40 may be connected to a visual or audible alarm to warn the operator when the impulse energy has reached a predetermined level press shutoff signal 42 may be used to shut off press 22 when the impulse energy of the press 22 reaches a predetermined level the system may organize and compare compressive and tensile readings and warnings separately the system may also compare the normal tensile and or compressive inputs to that of a normal reference for a die when the die is being run or operated additionally comparisons may be made by comparing the measurements to a general force severity level based on an empirical correlation of damage to a predetermined level of impact or impulse the system may also monitor variations in measured load or impulse from an initial setting or variation from the beginning the initial running of the system e g measuring startup loads or impact versus mid day end of day or other timed measurements such initial values for comparison may automatically or manually loaded in the system the system may trip or sound an alarm when either an impulse limit and or a peak load limit is exceeded or alternatively below a set minimum digital storage device 14 stores historical data for the press being monitored so that press operating reliability may be accurately predicted additionally modem 16 may communicate impulse energy.