SCHMIDT: DuplexPress 8

Schmidt Technology is breaking new ground for traditional hand lever presses with a new operating principle. The challenge of generating high forces (7 kN) with a large stroke (up to 140 mm) is not possible today with either conventional rack and pinion or toggle presses. This newly developed press therefore represents a very universal solution for pressing tasks, which is also extremely ergonomic and can be used with low force (120 N).

The left hand lever actuates the fast stroke to move the ram quickly to the workpiece. The right hand crank can be used to actuate a power stroke at any time with little manual force. This freely selectable availability of the power stroke is unique in the field of hand lever presses. The transmission ratio of the planetary gearbox achieves a high effective force on the ram. This is useful, for example, when a large stroke is required but a longer distance has to be covered before the component to be machined is reached and high press forces are required.

Why does the press have a compressed air connection or an accumulator? The compressed air guides the ram back to its starting position with uniform force and speed. In addition, the speed can be individually adjusted using a rotary control. The pneumatic return spring improves ergonomics compared to a conventional spring solution, which would require a spring that is too strong over the long stroke. In addition, the two-chamber design of the accumulator ensures that the weight of the upper tool can be compensated for via the adjustable differential pressure. The version with pressure accumulator is available for self-sufficient and maximum energy-efficient operation of the press. Thanks to the intelligent re-storage of compressed air, the loss of compressed air is absolutely minimal and it is sufficient to fill the pressure accumulator about once a week. Alternatively, the press can also be connected directly to the compressed air supply.

Conventional manual rack and pinion presses offer a long stroke, but only constant force, while toggle presses offer a lot of force at the end of the stroke, but with a predefined, short stroke. The DuplexPress 8 offers both a freely definable stroke and a lot of force at any desired point in the process. This means that the DuplexPress can be used universally and can cover a wide range of processes.

DuplexPress-8, right side with tank. © Schmidt

The quick feed of the ram is done with a hand lever; the power stroke is initiated with a crank via a planetary gear. Both quick feed and force application are possible at any point of the working stroke. The crank has a freewheel function, allowing the operator to choose their own ergonomic crank position. The pneumatic return spring not only improves ergonomics, but also allows the return force of the ram to be quickly adjusted to different tool weights. The ingenious compressed air management system enables self-sufficient operation without a compressed air network. A simple filling of the pressure tank using a hand pump or mobile hand compressor is all that is needed to typically produce for a week.

DuplexPresse 8 from Schmidt, nominated in the handling, assembly and production logistics category.