Specac Atlas Power 8Ton User manual

Atlas™ Autotouch 8Ton (8T),
15Ton (15T) and 25Ton (25T)
Hydraulic Presses
User Manual
2I-25800-3

Atlas™ Autotouch 8Ton (8T),
15Ton (15T) and 25 Ton (25T)
Hydraulic Presses
User Manual
2I-25800-3

User Manual
2
Specac manufactures and stocks a full range of IR sampling
accessories for solids, liquids and gases and optical components.
We design and manufacture full integrated sampling solutions for
the laborator , at line and in-line process measurement, to cope
with extremes of temperature from –190ºC to +800ºC, pressures
from vacuum to 5000psi and corrosive conditions.
♦ Single and multiple reflection ATR systems
Golden Gate ATR (-150ºC to +300ºC)
Quest ATR
Gatewa ATR (up to +200ºC)
25 Reflection ATR
♦ Transmission – Fixed/Variable pathlength gas cells up to 0m
C clone (up to +200ºC)
Tornado
Storm (up to +250ºC)
♦ Diffuse Reflectance
Selector
Minidiff Plus
♦ Specular Reflectance
Monola er
Fixed Angle
♦ Transmission – Liquids and Solids
Omni-Cell
Pearl
Liquid Flow Cells
Variable Temperature Cell Holder (-190ºC to +250ºC)
Heating Jacket (up to +250ºC)
♦ Extreme Conditions
Environmental Chamber (up to +800ºC, 500psi)
High Temperature High Pressure Cell (up to +800ºC, 1000psi)
♦ Sample Preparation
Presses and Dies (up to 40 tons)
Film Maker (up to +400ºC)
♦ Polarizers
www.specac.com

Atlas™ Autotouch 8T, 15T and 5T Hydraulic Presses
3
Atlas™ Autotouch 8Ton (8T), 15Ton (15T) and
25Ton (25T) Hydraulic Presses
CONTENTS
1 I NTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 5
2. U NPACKING C HECKING A ND I NSTALLATION ....................................... 7
3. G ENERAL SAFETY ........................................................................... 11
4. D IAGRAMS O F T HE A TLAS ™ A UTOTOUCH 8T/15T/25T P RESS ......... 15
5. O PERATION O F T HE A TLAS ™ AUTOTOUCH 8T/15T/25T P RESS ....... 18
G ENERAL P ROCEDURE ................................................................... 18
D ISPLAY S CREENS ......................................................................... 19
F UNCTION B UTTONS ....................................................................... 19
O PERATION S YMBOLS .................................................................... 20
O PERATION S TEPS TO P RESS A S AMPLE ......................................... 24
C HANGING L ANGUAGE D ISPLAY AND U NITS OF L OAD ....................... 26
P LACING W ORK IN THE A TLAS ™ A UTOTOUCH 8T/15T/25T P RESS .. 26
A PPLYING A L OAD WITH THE A TLAS ™ A UTOTOUCH P RESS .............. 27
R ELEASE OF THE A PPLIED L OAD ..................................................... 31
O PERATION - F URTHER F EATURES OF THE P RESS .......................... 35
T HE S AFETY G UARDS ..................................................................... 35
T HE P RESSING A REA ...................................................................... 36
P ISTON T RAVEL ............................................................................. 38
T WO -S TAGE P RESSING P ROCESS FOR H IGHLY C OMPRESSIBLE
S AMPLES ....................................................................................... 39
U SE OF THE S TOP B UTTON ............................................................. 40
6. D ISPLAY S CREENS - O PERATION , O PTIONS , P ROGRAMMING ,
D IRECTORY AND E DITING ................................................................ 42
1) M AIN O PERATION S CREEN (MOS) .............................................. 42
2) O PTIONS S CREEN (O PT ) ............................................................ 49
3) P ROGRAMMING S CREEN (P GM ) .................................................. 51
4) D IRECTORY S CREEN (D IR ) ......................................................... 54
5) E DITING S CREEN (E DIT )............................................................. 56

