We recently designed two slab side hydraulic presses for the bonding of friction materials used in heavy construction vehicles. The low deflection press design was built in two sizes, a 1300-ton press with 56-inch square heated platens and a smaller 520-ton press with 36-inch square heated platens, both for heating up to 550°F.
The multiple daylight presses contain hardened steel platens with cartridge-type heating elements, divided into four zones to aid temperature uniformity. Dual thermocouples in each heated platen zone allow ease of calibration and ensure accuracy of required press temperature. To add flexibility to the customer’s process, we specially designed and machined the press platens to be used interchangeably with the customer’s existing hydraulic presses.
Self-contained hydraulic units were mounted overhead to reduce the press footprint in the customer’s plant. Energy-efficient motors allow the presses to operate with fast close, opening and high-pressure tonnage.
The press controllers manage overall operation, including recipe configuration, operating temperature, cycle times, counts and permit control of the customer’s specific pressing part thickness. The operator interfaces feature large color screens and allow the operators to control all machine functions. A heater and thermocouple failure detection, plus an over-temperature protection function, help the customer bond consistent parts with less scrap. Press doors mounted to the front, operator side of the presses and rear of the presses are properly insulated to help retain heat in the press’ daylight openings and provide operator safety.
Other press options include a master control safety, front and rear overhead fume evacuation hoods, interior press lights as well as proper side guarding, light curtains and quick disconnects.
After the presses were manufactured and assembled, our team performed run-off tests at French’s facility to ensure that the presses met all customer’s expectations prior to shipping. After shipment and start-up in the customers’ plant, our engineers performed a second round of run-off tests to ensure that the presses continued to meet the customer’s expectations after transit and hook-up.
Request a quote or contact us for more information about our custom hydraulic presses and mixers.
About TMP, A Division of French
TMP, A Division of French is a brand by French Oil Mill Machinery Company. We engineer and manufacture a variety of technologically advanced high-temperature hydraulic presses and associated automation for compression, transfer and vacuum molding of all types of composites and thermoplastics. We also offer laminating presses, intensive mixers, their related components, controls and auxiliary equipment. We service machines and offer machine rebuilding, which invariably includes upgrades for higher automation, improved product quality and process control. TMP was acquired by the French Oil Mill Machinery Company in 2009 and is internationally recognized for building high-performance machinery. To date, TMP machinery has been supplied to over 1,000 customers in over 16 countries.