170 Ton Hydraulic Press Rebuild for Precision Rubber Molding

French Improves Hydraulic Press Performance and Reduces Downtime with Press Rebuild

French recently rebuilt a 170-ton TMP hydraulic vacuum press used for precision rubber molding. The customer, a custom molder serving a wide variety of industries, was still running the older press in their daily operation but experiencing problems with press reliability due to outdated hydraulic and electrical programming. Knowing that there must be a way to improve the press’ performance they turned to French and decided to rebuild the press. Since returning the rebuilt press to the customer’s production line they now have less than 5% downtime from the upgraded vacuum press.

As part of the rebuild project, French replaced the press’ complete hydraulic system to utilize upgraded Bosch hydraulics. The new self-contained oil hydraulic unit with energy efficient motor reduced energy consumption in the molder’s process and increased cycle time with faster press close and opening. All preexisting press plumbing and wiring were replaced, significantly reducing the press’ footprint. Also included in new hydraulic system were welded manifold mounted valves, an oil filter, oil strainer and a new heat exchanger allowing the customer to accurately control pressures and speeds.

The new operator-friendly press controller features a color screen display and allows the operator to set and monitor press functions and values such as press time, bumps and platen temperature. The new electrical enclosure was designed and built to comply with all current safety codes.

French rebuilt the press’ main cylinder, refurbished the heated press platens, vacuum doors and replaced all seals. Prior to shipping the rebuilt press back to the customer’s plant, the press was quality inspected for other wearing parts such as heater, thermocouples and rams, was totally reassembled and then fully tested to ensure improved press performance and reliability.

Learn more about our vacuum molding press services for rubber parts manufactures.