What Is Industrial Pressing Used For?

Industrial pressing is a concept based on Pascal’s Principle, which dates back to the 17th century, and it continues to evolve today. Drawing from fluid mechanics, pressure is exerted on a confined liquid; the liquid then takes on and distributes that pressure, which only amplifies it when the liquid has nowhere to go.

Industrial hydraulic presses, then, create pressure – using a system of cylinders, pistons, and hydraulic pipes – and harness its power for various purposes. Without industrial pressing, the world of manufacturing would not be what it is today.

A brief explanation: Industrial presses apply force to materials that need to be crushed, shaped, sealed, punched, or bonded. These applications, however, are endless! Keep reading as we explain what industrial presses are commonly used for.

Air & Hydraulic Equipment specializes in the manufacturing and engineering of industrial presses. Contact us with your equipment or service & repair requests today! 

Industrial Press Applications

Not to be confused with mechanical presses, industrial hydraulic presses produce more force, have a greater range of stroke length, and therefore are more flexible in what they can do.

Industrial presses are used in assembly lines to compress cosmetics, medicine, foods, and recycled waste. They cut and hammer metals that are used to build cars and airplanes. They press and imprint rubber and plastics and circuit boards. They can even be used to avoid the traditional method required for making ceramics, and to test the strength of concrete before it is used in the construction of a skyscraper!

Even though these examples span various industries and uses, they are a mere few! This is because industrial presses are designed and configured for specific purposes. They can range from a simple C-frame press to much more complex press:

• Single column (C-frame) hydraulic press: With a body in the shape of a “C” and a single arm, a C-frame press is used for small operations that require speed and exceptional precision.
• Two column (H-frame) hydraulic press: With a frame in the shape of an “H” and an available force varying based on the size of its cylinder, an H-frame press is used in repair shops, maintenance buildings, and production assembly lines.
• Four column hydraulic press: With a central control system that uses semi-automatic cycling and adjustable pressure and compression speed, a four column press can apply substantial force.
• Horizontal hydraulic press: A horizontal hydraulic press applies pressure – you guessed it – horizontally between platens. The change of direction is more practical than a conventional vertical press in situations where it is difficult to shape a component or part because of its length.
• Hydraulic wheel press: Used primarily for mounting and unmounting, the hydraulic wheel press can put on and take-off wheels, bearings, gears, and sheaves. The automotive, motor, electronics, mining, and home appliance industries, naturally, use this industrial press in their operations.
• Straightening hydraulic press: Used to straighten shafts, plates, and weldments before they are welded onto oil rigs, cars, trucks, and aircraft, hydraulic straightening presses are ideal for slow and accurate configurations.

Hydraulic, Pneumatic, and Air-Oil Presses

While the previously mentioned are overarching types and applications of industrial hydraulic presses, even those are known by more specific names and models within the industrial market!

• • Bearing press (automotive & industrial manufacturing)
  • Bushing press (automotive industry)
  • Forming press (tube forming/flaring, sheet forming, molding)
  • Nunnley press (driveline assembly)
  • Stamping press (rubber, sheet stamping/cutting, automotive)

• Stunnley press (driveline assembly)
• Thurston press (driveline assembly)
• U-Joint assembly press (driveline assembly, automotive & industrial manufacturing)
• Work holding press (assembly/compression assistance)

Air and Hydraulic Equipment specializes in hydraulic, pneumatic, and air-oil compressing applications. Plus, we can custom design and engineer the press to fit your unique needs. We pioneered the Stunnley and Nunnley U-Joint presses decades ago, and our newest press builds on the common Thurston press.

Contact Air & Hydraulic Equipment for an industrial pressing quote today!