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How to make your own vacuum molding press. Membrane-vacuum press: types, principle of operation, do-it-yourself manufacturing. How the equipment works

The furniture industry today is developing at a very active pace, which is associated with an increase in the well-being of people and, accordingly, with an increase in demand for furniture that improves the quality of life and makes it more comfortable. This, as well as the fact that modern consumers have become more demanding not only on the quality of furniture manufacturing, but also on its decorative characteristics, has led to the fact that enterprises operating in this industry have begun to increasingly use innovative methods and high-tech technologies in their production. equipment, one of the types of which is a vacuum press.

The use of a vacuum machine and appropriate consumables makes it possible to endow furniture with completely unique decorative characteristics, which significantly increases the competitive advantages of an enterprise that uses this equipment in its production.

Operating principle

The main scope of vacuum presses is the furniture industry, where such equipment is used in the production of cabinet and upholstered furniture- for pasting elements of furniture structures with PVC film and veneer, which perform mainly decorative functions. The tasks of the vacuum press this case includes depositing a film or veneer and ensuring their snug fit to the surface of a furniture structure element.

The principle by which a vacuum press for veneering and coating furniture blanks with PVC film works is quite simple. The heated film, which has become more plastic, under the influence of the vacuum created under its surface, tightly fits the furniture blank, exactly repeating its configuration.

The film applied using vacuum technology on the surface of a piece of furniture made of MDF or chipboard lasts a very long time and does not contain even the smallest air bubbles.

The process of pasting a furniture element with a PVC film using a vacuum press includes such technological operations as:

laying furniture blanks on the equipment table;
coating of blanks with a film and installation of a clamping frame;
sealing of the vacuum chamber;
heating the chamber and pumping air out of it;
cooling of blanks already covered with a film;
cutting the film along the contour of the blanks.

Design features

vacuum press for furniture facades and other elements of its design are the following elements:

a vacuum table, on the surface of which furniture blanks are laid (the surface of such a table must have high rigidity, therefore it is sheathed with sheet metal or thick tin);
a vacuum pump, the task of which is to pump out air from under the surface of the film for furniture blanks;
clamping frame, which is also made of durable metal (the function of such a frame, equipped with reliable clamping elements, is to ensure the tightness of the air cavity under the film that covers furniture blanks);
heating installation, which can be made on the basis of working elements various types;
vacuum press lid, which can be hinged or rolling type.

Most models of vacuum presses are additionally equipped with one or more shafts installed on the front side of the equipment. Such rollers, which make the operation of a vacuum press more convenient and reduce the time of processing operations, are used to install rolls with a film used for coating.

Many modern models of vacuum presses for MDF and chipboard can operate in automatic mode, which is provided by the CNC systems installed on such equipment. Particularly relevant is the use of CNC vacuum presses for enterprises producing furniture in series, when such equipment has to be coated with a film or veneer of many parts of the same type. In such cases, CNC systems installed on such equipment can increase its productivity and, accordingly, reduce the cost of products.

Main varieties

To date, two types of vacuum type presses are produced:

equipment of the usual type (such presses are used in cases where it is necessary to exert the most gentle effect on the workpiece, and are capable of creating pressure, the value of which does not exceed 0.95 kg / cm 2);
vacuum presses high blood pressure(equipment of this type is capable of providing pressure, the value of which reaches 8.5 kg / cm 2).

Equipment of the first type is used in cases where it is required to cover products of a simple configuration with PVC film or veneer. Vacuum presses capable of creating high pressure are used for veneering or PVC film coating of complex shapes. In addition, such equipment is often used as a vacuum molder, with the help of which bulk products of various configurations are made from sheet plastic.

The purpose of the membrane in the design of a vacuum press

Both types of devices are equipped with a special membrane, so their more correct name is membrane-vacuum presses. Such an element of a vacuum press is used both when veneering elements of furniture structures, and when they are covered with PVC film. In the first case, the membrane is necessary in order to increase the pressure exerted on the surface of the workpiece and the coating material during their connection. In addition, when creating a veneered layer on the surface of an MDF or chipboard blank, the membrane prevents the coating material from shifting relative to the surface of the blank during their joining. When covering furniture blanks with too thin PVC films, the membrane protects them from the negative effects of high temperatures created in the vacuum chamber.

The membranes that are equipped with vacuum presses can be of two types: rubber and silicone. Silicone membranes are the preferred option, as they are more wear-resistant and allow even very small parts to be coated with PVC film.

Other applications

In addition to pasting the surface of elements of furniture structures with veneer and PVC film, a membrane-vacuum press (MVP) can be successfully used to solve other problems, which, in particular, include:

transfer to any surface of inscriptions and images by sublimation;
formation of volumetric parts for various purposes from plastic sheets.