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7.
N ON -R OUTINE P ROCEDURES F OR T HE A TLAS ™ A UTOTOUCH
8T/15T/25T P RESS ........................................................................ 67
A BORTING A P RESSING P ROCEDURE .............................................. 67
W ORK B ECOMES "T RAPPED " IN THE P RESSING A REA ....................... 67
N O S AMPLE IN THE P RESSING A REA ................................................ 68
8. F AULT F INDING , C AUSES AND R EMEDY FOR A TLAS ™ A UTOTOUCH
8T/15T/25T P RESSES ................................................................... 69
9. G ENERAL P REVENTATIVE M AINTENANCE OF A TLAS ™ A UTOTOUCH
P RESSES ....................................................................................... 74
C HECKING THE O IL L EVEL AND C HANGING THE O IL .......................... 74
C HECKING OF P RESS P ERFORMANCE .............................................. 75
L EAD S CREW A SSEMBLY L UBRICATION ............................................ 76
10. A UTOMATIC C ONTROL O F THE A TLAS ™ AUTOTOUCH
8T/15T/25T P RESS B Y USB C ONNECTIVITY .................................. 77
11. A CCESSORIES FOR A TLAS ™ A UTOTOUCH P RESSES ....................... 77
12. S PECIFICATIONS OF A TLAS ™ A UTOTOUCH P RESSES ..................... 78
13. EC D ECLARTION OF C ONFORMITY ................................................. 79
© November 2016 Specac Ltd. All rights reserved.
Brilliant Spectroscop is a trademark of Specac Ltd.
Other product names mentioned herein ma be
trademarks of their respective owners.

Atlas™ Autotouch 8T, 15T and 5T Hydraulic Presses
5
1. Introduction
Thank ou for purchasing a Specac product.
The Atlas™ Autotouch 8Ton (8T), 15Ton (15T) and 25Ton (25T)
H draulic Presses are automatic and programmable h draulic presses
which have been designed for a wide variet of pressing applications
within the laborator or heav industrial environments, to appl a load
up to 8 tons on the 8T, 15 tons on the 15T and 25 tons on the 25T.
These presses are specificall suited to the preparation of solid sample
discs using Specac Atlas™ evacuable pellet die assemblies, but the
ma also be adapted to provide heated pressing surfaces b
installation of Specac Atlas™ Heated Platens P/N GS15515. (The
heated platens are limited to 15 tons maximum load.)
The Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T presses enable the controlled
application and release of an applied load via push button or
programmable timed functionalit and can accommodate large
samples up to 220mm in diameter and 155mm tall. The operations to
set a specific load to appl or create a program for a load application
sequence for its duration of hold are carried out via a touch sensitive
displa screen. There are two ph sical buttons on the front panel to
push for actual operation of the press – a start button to appl a load
and a stop button to release the load.
The press works b automatic motorised pumping of a h draulic fluid
(oil) to raise a piston and compress a sample held in the pressing area.
The press consists of a motor, pump and oil reservoir assembl from
where the oil is transferred across to the base of the pressing area and
forced under the piston assembl . As the oil pressure builds up in the
press s stem the load being applied to the sample will be registered on
the electronic displa . The application of a load will continue until the
required load is reached and then held until released b the operator.
Alternativel , the load can be applied in a series of load stages via a
specific program and automaticall released from a programmed time
hold function and controlled release rate. The power unit is extremel
quiet and operates below 62 dB(A) making the presses ideal for use in
all environments.

User Manual
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The sample is held in the pressing area prior to compression b use of
a lead screw and top anvil pressing face mechanism. Incorporated into
this mechanism are compression disc springs that allow for a slow
release of an load to the sample pressing procedure. In the
compression process the disc springs will be initiall compressed
before full resistance is met to stop the travel of the piston. When an
stored load is released the disc springs will relax to their non-
compressed state and hence provide for a slow release of a full load.
An important part of the press is the safet guard mechanism. For an
operation of the press the safet guard must be in its closed (down)
position. Accidental raising of the guard, even if the press is under
load, will automaticall abort the pressing operation and reduce the
load from the s stem to render it safe. Please read section 3 on
pages 11 to 14 regarding safe operation before using the press
for the first time.
The Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press is provided with USB
connectivit if it is a requirement to operate the press remotel from a
computer s stem. For remote operation, please see Section 10 in this
manual.
The Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press is full CE marked to compl
with strict European regulations.
WEEE Directive For Equipment Disposal
The s mbol (above) on the back of the press indicates that this product
complies with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive
(WEEE). If this product is in use and was purchased within the
European Union, please contact our local sales agent or Specac to
make arrangements for disposal of this equipment.

