Hydraulic presses are large machines designed specifically to compress objects with a ram. They may also be used to cut or punch, drill, straighten and mold — any way you need to transform or manipulate large pieces of metal or strong material.
While presses are capable of a variety of functions, not many other machines can do what a press does — or, at least, not nearly as effectively or on such a large scale. Pneumatic and hydraulic presses work similarly but have a few large differences that set them apart.
Pneumatic actuators rely on air compression for their motion. Hydraulic actuators use compressed oils. The oils don't delay movement and offer a far higher pounds-per-square-inch (psi) capability, making hydraulics more effective at tackling heavy-duty jobs.
There are several different types of hydraulic press systems, all with unique capabilities and uses. The most typical machines you'll see in industrial settings include:
H Frame presses: Also called a four-column, H frames are the most typical and versatile type of hydraulic press. They can be used with different dies for straightening, bending, forming, molding, punching or cutting metal objects.
C Frame presses: These save a lot of space compared to the larger H frames but maintain similar functionality and versatility on a smaller scale.
Arbor presses: Used for a slightly more narrow range, these are primarily for bearing removal, seating stamping, assembly and repairing equipment.
Press brakes: Designed specifically for sheet metal and plate material, press brakes clamp material and bend it in predetermined areas. They are used for both large and small sheets.
Custom presses: For specialized uses, businesses can order a custom press for their individual needs, designed to their specs.
Like any machine shop necessity, hydraulic presses make work more efficient and complete tasks no other piece of equipment can carry out. However, presses can be highly dangerous machines due to their sheer power and number of moving parts.