To transfer images from special paper to almost any (including embossed) surfaces by sublimation, equipment such as a thermal vacuum press is used. Using a thermal vacuum membrane press, it is possible to apply inscriptions and images on products made of ceramics, plastic, textiles and other materials.

The principle by which the membrane vacuum heat press works is as follows.

The product with a sheet of paper attached to it, from which it is necessary to transfer the inscription or image, is placed on the table of a vacuum press.
A tight pressing of a sheet of paper with an image or an inscription to the product is provided by the press membrane, under which a vacuum is created.
Under the cover of the press, after closing it, a temperature is created, under the influence of which the image or inscription from the paper is transferred to the surface of the product.

Vacuum heat presses presented on modern market a wide variety of models, are actively used by both large printing companies and small companies engaged in the production of souvenirs.

For the manufacture of relief-shaped products from sheet plastic, a forming-vacuum press is used. Using such a molding machine, operating on the principle of a membrane-vacuum press, it is possible to produce three-dimensional products from flat plastic sheets, the depth of depressions or bulges on the surface of which reaches 500 mm. Cases of vacuum presses of this type, as a rule, are designed for sufficiently large products, which makes it possible to produce a wide range of products on such equipment.

Modern models of forming vacuum presses equipped with CNC systems have an option that allows you to simultaneously heat different parts of the workpiece to be processed to different temperatures. This makes it possible to manufacture bulk products with a rather complex relief from sheet plastic. The entire processing process on such equipment is controlled and controlled by the CNC system. Thus, do-it-yourself vacuum forming when using this equipment is not performed, the machine operator only sets the program, the machine does the rest.

How to choose the right equipment

When choosing a membrane-vacuum press for solving certain problems, one should focus on its most important parameters.

Brand and country of manufacture of the pump

Pumps from foreign (usually Italian) or domestic manufacturers can be installed on vacuum presses. In the first case, a membrane vacuum press will cost more, but the pump that is installed on it will be more reliable. Meanwhile, domestic vacuum pumps are also quite reliable, but most importantly, there should not be any problems with their repair, since it is not difficult to find spare parts for domestic pumping equipment.

Vacuum table lining material

It is very important that it be metal, and not chipboard sheets, which some manufacturers use for such purposes. After a short use, tables made of chipboard will simply become unusable.

Dimensions

This is one of the most important characteristics that you should pay special attention to when choosing a membrane vacuum press. The dimensions of the vacuum press primarily determine the number of workpieces that can be processed on it at the same time. Naturally, the larger this amount, the more productive the vacuum press will be. Meanwhile, it should be taken into account that the dimensions of the equipment directly affect its cost, so in this case the best option should be chosen.

Type of heating devices

The predominant majority of experts advise choosing vacuum presses equipped with KGT lamps, when using which the film glued to the top of the bent parts does not melt or burn through. In the same case, if equipment equipped with heating elements is selected, then it will be necessary to constantly monitor that the distance from such heating elements to the very top of the workpiece surface is at least 150 mm.

Press brand

Since vacuum presses are quite expensive equipment, it is not worth choosing a device from unknown manufacturers, which then has to be constantly repaired.

Self-made vacuum press

Many private furniture makers and owners of small furniture companies, guided by a natural desire to minimize costs, are wondering how to make a vacuum press with their own hands. You can make such a machine with your own hands, it is easy to find drawings of this equipment on the Internet, and there are no special problems with the purchase of components for it. An important incentive for the realization of such a desire is the fact that the cost of a home-made vacuum press, if you approach the issues of its manufacture correctly, will be significantly lower than the cost of serial equipment.

If you wish and have good skills in working with technology, you can also make a machine for vacuum molding with your own hands, if there is a need for equipment that allows you to make bulk products from flat plastic sheets.

Before you start making a vacuum press with your own hands, you should study the design of such equipment well, determine the technical parameters of the device that you need, and purchase consumables and accessories. In addition, you can use the advice and videos posted on the Internet of those who have already made a vacuum press with their own hands and share their experience.

Making a vacuum table is the most important stage in the design of a do-it-yourself thermal vacuum press. At the design stage, it is necessary to determine the dimensions of the table, choose the material for its manufacture, consider methods for fixing and sealing detachable elements to maintain internal negative pressure (vacuum). The vacuum table is made with the same basic set of tools as.

Further in the text, a vacuum bath will be called a part of the vacuum table - a steel container, inside which the lined workpieces are located, and from which air is pumped out. Under the working dimensions (dimensions) of the vacuum bath, we mean it useful volume measured by internal dimensions. Let's agree to call the vacuum table the entire structure as a whole, consisting of a vacuum bath, an upper (movable) clamping frame, clamps and other, smaller elements.

