Existing linkage-optimization methods are designed for mechanical presses;few can be directly used for servo presses,so development of the servo press is limited.Based on the complementarity of linkage optimization and motion planning,a phase-division-based linkage-optimization model for a drawing servo press is established.Considering the motion-planning principles of a drawing servo press,and taking account of work rating and efficiency,the constraints of the optimization model are constructed.Linkage is optimized in two modes:use of either constant eccentric speed or constant slide speed in the work segments.The performances of optimized linkages are compared with those of a mature linkage SL4-2000A,which is optimized by a traditional method.The results show that the work rating of a drawing servo press equipped with linkages optimized by this new method improved and the root-mean-square torque of the servo motors is reduced by more than 10％.This research provides a promising method for designing energy-saving drawing servo presses with high work ratings.