French recently custom designed a 350 ton automatic composite molding system with a series of four hydraulic presses for heating and cooling, integrated with a central hydraulic and electrical system that operates all presses independently. A sophisticated, custom designed automation system moves the customer’s mold through the press system, increasing their production rates and reducing production costs.
The system features two heated presses, each with stainless steel, electrically heated platens, drilled and fitted with cartridge type heating elements for heating up to 1000°F and 550°F, respectively. Also included are two water-cooled presses fitted with platens drilled for zoned passage cooling that can operate individually, with valving to allow adjustment of water flow.
A central, self-contained hydraulic system is designed for fast close and opening of the presses to increase cycle speed. The press operator can adjust tonnage and pressure rise for precise part molding. A proportional valve, set and adjusted on the operator interface, controls the hydraulic pressure for each of the four presses.
The automatic hydraulic press system features mold workstations prior to the pre-heat press, which allows operators to lay-up work and stage molds. A mold return conveyor and mold elevators raise and lower the customer’s molds at each end of the system. A mold transfer system carries the mold through all four presses.
French designs, manufactures and supports a variety of technologically advanced hydraulic presses for compression, transfer and vacuum molding of all types of composites and thermoplastics. Our proven technology and dedicated service gives customers higher quality products and increased production with reduced costs. We offer presses ranging from 30 ton to 2,000 tons. Our commonly requested sizes includes 100 ton hydraulic presses, 1000 ton hydraulic presses and 2,000 ton hydraulic presses.
For more information about our composite molding systems, please call our Sales Team at 937-773-3420 or contact us online.