External and working dimensions of the vacuum bath.

Consider general principles choosing the size of the vacuum bath, let's designate specific numbers for our press.

The longer the vacuum bath, the more workpieces can be placed in it, or a larger workpiece can be lined. On the other hand, the longer the bath, the more film has to be consumed in one working cycle, the larger the dimensions of the machine are, which entails a greater consumption of room space. We need to find the optimal size. As experience has shown, the optimal working length of the vacuum bath, intended for the manufacture of standard furniture facades and decorative door linings, can be considered a value from 2.4 to 2.6 m. We will make a vacuum bath 2500 mm long, the working length of which will be 2500 - 40 x 2 = 2420 mm (40 mm - short wall width profile pipe).

The width of the tub is directly related to the width of the PVC film used. Depending on the manufacturer of the film, there may be different widths, the most common is 1.4 m, and we will focus on it. We choose the width of the bath equal to 1400 mm, the working width will be 1400 - 40 x 2 = 1320 mm. When facing high blanks, for example, for curved (radius) facades, the width of the bath must be reduced (make it smaller than the width of the film), but to work with such blanks, a press of a different design is needed, so these issues will not be considered.

The working height of the bath must be calculated taking into account the fact that there must be a small free space between the upper surface of the facades and the covering film. In other words, the film stretched over the blanks should not touch them before the air is pumped out. The calculation is the following. Firstly, the vacuum (breathable) table top, which will be the first to be placed on the vacuum table, will be made of 10 mm thick MDF board. Secondly, the linings for the facade blanks will be small pieces of MDF board 16 mm thick (this is the simplest, most common and optimal lining option). Thirdly, the thickness of the coated blanks will be from 8-10 mm (door linings) to 16-32 mm (facades and other furniture elements). Fourthly, the sealing rubber will add about 2 mm to the depth of the bath. As a result, the maximum height of the entire “pie” inside the bath will be: 10 + 16 + 32 = 58 mm. For the manufacture of a vacuum bath, we use a profile pipe with a cross section of 60x40 mm, placing it on the short side. At the same time, the height of the free space will be at least: 60 + 2 - 58 = 4 mm, which is quite enough.

Making a vacuum table.

Vacuum bath.

The bottom of the vacuum bath will be a sheet of steel 2 mm thick. To minimize sheet deflection under negative internal pressure, and to give the table surface an even shape (close to an ideal plane), it is necessary to make a stiffening frame. For the manufacture of the frame, we will use the same profile pipe 60x40x2. The pre-cut pipe, in accordance with the project, is laid on the slipway, rigidly fixed with clamps, and all joints are welded. After making the stiffening frame, a steel sheet is welded on top of it. This is the most critical stage of welding work, it requires tightness from a continuous weld (double penetration is recommended).

To avoid warping of the sheet under prolonged high temperatures, the following alternative method of welding the sheet to the stiffener can be used. Before laying the steel sheet on the stiffening frame, it is necessary to apply a sealing compound around its perimeter that can withstand high temperatures (for example, high-temperature silicone sealant), and welding should be carried out not with a continuous seam, but with small regular fixing tacks with a pitch of about 50 mm. This method is based on the fact that short-term, local impacts of welding cannot damage (burn out) the entire sealant, but only a small part of it in the immediate vicinity of the tacks, while most of the sealant after curing will perform its direct function.

Vacuum table dimensions.

Detailing the stiffening frame and the procedure for assembling the vacuum bath: the stiffening frame is welded, a steel sheet is welded to it, a stationary (lower) frame is hermetically welded along the perimeter of the steel sheet with a part of the swivel joint for attaching the lifting (upper) frame.

Photo of the vacuum table from below.
The stiffening frame is made partly from an angle profile.

Lifting (clamping,top)frame.

Frame material - profile pipe 60x40x2 mm. The dimensions of the pressure frame must be exactly the same as those of the vacuum bath. If it was not possible to find a sufficiently even (not bent, not twisted) profile, then it is necessary to select in advance in pairs several of the most even whips, from which the parts of the vacuum table that are tightly adjacent to each other will be made.
The pressure frame will rise thanks to the adjustable swivel joints. The hinges are adjusted after gluing the sealant - strips of sheet rubber of medium hardness, about 2 mm thick.

Welded washers are needed to increase the friction area. The swivel pin is a D12 steel bar with threaded ends.

Gas lifts can be used to hold the pressure frame up. For safety reasons, it is recommended to install four gas lifts (two per side) and make sure that any three of them are able to hold the frame. If the opening angle of the frame (45°) turns out to be insufficient, the frame will cause significant inconvenience in work, it can be raised as far as possible up to an angle of slightly more than 90°, using the thermal module parked behind as a support (gas lifts are not used).

