IMD Hot Press Structure: Four-Column Frame, Light Curtain and Hydraulic System

A hydraulic IMD hot press is mainly used to form PET sheets for phone cases and for air-conditioner and washing-machine panels. It is hydraulically driven for stable output, and its carbon-fiber heating tubes heat up quickly and efficiently and last a long time. The structure is described below by component.

Frame: open four-column, three-plate design

• Open four-column, three-plate working space; the columns run in precision guide bushings for stable movement and suit different products.
• Caster bases and leveling feet under the table make the machine easy to move.

Safety

• Two-hand start and an emergency stop button.
• Inching of the upper and lower tools for easy mold installation and alignment.
• High-sensitivity through-beam light curtain.

Heating and control

The automatic heating unit is electrically controlled; preheating and pressure-holding times can be set for each product.

Hydraulic system

• A purpose-designed oil circuit reduces power consumption on standby and runs stably and quietly.
• Low horsepower requirement; pressure, stroke and speed are adjustable, and the circuit can be changed to suit the customer's job.
• Built-in hydraulic unit saves floor space; an optional water cooler keeps the oil from heating up, reducing faults during long production runs.
• The cycle can be tuned with the cylinder-return limit switch, the cylinder adjusting nut and the timer in the circuit.

For specifications see the hydraulic IMD hot press and the AS201F servo IMD hot press. The full process is explained in our technical article IMD/IML thermoforming machines: process and applications.