Atlas™ Autotouch 8T, 15T and 5T Hydraulic Presses
7
2. Un acking, Checking and Installation
Beware! The Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press is very heavy
and care must e taken to transport it correctly. Please
keep the press packing materials for future transportation
if necessary y reversing the following procedure. This
will protect you and the press from accident or injury.
Remove the outer wooden box casing and the top la er packing card
(where the instruction manual was located) to lift clear of the base
pallet. There are 2 crosshead screws on 2 sides at the base of the box
that must be unscrewed to separate the box from the base pallet.
The Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press is on a base packing piece
which also holds a lead screw assembl and special parts for a lifting
“e e bolt” assembl . An appropriate mains lead (or leads) will also be
located in this area. Cut the straps that hold these items in place. You
will need to assemble the lifting e e bolt pieces through the press
(where the lead screw assembl is positioned for operation) to lift the
press clear from the pallet and its transportation packing.
Lead Screw Assembl
Lifting E e Bolt
Assembl

User Manual
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Before the e e bolt can be put in place the internal packing in the press
has to be removed. Cut the tape at the top of the plastic bag and
around the base of the bag and lift clear of the press. You will see that
there is further protective packing within the pressing area of the press
behind the safet guard. The safet guard is in the down position and
held in place b stick tape to the base of the press on the outside.
Remove the stick tape and lift up the safet guard via the handle to
gain access to the internal pressing area. Remove the packing inside.
Now take the lifting e e bolt pieces and assemble through the top of
the press as shown in the diagram.
Note: Ensure that the pieces are firmly olted together prior to
moving/lifting the press.
Lifting E e Bolt
Assembl Parts
Separated

Atlas™ Autotouch 8T, 15T and 5T Hydraulic Presses
9
The press is now read to be lifted off of the wooden pallet. The press
MUST be lifted into its working position using a suitable hoist (or crane)
with a lifting hook to pass through the e e bolt. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
LIFT THE PRESS BY ANY OTHER METHOD. When the press has
been installed and the lead screw assembl has been fitted, for an
subsequent possible repositioning, the press should NEVER be lifted
via the lead screw handle. Alwa s use the lifting e e bolt assembl
pieces for a re-siting operation.
Lifting E e Bolt
Assembl Parts
Assembled

User Manual
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Place the press in its working position. The bench worktop should be of
a minimum thickness of 25mm. The press needs to be sited near to an
electrical power suppl and also near to a water suppl and drainage
sink if the Atlas™ Heated Platens P/N GS15515 are used.
Fit the lead screw assembl as shown in the diagram on page 14. For
operation ensure the bolster pressing anvil face (10) is securel fixed
in the leadscrew. The anvil (10) is held in the hollow end of the lead
screw (8) using an O-ring from a compression push fit.
The press is supplied filled with h draulic oil (VG68, P/N GS25900)
and is read to use.
Specac would strongl advise that the Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T
press packing materials are retained and not destro ed (if at all
possible), for future transportation should it be required. Using the
purpose built packaging is the safest wa of moving and containing the
press to minimize for an possible damage in transit. Replacing an
Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press in its packaging is the reverse of
the procedure described previousl .
For an inquiries to Specac regarding the Atlas™ Autotouch
8T/15T/25T presses, the serial number must be quoted. The serial
number is a five digit number preceded b a letter and it is found on
the electrical appliance label placed on the electrical/motor housing
assembl panel at the rear of the press.

Atlas™ Autotouch 8T, 15T and 5T Hydraulic Presses
11
3. General Safety
Specac recommends that certain safet precautions should be
followed for an operational procedure of the Atlas™ Autotouch
8T/15T/25T press. The press is ver heav and it should onl be lifted
using suitable equipment and moved in a safe manner.
Safety Regulations
The Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press has been designed with
reference to the following Standards:
EN-953 :98. + A1:2009.
EN-954 – 1 :1997., EN ISO 13849-1:2006
EN-999 :1999.+ A1:2008.
EN-1050 :1997.replaced b EN ISO 14121:2007.
EN-1088 :1996.+ A2:2008.
Testing has been performed b the application of the following
Regulations and Standards:
Suppl of Machiner Safet Regulations. 1992.
EN-61010 – 1 :2010.
EN-61010 – 2 –010 :2003.
EN-61326-1 :2013 EMC requirements.
CE Marking
This product bears the “CE” mark and complies with Machiner
Directive 2006/42/EC, EMC Directive 2004/108/EC, Low Voltage
Directive 2006/95/EC and ROHS2 Directive.