Clamps.

To securely and tightly hold the film during vacuum pressing, it is necessary to firmly and evenly press the upper frame to the perimeter of the vacuum bath, achieving a ubiquitous fit. rubber seal. For these purposes, you can use various ready-made clamps, clamps, or you can make them yourself.
For the manufacture of home-made clamps that work on the principle of an eccentric, you will need the following steel rolled metal: half a meter of a DU50 pipe (outer diameter of about 60 mm), two meters of a rod with a diameter of 10 mm, and about the same amount of a profile pipe with a cross section of 20x20x2 mm.

Firstly, the DU50 pipe is cut into 8 equal 60 mm segments. Each section of the pipe is finished with a semicircular central cut having a width of 10-11 mm and an arc length equal to 3/4 of the length of the outer circumference of the pipe. We will get 8 pieces of eccentric rotary cylinders, to which it is necessary to weld a handle 220 mm long from a square profile 20x20 mm.

Secondly, the steel bar is cut into 16 pieces: 8 pieces 190 mm long (for studs) and 8 pieces 55 mm long (for pivots). It is necessary to weld an M12 nut (or M10 with a drilled thread) to one end of the stud so that it can rotate freely on the pivot, and cut the M10x50 thread at the other end.

Thirdly, to complete the manufacture of the clamp, we weld the ends of the kingpin (with a nut with a welded stud previously put on it) to the inner surface of the eccentric rotary cylinders.

To install the clamps on the vacuum table of the press, through holes with a diameter of 10 mm are drilled at eight points on the table, according to the project. After that, the upper holes are enlarged, giving them an oblong shape. Adjustment of the clamps is carried out by installing the combined nuts in the desired place of the thread of the stud, followed by fixing with locknuts. This operation is performed at the last stage of manufacturing a vacuum table, after gluing a rubber seal.

Elements and dimensions of the swivel clamp.

Hooks for clamps are made of steel angle 50x50x3.

If it was not possible to achieve a flat surface of the table.

If during the welding process the sheet has undergone significant deformations that go beyond the permissible values, then pick up a grinder and cut off the welds, there is no need to redo everything again. It is possible to ensure a perfectly flat plane of the vacuum table additional measures, namely through the use of epoxy leveling compounds, which are used in the manufacture of filler floors. To do this, the vacuum table is set strictly according to the level, the required volume of bulk mass is determined (for example, using a test filling with water), the bottom of the vacuum bath is cleaned of rust, and primed. Fill with the prepared epoxy mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions. For reasons of economy, the mixture can be diluted with some cheap filler, such as quartz sand. To speed up the curing of the mixture after pouring, the table can be heated from above in a controlled manner with the heat from the thermal module. It makes sense to carry out this filling leveling operation after the complete readiness of the vacuum press, the production of test samples of the product, and the decision on the need to improve the geometry of the working surface.

Estimated material for the vacuum table.

Name	Length, mm	Quantity, pcs.	Purpose
Profile 60x40	2500	6	Rigidity frame. Bath. lifting frame.
Profile 60x40	1380	4	Rigidity frame.
Profile 60x40	1320	4	Bath. lifting frame.
Profile 60x40	1001	6	Rigidity frame (diagonal).
Profile 60x40	753	3	Rigidity frame.
Profile 60x40	250	4	Hinge.
Profile 60x40	180	2	Hinge.
Profile 60x40	150	2	Clamp support.
Profile 60x40	140	2	Hinge.
Corner 50x50x3	50	8	Lifting frame (clamping hook).
Profile 20x20	220	8	Clamp.
Pipe DU50	60	8	Clamp.
Rod D10	190	8	Clamp.
Rod D10	55	8	Clamp.
Rod D12	150	2	Hinge.
Nut M10 combi		8	Clamp.
Nut M10		12	Clamp. Table fastening.
Nut M12		16	Clamp. Hinge.
Washer d12		12	Hinge.
Bolt M10x60		4	Table fastening.
Sheet 2500x1500x2		1	Table (bath bottom).
gas lift		2	lifting frame.

Upon completion of the main scope of work, the vacuum table is installed on the frame (on specially provided supports) and fixed at the corners with four bolts, as shown in the figure, after which they proceed to minor work: installing and adjusting the clamps, adjusting the lifting frame hinge, gluing the seal.

The metal structure is beginning to take shape of the future thermal vacuum press, but it still lacks many elements: a vacuum system, a thermal module, an electrical control unit, which will be discussed in the following articles.

