Manual Press With Electronic Stroke And Process Control

Schmidt Technology Corporation’s ManualPress 307/3000 features integrated process and electronic stroke control. Designed for intricate press-fit assemblies, for use as a stand-alone assembly station or for integration into lead manufacturing cells, this system offers press forces ranging from 25 lbs to 900 lbs; process verification; force and distance monitoring; and SPC. Offering the monitoring normally associated with servo presses, the hand-operated Manual Rack & Pinion press, model 307/3000, is said to eliminate the need for safety devices and guarding associated with powered press systems.

The rack & pinion press features a programmable electronic stroke control with integrated stroke lock. Preset user criteria, such as the press ram reaching the mechanical stroke limit, a nominal selected press force or a programmed stroke limit, must be met before the press ram can return to TDC (home position). If sensors located in the press head unit uncover a problem, the system activates an electromechanical break to automatically lock the ram stroke. According to the company, corrective action can be taken before additional time and materials are expended on bad parts.

The system can also use externally-installed and/or custom-tooling integrated sensor devices to verify that all parts to be assembled are in place and correctly positioned before initiating the press cycle (Poke-Yoke). The ManualPress 307/3000 compensates for different press operators, taking into account how they physically move the press handle in addition to the inherent yield factors of customized tooling and mounting frames that occur during the pressing cycle.

Other features of the system include a touch-screen display; optional data transfer software that connects the system to a Windows-based PC; and optional SPC software for process documentation.