Promess to release electromechanical platen-type press for precision assembly and material preparation at IMTS

Promess Inc. will introduce a new servo-controlled electromechanical platen-type press in Booth 236623 at IMTS 2018 in Chicago — September 10 to 15. The Promess Platen Press is designed for assembly and material preparation applications in battery manufacturing, aerospace component production and similar areas requiring precise application of high force over a large area.

The platen press uses multiple Promess Electro-Mechanical Assembly Presses (EMAPs) to move the platen and supply the specified force. They are controlled by a multi-axis Promess UltraPRO controller running proprietary software that enables “joined-axis” control of the EMAPs.

The platen press being exhibited at IMTS is an 80 kN (18,000 lbs-force) model with a 1.2 x 0.91 m (3’ x 4’) platen and 330mm (13in) stroke. It uses four Promess 20 kN (4,500 lbs-force) EMAPs and an UltraPRO controller running Promess Joined-Axis software. Other standard Platen Press configurations are available with up to 2,000 kN (400,000 lbs-force) with platen sizes varying depending on the specific application needs.

Joined-axis control means the controller monitors both the force and position of each EMAP and makes adjustments in real-time to provide uniform downward motion and pressure during the entire press cycle. The Promess Joined-Axis Software allows the user to program the multiple EMAPs as a virtual single device eliminating the need to write individual control programs and an integrating algorithm. This greatly simplifies application programming for the platen press.

“The platen press is a natural result of our experience with systems to press Lithium Ion battery electrolytes,” explained Promess president Glenn Nausley. “Getting high energy density requires the powdered materials to be pressed to very tight tolerances for both density and dimension. We met the challenge for small batteries — like those used in pacemakers and other devices — with systems based on a single EMAP.”

“But, larger batteries, like those used in electric vehicles, need something with greater output than a single EMAP even using the largest available models,” Nausley continued. “The Platen Press using multiple EMAPs is the logical solution. To make that work we needed a very capable control and some specialized software. Fortunately, both the UltraPRO and the joined axis software were ready when we needed them.

“There are many other applications in other industries that could benefit from a precision press with a large working area,” Nausley said, “and the platen press is an suitable solution for them. We are actively pursuing opportunities in aerospace, automotive, packaging and a number of other areas.”

Promess is a 34-year-old firm that develops, manufactures, and markets its family of sensing devices, electronics, assembly presses and test systems on a global basis. For more information, visit promessinc.com.