Let's start a series of articles on issues self-manufacturing vacuum press for the production of MDF furniture fronts covered with PVC films (film fronts), as well as decorative door linings. All the material of the articles was based on personal experience in organizing the production of film facades from scratch, including the manufacture of the vast majority of equipment and devices with their own hands. The material of the articles does not claim to be absolute accuracy and fidelity, but only describes one specific (special) case and an individual vision of the issues under consideration.

The articles will touch upon issues related directly to the manufacture and operation of a home-made vacuum press, while related topics (for example, milling facades, applying glue, etc.) are planned to be considered in other, separate articles.

Information presentation plan:

Before starting the story, it is necessary to warn potential press repeaters about the possible risk to their health. Self-production is a good thing, we always welcome it, but we should not forget about safety. In the course of work on the manufacture of the press, you will have to deal with electrical voltage up to 400 V, high temperatures, power tools high degree danger, massive, heavy metal structures. Be aware of your own actions! Soberly evaluate your knowledge and skills! If there is any doubt about the correctness of the performance of a particular operation, then be sure to consult with a specialist or completely transfer the work to him. Do not neglect personal protective equipment, it is better to purchase everything you need in advance: welding clothes and a mask, goggles or a mask to protect your eyes and face, durable gloves for working with metal, headphones to reduce sound pressure to your ears.

Theoretical foundations of vacuum pressing of PVC films.

Film facades have been used for a very long time in the manufacture of cabinet (sometimes, rigid elements of upholstered) furniture, but are still very popular due to the rich color scheme, variety of forms and low price. Unlike some other types of furniture facades (for example, frame ones), film facades are made only with the use of specialized equipment that requires considerable production space and energy supply. The main machine in the production of MDF facades covered with PVC films is rightfully considered a vacuum press. A vacuum (often called a thermal vacuum) press shrinks a PVC film onto the surface of an MDF blank (facade, door lining, etc.).

Any thermal vacuum press for the production of film facades consists of two main elements: a vacuum chamber (table, bath) and a heater (thermal module). The vacuum chamber, as a rule, has a rectangular shape (parallelepiped), all walls (except for the top) are made of a rigid material (for example, steel) that is not subject to compression under the influence of artificially created negative pressure inside the chamber. A PVC film is placed on top of the chamber, the edges of the film are sealed with the frame. Thus, we get a sealed volume: a sheet of PVC film lies on top, a rigid vacuum chamber lies on the bottom and on the sides. Before covering with a PVC film and sealing the internal volume of the vacuum bath, the blanks of future furniture facades, pre-coated with a special thermally activated adhesive, are placed in the interior of the vacuum bath in a certain way. At room temperature, the PVC film is very rigid; without heating, it will not be able to go around the entire relief of the workpiece. Also, without heating, the film will not be able to adhere to the workpiece, since the activation temperature of the adhesive starts from 50°C. Electric heating devices (infrared incandescent lamps or heating elements) are used to heat the film. The total power of all heating devices is high and usually ranges from one to several tens of kilowatts.

Thermovacuum press of factory production with a vertical raising of the thermomodule.
Essential elements.

Note: there are presses with the so-called. top pressure, they, in addition to pumping air from a sealed chamber from below, have another chamber above the film, into which air is injected above atmospheric pressure (additionally press on the film from above). Such presses, of course, compare favorably with a number of characteristics compared to presses without top pressure. However, such equipment is an order of magnitude more difficult to manufacture independently, and will not be considered in this series of articles.

So, the process of shrinking (also called broaching) of the film consists of the following sequential basic operations:

Laying blanks on the press table.
Covering with PVC film, sealing.
Heating the film to a certain temperature.
Air pumping.
Cooling.
Cutting blanks, removing excess film from facades.

With a streamlined production process, a typical broach of one table (from covering with a film to cutting out finished facades) takes no more than 10 minutes. However, in order to achieve such results, working on a home-made vacuum press, you need a very large skill, a number of experimental data on the drawing of one or another type of film, obtained on the basis of your own trial and error. It is strongly recommended to thoroughly weigh all the pros and cons, to take on the manufacture of a press with your own hands only in conditions of austerity of money, free time, great desire, and self-confidence.

Goal setting. What press are we building?

Before proceeding directly to the manufacture of the press, it is necessary to set the ultimate goal, that is, to determine with what characteristics, capabilities and at what cost we should end up with a home-made vacuum press.

Everyone who has ever seriously thought about the manufacture of any industrial equipment with their own hands, first of all, compared the cost of self-manufacturing with the price of a similar finished industrial (factory) sample. It is very important to do here right choice, try to answer the question "is the game worth the candle?". Overestimating your own strengths, you can irretrievably lose not only the money invested, but also a lot of invaluable time. By making an informed choice in favor of self-manufacturing, you can save a lot by gaining new knowledge and life experience.

