of the workpiece during operation.