Manual Vs. Auto Hydraulic Press

A hydraulic press is a machine used to exert a compressive force upon an object based on the principle of Pascal’s law. Pascal’s law states that when a confined fluid has pressure applied, the entire liquid is affected by the change in pressure. A hydraulic press is commonly used in sample preparation, whereby the hydraulic cylinder is used to ‘press’ the sample into a thin film or pellet. They are available in both automatic and manual machines. This article will compare the automatic and manual hydraulic press options and the available range from XRF Scientific.

What is a Hydraulic Press?

Using the static pressure of a liquid, a hydraulic press can crush a range of materials such as plastics, metals, wood, and more. The main components of a hydraulic press include the mainframe, two pistons, two hydraulic pipes, cylinders, and a base plate. It is important to note that some designs will vary, and the hydraulic pistons can be operated pneumatically, manually, or electronically depending on the application and required force.

Why do we Have Manual and Automatic Hydraulic Presses?

Manual and automatic hydraulic presses are key laboratory instruments scientists use to prepare samples for XRF analysis, and each type of equipment has its advantages. This is because some critical applications will require large amounts of force, which has led to the development of automatic hydraulic presses. In contrast, manual presses remain in use for low-force applications.

Automatic

Automatic hydraulic presses are sometimes referred to as pneumatic press, which utilizes electricity to open and close the relief valve and force the piston to move. Although the mechanisms are the same as in a manual press, an automatic hydraulic press can improve efficiency and be controlled to provide highly accurate and repeatable results.

Manual

A manual press is more suitable for low-force, infrequent applications because it requires a lot of physical effort. There are a few drawbacks to using a manual hydraulic pump; for example, a manual pump can become a time-consuming and labor-intensive piece of equipment to use for systematic and repeatable processes. Additionally, the amount of pressure applied can vary each time, as this is dependent on the operator instead of a pre-programmed, automatic movement. However, for less frequent applications that do not require repeatability factors, a manual press is a cost-effective option that makes low-force applications efficient and easy.

XRF Scientific Hydraulic Press

XRF Scientific supplies various pressing equipment, including automatic and manual hydraulic presses, that are ideal for XRF analysis sample preparation. 

Automatic Hydraulic Press

The automatic presses are power-assisted, equipped with a programmable microprocessor, and ideal for a wide range of pressing applications. They are fully CE-marked and designed with ease of use in mind. The automatic press is available for four load capabilities: 8, 15, 25, and 40 tons, and key features include:

• End-of-cycle alarms
• Simple operation
• Touch screen control via color, LCD screen
• Six user cycles with up to 10 segments each

Manual Hydraulic Press

XRF Scientific supplies two manual presses – the xrPress MT25 and the xrPress MT25 (which contains a digital display). These manual hydraulic presses are suitable for preparing powder samples for analysis as they are compact benchtop machines and are easy to use. Their key features include the following:

• Accurate pressure gauge
• Adjustable upper bolster
• Pressure release valve
• Vacuum ports

Ready to make a purchase? Contact us today, and let us find the ideal solution for you.