Today, you can buy an entry-level thermal vacuum press for relatively little money. For any successful enterprise, the issue of maximum extreme savings of money is not acute, the time spent and other aspects are more important, therefore, without hesitation, a decision is made to purchase ready-made equipment. But what about a novice private (individual) entrepreneur or a newly minted small organization that is just entering the market and is often forced to count every ruble? Professional economists can offer to develop a competent business plan, conduct marketing and other research, take a bank loan for the required amount. Such a strategy, perhaps more correct and increasingly used in our time, involves a quick start and a quick payback. However, each specific case is individual. Sometimes, due to the combination of many reasons, it is more logical to take a less popular solution: a minimum borrowed money, the maximum investment of their own strengths and skills. Basically, this series of articles is addressed to the followers of this path.

If the exciting process of making a press is not an end in itself, and most importantly - the fastest profit from its future operation, then you do not need to try to copy any of the latest, advanced models of a factory press from a well-known manufacturer. We will make a press that has only the most necessary functions, which has a cost close to the minimum possible (with reasonable savings). Let's fix the basic postulates of building a press:

The life of the press is about five years. In the future, it is planned to purchase more advanced equipment or deep modernization of the existing one.
High maintainability. Short deadlines for elimination possible faults, including with regards to the timing of purchases of spare parts.
No automatic or program control, only manual control.
Use of the most common, readily available materials and components.
Design and external beauty are secondary.
Convenience and speed of work on the press should be comparable with similar characteristics of factory counterparts.
The saved monetary difference between the cost of manufacturing a press and the price of a factory analogue should be at least significant for the enterprise.

The approximate time that will be spent on the purchase of components and the implementation of all work is one to three months. We will have to get a reliable and unpretentious thermal vacuum press for the production of the most popular (traditionally good demand) types of MDF-based furniture film facades and door linings. With proper procurement planning and proper quality work, the cost of a homemade press (at the time of publication of the article) should be at least two times lower than the price of any similar factory-made vacuum press.

In everyday life, there are often situations when you need to compress objects with great force. That is what they are used for different kind pressed devices. The most popular and reliable is the hydraulic design. Is it possible to make a press with your own hands of any complexity and use it in everyday life? To answer the question, you need to familiarize yourself with the types of equipment and functions in detail, and choose the right model for yourself.

Read in the article:

Purpose and functions of the press in everyday life and industry

The press is the most ancient industrial device, which in many cases is indispensable. It is used for pressing a wide range of various kinds products and structures (from jewelry to aircraft).

In fact, a press is a device that provides a powerful compaction of various substances, as well as:

produces liquid squeezing;
lifts and moves heavy objects.

To date, 4 main types are produced:

Wedge.
Lever.
Hydraulic.
Screw.

Types of hydraulic presses

Hydraulic models according to the type of construction are divided into: vertical and horizontal.

The vertical ones are:

Pressurization.
Pressing.
Stamping.

To horizontal:

Edit.
Cutting.
Flexion.

Vertical models can be found in construction and engineering. They consist of a pump high pressure, which is used for labor-intensive pressing. A low-pressure pump is used to work along the bed guides.

Hydraulic Press Applications

The popularity of hydraulics is growing every year in different areas. Such indispensable equipment, industrial presses, excavators and powerful cranes work efficiently, thanks to an unpretentious mechanism. Consider presses that operate on the basis of hydraulics and are used both in everyday life and in industry.

Device for silent blocks

Silent block presses are used to press in and out of automotive bearings. The equipment performs a wide range of maintenance, repair and prevention of cars.

Expert opinion

Tool selection consultant LLC "VseInstrumenty.ru"

Ask a specialist

“If you are planning your own mini car service or just repairing cars yourself, then you can safely purchase a hydraulic press for silent blocks or make it yourself.”

When designing the unit, the following parameters must be taken into account:

Dimensions.
Mass.
Manometer installation.
Calculate the parameters of the bed.
Piston indicators.

There are many parameters for the development of this press. Some may have a 1 ton passenger car, others a multi-ton truck. A simple press with minimal parameters is not suitable for a truck.

Advice! The simplest self-made device is made from a simple hydraulic jack with a conventional hand pump.

Description of the waste paper model

The press for waste paper is simply necessary for the house and a workshop. Over the years, many homes accumulate an amount of unnecessary paper that needs to be disposed of. The device is made of medium power. And it works from the mains, but does not absorb much electricity.

The compact model is able to dispose of a lot of unnecessary waste paper. The equipment is used, like a carton press, to eliminate tin cans and plastic bottles.

When self-assembling, the following parameters are taken into account:

Piston options.
Bed parameters.
Equipment dimensions.

