10-post hydraulic press has five zones of force control

Beckwood Press Co. has delivered a 10-post, hydraulic, heated-platen press with five zones of force control, each consisting of two hydraulic cylinders. The press is used in the compression molding of honeycomb panels for application in various industries.

The 10-post design reduced the structural span of the press, allowing the overall height to be minimized while maintaining “infinite life” structural integrity, according to the company. Without the additional posts, the height of the weldments would have been increased to withstand the deflection associated with the high-tonnage press. The multipost design enables the 1,000-ton, upacting press to maintain an optimal working height without the need for a pit or working platform.

Five zones of force control are integrated into the design, along with photographic “eyes” for part presence identification. The required working surface varies depending on the size of the honeycomb panel being run. The photographic sensors identify the zones required for the loaded part and activate those areas of the press automatically. This, along with a pneumatically actuated quick die change roller system, minimizes the manual requirements of the operator.