See It at the Show
Schmidt Offers Innovations in Manual Presses
The DuplexPress 8 is a two-armed, manual rack-and-pinion press. It features a fast approach on the left side and a power stroke on the right.
Assemblers have myriad options for press-fit assembly, including pneumatic, hydropneumatic and electric presses. However, for many applications, a simple, hand-operated press is all that’s needed.
Manual presses offer high precision, reliability and flexibility without the high price tag of powered presses. They are ideal for small production runs, precise assembly tasks or high-mix production environments that don’t merit more expensive machines.
There are three types of manual presses: rack-and-pinion, toggle and toggle with pneumatic assist. A rack-and-pinion press produces a constant linear force over the entire length of the stroke. It is popular for pressing and forming applications.
In a toggle press, the ram is connected via a toggle mechanism. The lever action of the toggle multiplies the force applied by the ram exponentially. The press produces little force at the start of the stroke, but delivers maximum force at the end. Toggle presses are typically used for crimping, flaring, punching, riveting and staking.
Schmidt Technology Corp. has been providing presses to the North American market since 1992. Although Schmidt produces a variety of powered presses, manual presses remain among the company’s top sellers.
In fact, one of the company’s newest products is a manual press. The DuplexPress 8 is a two-armed, rack-and-pinion style press that features a fast approach on the left side and a power stroke on the right. The press offers 140 millimeters of ram stroke. The left handle offers low force and high speed, while the right handle is designed to generate high force.
Another recent Schmidt innovation for manual presses is a stroke release system. Monotonous, manually operated press applications can potentially become a source of danger with serious injuries. Schmidt’s remedy is a clever mechanical system that prevents the press from operating unless both the operator’s hands are safely out of the way. To operate the press, the assembler must disengage a locking mechanism with one hand and use the other to pull the lever.
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Error-proofing technology is another popular add-on with manual presses. Schmidt offers manual presses with integrated control packages that prevent a cycle start if a specific condition is not met. Systems with fully integrated process monitoring and control elements ensure every part was produced with a specified tolerance.
One of the company’s most popular accessories is a return stroke lock. It ensures that operators pull the handle all the way to the end of stroke. If they don’t, the handle doesn’t come back up. It prevents operators from making the mistake of short stroking.
For more information on presses, click www.schmidtpresses.com or visit the company’s booth at The Manufacturing & Automation eXchange (MAX), which will be held March 24-26, 2026, at the Music City Center in Nashville, TN. Schmidt is one of several press suppliers exhibiting at the show.
MAX was created in response to the shifts shaping manufacturing today: smart factories, integrated systems, workforce challenges, and the need for collaboration across disciplines. MAX merges the strengths of five manufacturing brands—ASSEMBLY, Quality, Adhesives & Sealants Industry, ISHN and Packaging Strategies—to create one collaborative, unified event that reflects how modern manufacturers think, work and solve.
Besides presses, you’ll find some 200 suppliers of automation, fastening tools, robotics, software, presses, adhesives, test and inspection technology, packaging equipment and safety products.
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