For pressure, a hydraulic pump (manual or ready-made) is used. For the simplest model, a conventional hydraulic jack is used.

Briquettes for sawdust

Briquettes are common for heating private houses, this is the simplest and most effective method fuel. For these purposes, a sawdust press is made.

The fuel briquette press is a mechanical device that consists of the following elements:

Base.
Table.
Power frame.
Drive (mechanical or manual).

For a manual drive, a jack is often used as an addition, and for a mechanical electric motor. Also, the roller press can be attributed to the family of briquette presses.

Hay processing equipment

The device looks like a wooden box, which is planted on a frame made of reliable timber. Metal profiles can also be used as a frame.

The box itself is made without a roof, but with a gate. To make a homemade hay baler, you will need some materials:

Prefinished boards.
corners.
Metal slats for strength.

First, the processed boards are connected with metal corners, using fixing bolts. Then, for strength, we upholster the box with metal slats. We turn to the door or gate, which is mounted on hinges, like a standard door leaf.

To assemble the hay picker you will need:

The basis for the installation of all nodes.
The main part of the attachment to the forehead.
For a press of a box a running element.
Transport Pickup.
Chamber, cylindrical, with press and gearbox.

Advice! The main attention in the model should be paid to the walk-behind tractor. The more powerful the mechanism, the greater the rotation speed.

How to make a device for the garage yourself

If you want to make a press with your own hands in the garage, then it is best to use a manual drive (hydraulic pump). The model consists of chambers with 2 pistons, which are interconnected by an oil pipeline. The hydraulic press operates according to Pascal's law.

For the garage, models are created based on a pneumatic piston, pneumohydraulic structures.

The device and design of the press. Types of different models and their application in everyday life

The principle of operation, for example, of hydraulic equipment resembles a mechanism that, with the help of human efforts, can lift a load whose mass exceeds the ability ordinary person.

On this principle, hydraulic energy operates, based on different mechanisms:

shock absorber.
Drive unit.
Pump.
Brake.

Today there is different types presses powerful, industrial, and manual, intended for house needs.

Press for the production of furniture facades

The press is used for the manufacture of furniture facades based on wood tiles and PVC. And also for do-it-yourself decorative overlays for door panels. A vacuum press will become a reliable assistant in all these works.

Thermal vacuum press includes:

Camera.
Thermal module.
The chamber is made of a rigid, stable material that is not subject to deformation and compression.

From the outside PVC film with sealed edges.

harvesting unit

The baler is an indispensable and reliable design for cases when it is necessary to completely remove hay and straw from the fields.

The unit itself is useful for the agricultural part. There are 2 types of cleaner, they qualify for both large industrial units and small models:

Roll.
Bale.

Industrial special equipment is an independent unit, and small models cling to a walk-behind tractor.

Each of the types has its own characteristics, therefore, before creating a model with your own hands, we recommend that you learn more about each model in more detail, watch the video:

Types of desktop hydraulic presses by functionality

The table press is divided into two main types:

Universal.
Specialized.

Specialized models perform one specific operation, with ready-made equipment for this action.

Universal presses have huge functional differences. Tabletop designs are designed for different operations and equipped with different technologies for each function.

mechanical press

The desktop manual press can work, both in automatic, and in a manual mode. The design gained its popularity due to its small size. The equipment is reliable and has great resources.

Thanks to the press in manual mode, you can process:

foam rubber;
cardboard;
polymers;
rubber;
skin;
various kinds of metals.

Most often, this model can be seen in locksmith production. Thanks to the press, craftsmen significantly save time on the manufacture of bearings and pressing.

Vibropress and its application

This is an indispensable device for the construction of country houses:

Blocks of concrete.
Expanded clay blocks.
Pavement tiles.

If you make a home model of a vibropress with your own hands for the home, then you can stamp blocks in unlimited quantities, providing at least your own construction, and at most your business.

Electro-hydraulic press

Equipment such as an electric hydraulic press is used not only in large industrial enterprises, but also in ordinary workshops.

It is due to the electric drive that a significant part of the tasks can be solved:

many types of work with metal products;
work with bearings and shafts (production, pressing);
pressing products from wood shavings.

You can buy a hydraulic press with an electric drive, but not every ordinary man in the street can afford such a luxury. We offer you to watch a video on how you can make the equipment yourself:

Garage hydraulic press device, drawings, assembly

Experienced motorists make this kind of model on their own from improvised raw materials, which will subsequently allow them to perform a number of free car repair and maintenance work.

Note! IN independent production hydraulic presses for the garage, in frequent cases, the use of a manual drive is provided.

We need a hydraulic pump.
Choose a model: desktop or floor.
Drawing with dimensions.

Before we make a hydraulic press, we need to develop a drawing with dimensions and a small instruction.

