A heat press includes a clutch and a linkage that moves the upper platen relative to the lower platen. A first link is pivotably coupled to the base and pivotably coupled to an intermediate link. The intermediate link can rotate in a first rotational direction from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. A first clutch member can be coupled to the intermediate link. A second clutch member can be mounted to the upper platen for common movement with the upper platen. When the intermediate link is in the first rotational position, the clutch can be disengaged to permit relative movement in the clamping direction between the first and second clutch members. When the intermediate link is in the second rotational position, the clutch can be engaged to inhibit relative movement between the first and second clutch members.

A heat press includes a clutch and a linkage that moves the upper platen relative to the lower platen. A first link is pivotably coupled to the base and pivotably coupled to an intermediate link. The intermediate link can rotate in a first rotational direction from a first rotational position to a second rotational position. A first clutch member can be coupled to the intermediate link. A second clutch member can be mounted to the upper platen for common movement with the upper platen. When the intermediate link is in the first rotational position, the clutch can be disengaged to permit relative movement in the clamping direction between the first and second clutch members. When the intermediate link is in the second rotational position, the clutch can be engaged to inhibit relative movement between the first and second clutch members.

A press machine for forming a part comprises a planetary gear system, a first motor, a second motor, a linear actuator, and a press ram that holds a tool. The planetary gear system includes a ring gear, a sun gear, and a plurality of planet gears between the sun gear and the ring gear. The planetary gear system has an output shaft that is coupled to the linear actuator. The first motor is coupled to the planetary gear system for producing a high-speed condition on the linear actuator and the press ram. A second motor is coupled to the planetary gear system for producing a high-torque condition on the linear actuator and a corresponding high-force condition the press ram. The press ram forms the part with the tool during the high-force condition.

A press machine for forming a part comprises a planetary gear system, a first motor, a second motor, a linear actuator, and a press ram that holds a tool. The planetary gear system includes a ring gear, a sun gear, and a plurality of planet gears between the sun gear and the ring gear. The planetary gear system has an output shaft that is coupled to the linear actuator. The first motor is coupled to the planetary gear system for producing a high-speed condition on the linear actuator and the press ram. A second motor is coupled to the planetary gear system for producing a high-torque condition on the linear actuator and a corresponding high-force condition the press ram. The press ram forms the part with the tool during the high-force condition.

A press machine comprises a moveable press ram, an actuator, a first motor system, a second motor system, and a belt system. The moveable press ram holds a tool that forms a part. The actuator linearly moves the moveable press ram by use of a male-female thread mechanism. The actuator includes an actuator sprocket coupled to the male-female thread mechanism. The first motor system produces a high-force linear movement condition to the press ram, and includes a clutch coupled to a first motor and a first motor sprocket coupled to the clutch. The second motor system produces a high-speed linear movement condition to the press ram. The belt system couples the actuator sprocket, the first motor sprocket, and the second motor sprocket. The clutch allows the first motor to partially or fully disengage from rotational movement of the first sprocket when the belt is being driven by the second motor.

A press machine comprises a moveable press ram, an actuator, a first motor system, a second motor system, and a belt system. The moveable press ram holds a tool that forms a part. The actuator linearly moves the moveable press ram by use of a male-female thread mechanism. The actuator includes an actuator sprocket coupled to the male-female thread mechanism. The first motor system produces a high-force linear movement condition to the press ram, and includes a clutch coupled to a first motor and a first motor sprocket coupled to the clutch. The second motor system produces a high-speed linear movement condition to the press ram. The belt system couples the actuator sprocket, the first motor sprocket, and the second motor sprocket. The clutch allows the first motor to partially or fully disengage from rotational movement of the first sprocket when the belt is being driven by the second motor.

A system and method of increasing a dwell time in a foil stamping press is provided. The dwell time is readily adjusted on the fly by the user for a given operating rate. A timer is used to adjust the press to stop on top dead center with changes in images per hour. An air clutch and an original equipment air brake are used in tandem to provide the desired dwell time. A pair of timers governs a pneumatic switch for control of the air clutch and the air brake. The present system and method increase die image area capacity as compared to conventional foil stamping presses. The increased dwell time press yields a flawless foil stamped image for an impression pressure less than that required in a conventional machine for a given die, mounted at a given height upon a stationary platen, and at a given temperature.

A system and method of increasing a dwell time in a foil stamping press is provided. The dwell time is readily adjusted on the fly by the user for a given operating rate. A timer is used to adjust the press to stop on top dead center with changes in images per hour. An air clutch and an original equipment air brake are used in tandem to provide the desired dwell time. A pair of timers governs a pneumatic switch for control of the air clutch and the air brake. The present system and method increase die image area capacity as compared to conventional foil stamping presses. The increased dwell time press yields a flawless foil stamped image for an impression pressure less than that required in a conventional machine for a given die, mounted at a given height upon a stationary platen, and at a given temperature.

A system and method of increasing a dwell time in a foil stamping press is provided. The dwell time is readily adjusted on the fly by the user for a given operating rate. A timer is used to adjust the press to stop on top dead center with changes in images per hour. An air clutch and an original equipment air brake are used in tandem to provide the desired dwell time. A pair of timers governs a pneumatic switch for control of the air clutch and the air brake. The present system and method increase die image area capacity as compared to conventional foil stamping presses. The increased dwell time press yields a flawless foil stamped image for an impression pressure less than that required in a conventional machine for a given die, mounted at a given height upon a stationary platen, and at a given temperature.

A system and method of increasing a dwell time in a foil stamping press is provided. The dwell time is readily adjusted on the fly by the user for a given operating rate. A timer is used to adjust the press to stop on top dead center with changes in images per hour. An air clutch and an original equipment air brake are used in tandem to provide the desired dwell time. A pair of timers governs a pneumatic switch for control of the air clutch and the air brake. The present system and method increase die image area capacity as compared to conventional foil stamping presses. The increased dwell time press yields a flawless foil stamped image for an impression pressure less than that required in a conventional machine for a given die, mounted at a given height upon a stationary platen, and at a given temperature.