Vacuum Molding Presses

Slab Side 30 to 500 Ton Presses
Molding and Laminating Presses Increase Quality and Production

Compression molding or laminating on a press equipped with a vacuum chamber pays off in faster production, higher quality and reduced scrap parts. Surrounding the workpiece with a vacuum removes heated gases and trapped air from the part, thereby eliminating defects. The WABASH line of vacuum presses parallels our standard Vantage presses from 50 to 150 tons of clamp force. The Vantage ll presses range from 200 through 600 tons of clamp force. They incorporate the quality construction and performance features of the standard WABASH presses plus a versatile and efficient vacuum chamber design that lets you take full advantage of the benefits of vacuum operation.

WABASH vacuum presses feature a heavy-duty slab side construction which forms the four walls of the vacuum chamber. Manually operated hinged doors on front and rear seal to create a vacuum environment during operation.

Hydraulically operated automatic front and rear doors can be specified as an option for speed and convenience. Precision ground platens are parallel and level to +/-.001 in/ft. Heavy slab construction minimizes deflection.

Self-contained hydraulic system includes an efficient load sensing, variable volume, pressure compensated pump, hydraulic oil reservoir with sight gauge, thermometer and a clean-out door.

Options Customize Standard Hydraulic Presses to Best Fit Your Application

You benefit from the many options that let you tailor a WABASH press to fit your application. When molding certain composites, higher platen temperatures are required. You can choose platens capable of temperatures to 650°F, 800°F or 1200°F.

Equip your WABASH vacuum press with multiple daylight openings, worktables, cooled platens and material handling systems, depending on your productivity objectives.

Select the Control Option that Best Fits your Task.

Standard control package includes a programmable controller and access module. Options include a controller for programmable temperature and pressure cycles. This flexibility affords the opportunity to capitalize on optimum cost-effectiveness with the most machine for a minimal investment.

Standard Features of the Vacuum Chamber Molding and Laminating Presses:

• Standard platen sizes from 15" x 15" to 36"x 36"
• Electrical characteristics: 460/3/60
• Daylight openings to 24"
• Integral hydraulic system featuring load sensing pump
• Drip pan under hydraulic unit
• Water cooled heat exchanger
• PLC control system with access module, pressure gauge and "anti-tie-down" circuit
• Electrically heated platens up to 500°F

Optional Features:

• High speed hydraulic system
• Air-cooled heat exchanger
• WaterSaver valve for heat exchanger
• Down-acting clamp
• Low pressure system
• Pressing speed control
• Adjustable fast close control
• Counter-balanced cylinder
• Additional daylight openings
• Digital display of force
• Electronic force control
• 650°F, 800°F, or 1200°F electrically heated platens
• 7 day timer for heaters
• Cycle counter
• Extra heat zones in platen(s)
• Audible or visual alarms
• Temperature controller and plugs for mold heaters
• 220, 380 or 575 volt operation
• T-slots or tapped holes in platen for mold mounting
• Vacuum pump package
• Automatic hydraulically powered door(s)