Specac Apex 400 User manual

Apex 400 Hydraulic Press
Quick Set Up Guide
To begin, make sure the Apex 400 set up correctly and the entire manual is
available. You can scan the QR code to access our detailed guide or following the
link: https://specac.com/apex-400-manual
Dimensions: W 462 mm x D 346 mm x H 573 mm (W 18.2" x D 13.6" x H 22.5")
CAUTION! The Apex 400 press weighs 120kg, so care must be taken to transport it correctly. Please keep all press
packing materials for future transportation, if needed. This will protect you and the press from accident or injury
•The press should be installed on a stable and level bench worktop, with a minimum thickness of 25m. An ordinary
electrical consumer outlet is required nearby to provide power to the press.
CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LIFT THE PRESS BY ANY OTHER METHOD. DO NOT USE A PIPE OR BAR THROUGH THE
LIFTING EYE. DO NOT USE THE HANDLE ON THE FRONT TO LIFT THE PRESS.
• Loosen the screws and lift away the top and sides of the crate.
•Locate the lifting “eye bolt (p1)” which is affixed to the bottom
of the pallet and screw it into the hole on the top of the press.
•After removing the top and sides of the crate, use a crane or
hoist fitted with a lifting hook to lift the press from the pallet
(p2). For example, an Engine Hoist or Powered hand truck can
be used. Either transfer directly to the workbench or onto a
scissor lift trolley for transportation to the work site.
Unpacking and installation:
The Apex 400 press is shipped in a wooden crate with
a special pallet base.
Lifting Eye Bolt
Screw into top
of press
https://specac.com/product/apex-400-press/
Initial Setup
Cooling Vent
USB A – for soware updates
Dust Flap
Rear Power
switch
Fuse Box
Power Lead
Connecon
Appliance Label and
Serial Number
Start Buon
Stop Buon
Touchscreen Display
Sample Die Drawer
Power - On/Obuon
1
2
• Connect the supplier mains lead and flip the switch on the rear to its “on” position - red ring on the power button (p3).
• Then press the power on/off button on the lower right of the front panel to power up the press.
•Open the drawer and insert the pellet die (p4). The pellet die can be stored inside the press and does not need to be removed
unless for cleaning.
p3: power on
p4: pellet die
p2: example tools
p1
Die Holder (6)
Die Cap (10)

Note: If the drawer is open, the drawer symbol will be shown with a red exclamation. This means
that all power to the motor has been cut to prevent any accidental operation.
The Apex 400 press can apply a load by running program which can be loaded from the Directory. The press is configured with a
couple of starter programs, but more can be added by the user.
When using a program, the 1st load to be applied can be quickly edited from the main screen by touching the Adjust Load symbol
of the Display Screen and then applied when the start button is pressed. A load between 40 kN to 400 kN can be set.
For first time use test the operation by running at 40kN.
Load
Status Icons
Loaded Program
Buons
Current running step
Main Operating Screen – Status Icons
Status Icon - The Pressure Plate is in the Sample
Loading state
Status Icon - The Pressure Plate is in the Sample
Release/Eject state
Status Icon - The Pressure Plate is moving or in
transitory state
Status Icon - Drawer is Open or Closed – The press will
only run with the drawer closed
Status Icon - Indicates if the oil temperature is OK.
1. Obtain the sample and the correct Die. Make sure it is the correct size and set up correctly.
2. Open the drawer (image above) and place into support ring as shows above. The dies supplied by
Specac with the press are designed specifically for this drawer and have the correct height to be used
with the press. Contact Specac before using any other die.
3. Place powder sample into the die cavity and fit the die top cap. Make sure the top cap is fitted
securely. Recommended mass examples, please refer to table Recommended masses of sample and
load
4. Close the drawer.
5. Once the sample is correctly positioned and drawer is closed, a program can be run. Please
remember there is a maximum piston travel of 38mm, and the press motor and pump will
automatically stop when this travel limit is reached.
6. Please view “Operation” section of the Apex 400 Manual for the additional steps needed to run
this sample
Note: If you experience any technical issues with the press, please refer first to the Troubleshooting guide section of the
User Instruction Manual for possible causes and remedies.
Initial Setup (continued)
Run the press with Ring Die
Start Pressing Sample Recommended masses of
sample and load
Run the press with Standard die
2
3
• From start up the display will load the Main Operation Screen. The last used program will be loaded ready for use.
•Note: On first start up or if the power has been lost the press may ask for the current time to be set. This can be set or cancelled.
Directions to correct are in the User Manual.
• The display will load the Main Operation Screen. The last used program will be loaded ready for use.
• At initial start-up a typical operating screen will be presented as shown below.
1. Pour sample 2. Place cap 3. Close drawer
4. RUN PRESS
in Std Die mode
5. Open drawer
6. Remove cap7. Remove sample
1. Insert empty ring 2. Pour sample 3. Place cap 4. Close drawer
5. RUN PRESS
in Ring Die
mode
6. Open drawer
7. Remove cap8. Remove sample
Program Folder, Event Viewer, Adjust Load, Settings