Radio Frequency Press Type Shuttle

Radio Frequency Press Description Type Shuttle Press

Radio Frequency press with heavy duty 4-way edge gluer with two (2) platens, each 52" x 96", mounted at 45 degrees, equipped with hydraulic cylinders for the application of edge and end pressure on panels and/or door assemblies up to 2" thick.  The press is equipped with a Shuttle Top Platen, which alternately moves over one of the two platens, exerts top pressure on the assembly, and acts as a part of the RF cure system. The press is outfitted with an internal RfsProtech 10KW RF generator, which utilizes a RF switch to direct its output to the platen that is selected and covered by the top platen. In use, the press cures one platen while the other platen is unloaded/loaded by the operator.

The hydraulic system utilizes a Hi/Lo pressure system; giving the operator pressure enough for the accurate placement of parts while under low pressure, and switching to high pressure once the assembly is in the press and the top platen is closed and holding the work pieces.  The press and generator are equipped with those functions and options that are required to make full use of the design, including AutoTune on the generator, and computerized operator interface displaying functional operator controls and diagnostics for troubleshooting.
The press design exhibits a small footprint and a minimum number of moving parts, a stationary RF unit, and a full suite of safety features, as follows:

• The bottom platen is the active platen; and since it is not accessible to the operator while on, it represents a safer design than designs with a hot top platen.
• Multiple safeties insuring that [1] the top platen is closed and positioned over the selected bottom platen, [2] that the RF switch is directing its output to the correct platen, [3] that all safety circuits [door switches, tube cooling, etc.] are made before energizing the RF On circuit.
• Tape switches on the movable top platen to prevent movement if an object is encountered during the top platen travel.

Top platen cleaning is achieved through the provided access space, located between the two lower platen assemblies.  The Radio Frequency Generator is mounted under one of the two tables, and a high voltage Radio Frequency transmission line exits the one generator and connects to the other platen assembly.  This transmission line is to be placed so as to maximize the operator access to the bottom of the top platen

Specifications of the Radio Frequency Shuttle Press

• The heavy welded steel frame is computer designed to minimize deflection under full working pressures.
• Clamping Area is 52" x 96" x 2" thick on each of two (2) platens.  The two platens are identical in orientation, designed for cleaning of the top platen.
• Clamping pressure is applied by hydraulic cylinders on both edge and end of each platen, manifold fed.  The cylinder centerlines are consistent with the product thickness to be run on the press.
• Edge pressure (96") applied by sixteen (16) each 2" bore x 4" stroke hydraulic cylinders.
• End pressure (52”) applied by nine (9) each 2” bore  x 4” stroke hydraulic cylinders.
• Top pressure applied by air pods with coil return springs mounted on poly guided rods.  Air pods are equipped with quick-dump control valves for rapid platen opening.
• Side pressure features separate controls which allow independent positioning, alignment and clamping of parts under low pressure for operator safety.  Final clamping pressure will be applied automatically when the top platen is closed.
• Platen set at a 45 degree angle for easy access to the platen for placement, alignment and removal of stock.  The top platen opens by moving to the adjacent platen when signaled by the operator via a two-hand no-tie-down safety control mounted on the operator control panel.
• The 10KW internal solid state RfsProtech Radio Frequency Generator can cure approximately 1,000 square inches of glue line area per minute.
• The generator features solid state rectification, state-of-the-art design, and an all aluminum cabinet for maximum efficiency and performance.
• Two-hand no-tie-down operator controls for moving and closing top platen.
• Controls are easy to understand, and feature an operator interface with messaging for operation and troubleshooting.  Controls include all required timers, meters, switches and push-buttons for full control of the press.
• The control package includes the following:  a Cycle Timer; a Plate Meter and AutoTune Controller; selector switch; and control relay.  These controller pairs shall be mounted in the middle of the machine.
• The generator features AutoTune circuitry for automatic adjustment of the Radio Frequency generator to varying press loads.
• Top platen operation and generator doors are all interlocked, ensuring that the platen is closed and the generator doors are closed prior to RF activation.
• Control panel pedestal mounted on an umbilical of sufficient length to be stationed in the front center of the press, unless otherwise specified.
• Wired for 480 Volt 60 Cycle 3 Phase operation.  Other voltages available, please specify.
• The press is painted with a two-part urethane paint for durability and cleanliness.
• Circuit breaker protection is provided.  A service disconnect is required for safety, but is not provided.