Since the first factory press was made over 200 years ago, factory presses have been a pivotal part of fabrication, assembly, and manufacturing processes. Many different types of presses have since been designed and used for different applications. Let’s take a look at the different types of factory presses.
What Are The Different Types of Factory Presses?
There are many different types of factory presses, and many different configurations for different jobs. Some presses provide up to 80,000 tons of force, while others provide a few pounds of force. Some factory presses require manual force, others use compressed air, others use compressed fluid, and some use a combination of technologies. Within each of these categories, there are also many variations. In this blog post, we’ll cover the main types of factory presses, and how they work.
Manual Presses
Manual presses, also called Arbor presses, were the first factory press used, and many manual presses are still used today. Manual presses require an operator to use a lever to active the press. A series of gears in the press increases the force many times. Some modern manual presses use pneumatics or electronics to increase the force further, and make the functionality easier on the operator.
Manual presses are used for many different applications. This might include bending, piercing, assembly, riveting, and more. Manual presses can apply several hundred pounds of force, with some models applying up to 6 tons (4,000 lbs) of force. Manual presses are relatively affordable compared to other models, but they often pose ergonomic hazards to operators.
Hydraulic Presses
Hydraulic presses are some of the most powerful presses on the market today. These types of presses use an electrically driven motor to control hydraulic oil inside a cylinder and deliver smooth and consistent force throughout the press stroke. Hydraulic presses can create hundreds of tons of force and accomplish some of the most demanding jobs. This is ideal for working with especially tough metals or completing big jobs, though this amount of force generally isn’t necessary for most operations.
Though they create a great deal of force, hydraulic presses have a larger footprint, require a higher voltage power source, and typically demand a stricter, more complex maintenance schedule. Additional personal protection equipment may be required, depending on your application or factory standards. These are all things to consider when determining if a hydraulic press is right for your application.
Pneumatic Presses
Pneumatic presses, or air presses, use compressed air to create force. These types of presses can create a significant amount of force, though the maximum force they can generate is typically lower than that of a hydraulic press. However, there is significant overlap between smaller hydraulic presses and many larger pneumatic presses.
Pneumatic presses are available in a variety of sizes and models, including models that are mobile and others that are fixed. For this reason, pneumatic presses are highly versatile, and helpful for a variety of different tasks and industries.
Hydropneumatic Presses
Hydropneumatic presses, or air over oil presses, combine both hydraulic and pneumatic technology. These types of presses can generate a great deal of force. The combination of technologies not only amplifies the force, but also reduces the amount of maintenance required. Like purely pneumatic options, hydropneumatic presses are less maintenance-intensive than hydraulic presses.
These presses are also highly versatile. They may be configured as benchtop or floor model designs which allows them to fit into many different shop and factory settings. With many different levels of force, hydropneumatic presses can also perform a variety of tasks across many different industries.
These are the main types of factory presses or industrial presses. Within these categories there are many different power levels and unique configurations that can make a particular job easier, faster, safer, and more efficient. Choosing the right press will help make individual jobs and your overall production more efficient and cost-effective.
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