Designing drawings of a hydraulic press with your own hands

Before production individual model, you need to decide exactly what type of activity the device will be used for and what power it should be.

The next and important stage is the development of a do-it-yourself hydraulic press drawing, consider several models:

Models	Description
Complex hydraulic model	Schematic drawing general view, requires time and the necessary specialized equipment.
Simple manual	Automobile, simple. It is quite possible to do it yourself by reading the instructions.
Conventional tire changer	Two speed with hand pump. There is a self-return system. Mobile piston.
floor model	There is an overload valve. Floor installation, two speeds, manual pump drive.
The model is assembled in simple conditions	When creating a thick-walled pipe is used. For floor construction, you will need channels or corners with thick walls.

Advice! Before developing the drawing, we determine the scheme and installation of the jack.

In most cases, the jack is installed from below at the base. The development of the drawing includes such an important detail as the device of the bed. This is very important point, because all the load goes to it, so you need to take care of the strength even before production.

How to make a DIY hydraulic press for a garage?

A small step-by-step instruction:

For the desktop you need a channel or a metal pipe.
The cutting strips will go for the table guides. The length of the rails and the width of the bed must be the same.
After work, the equipment is assembled and bolted.
Do-it-yourself hydraulic press provides for the manufacture of an adjustable removable stop, which is made in the same way, but in the strips opposite the racks we make holes for fixing.

The installation of spring elements and a jack is the final stage in the installation of a hydraulic press for a garage. There are cases when the jack is not needed, it can be safely removed from the equipment.

1 (thrust beam on top);

2 (fasteners);

3 (jack up to 20 t);

4 (spring mechanism);

5 (movable structure);

6 (stopper);

7 (device for adjustment);

8 (transverse design);

9 (support legs).

Everything is securedThere are two options: with the help, which is more reliable. Has bolt-on mounting

Do-it-yourself hydraulic press from a jack bolted drawingHere it is necessary to accurately calculate the press force

Beam mounting will be needed for greater rigidityYou can come up with a reference element yourself, depending on your imagination. The presence of a crossbar from below is mandatory, for rigidity.

Advice! In the production of a hydraulic press from a jack, first of all, it is necessary to ensure the strength of the frame, it is on it that the load will be placed.

Which jack is suitable for our design

To date, the glass jack is most often used for the production of a hydraulic press. There are inexpensive devices that are able to squeeze out more than twenty tons.

Note! But there is a problem in using such equipment, they are not able to function upside down.

It seems logical to fix the jack on the upper beam, and use the lower one as a support, but in this case the jack will have to be finalized.

Design modification:

Option 1: install the tank and connect it to the hole for filling the jack with a silicone tube.
Option 2: will require a new development of the jack itself.

Clamp system operation

To make a press from a hydraulic jack with your own hands, a rod is formed. Many masters claim that it is not convenient to use. We need a large area for the development of various, large molds and parts of large dimensions.

Ingots can be used as blocks, in which blind holes are made for strengthening with the main design of the press. If there are no financial opportunities, then the nodes can be made independently. In the beam, you need to make a hole where the heel of the jack should enter, with almost no gap. Then we make several holes for the return mechanism.

Then, in the upper part of the assembly, we weld a piece of pipe for planting a jack. We weld the lower part with the help of corners.

The role of the adjustable support beam

For fastening a portable beam, steel massive fingers are suitable. On the vertical part of the frame we make a series of round notches at different heights. The diameter of the notches must match the cross section of all bolts.

Installing the return mechanism

The last detail in the design of a hydraulic press is a return or spring mechanism. Here you can insert conventional springs for doors. The task can become much more difficult when using the headstock, since its own weight may not allow the spring mechanism to compress.

Advice! One option is to increase the number of springs to 6 or use more powerful parts.

What you need to know when creating a structure from hydraulics

To create the necessary pressure, either a built-in or removable hydraulic apparatus is used. It all depends on the equipment used for a homemade press.
Before you start your small production, you need to know exactly what this model will be used for.
Depending on the effort, you need to choose the degree of reliability of the jack.
Before work, you need to make a small plan and create a drawing for your future design.

Video review: do-it-yourself hydraulic press

At the end

A do-it-yourself hydraulic press has a number of undeniable advantages:

A simple and inexpensive design will delight you for a long time.
In the model, there are no various safety devices for reloading, which simplifies the model.
The operation of the device is not affected by the position of the work table.
You can safely change the parameters of the height and length of the stroke.

Today it is impossible to imagine a garage or car service without hydraulic equipment. Having completed the press with your own hands, you will receive exactly the device that will serve you for a long time. In conclusion, we would like to offer you a video to clearly see the intricacies of the home production of a hydraulic press.