User Manual
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Electrical Safety
• Check that the input voltage (230v, 220v, 110v or 100v) and
frequenc 50Hz or 60Hz) printed on the appliance label at the back of
our press is compatible with our AC mains voltage.
• The electrical suppl connection to the power plug must be earthed.
The protective action earth contact must not be negated b use of an
extension cable without a protective conductor.
• An interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside the
press or disconnection of the protective earth terminal is likel to make
the apparatus dangerous. Intentional interruption is prohibited.
• If the press is to be energised via an external autotransformer for
voltage reduction, make sure its common terminal is connected to the
neutral (earth pole) of the power suppl .
• ONLY suitabl rated mains leads (power cables) should be used with
this product.
• When the press is connected to the mains power suppl , terminals
ma be live and opening of covers or removal of parts (except those to
which access can be gained b hand) is likel to expose live parts. To
avoid the risk of electrocution, disconnect the mains power suppl
BEFORE removing an covers to the electrical components or motor
assembl .
• Make sure that onl fuses with the required current rating and
specified t pe are used for replacement. The use of make-shift fuses
and short-circuiting of fuse holders are prohibited.
• When the power is switched off from the mains suppl , wait one
minute before disconnecting the mains input cable, as capacitors can
store charge and give severe shock.

Atlas™ Autotouch 8T, 15T and 5T Hydraulic Presses
13
• Whenever it is likel that electrical protection has been impaired, the
press should be made inoperative and be secured against unintended
operation.
Operational Safety
The Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press is safe to use provided that it
is operated as recommended and directed from this instruction
manual.
The Front Safet Guard (see page 35) is a ver important component
and its mechanism is linked to the operation of the press. When the
guard is closed (down), in its safe position, the press is enabled to
appl a load to a sample. When the guard is open (up) the press
operation is disabled. (No power to the motor is allowed). Therefore,
there is no risk of accidental harm due to operation of the press whilst
handling samples within the pressing area.
The safety guard is operated mechanically and is raised and
lowered by hand. If the safety guard shows any visible signs of
damage (marks, scratches etc), these may impair its effective
performance for safe containment. Specac recommends that the
safety guard is replaced if damaged to conform to the correct
safety standards.
If power is cut to the press whilst a load is being applied DO NOT
RAISE the safety guard. Should this occur please refer to the
section on the Safety Guard (see page 35) for the correct
procedure under these circumstances .
Other possible operational risks ma be due to the specific samples,
work or accessories (e.g. Atlas™ Evacuable Pellet Dies and the
Atlas™ Heated Platens P/N GS15515) that are being used with the
Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press. You should take note of the
specific safet considerations involved with these items if the are
being used.

User Manual
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• Do not exceed a load limit of 8 tons for the Atlas™ Autotouch 8T
press, 15 tons for the Atlas™ Autotouch 15T or 25 tons for the
Atlas™ Autotouch 25T press.
• Do not attempt to press potentiall combustible materials or materials
with a low flash point temperature.
• Do not operate the press in ver hot or ver cold environments.
Ambient temperature range allowable is 5°C to 40°C.
• Do not operate the press in WET, DAMP or HUMID environments.
(Allow time for condensation to evaporate before operation – if the
press has been stored in cold conditions).
• Do not operate the press if it shows an visible damage. The press
ma have been dropped in transit or damaged in use. Seek advice.
• Do not continue operating the press if it fails to perform the intended
measurement. Seek advice.
Repair or Maintenance Safety
The Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press shall be disconnected from
all voltage sources before it is opened for an adjustment, replacement
of parts, maintenance or repair.
An adjustment, maintenance or repair of the opened apparatus under
voltage should be avoided as far as possible and if inevitable, should
be carried out only by a skilled person who is aware of the hazards
involved. Capacitors inside the apparatus ma still be charged even if
the press has been disconnected from all voltage sources.

Atlas™ Autotouch 8T, 15T and 5T Hydraulic Presses
15
4. Diagrams of the Atlas™ Autotouch
8T/15T/25T Press
Front View (Front Safety Guard Closed)
8
9
4
1
5

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Back View (Front Safet Guard Closed)
9
13
3 15

Atlas™ Autotouch 8T, 15T and 5T Hydraulic Presses
17
Detail of Electronic Front Control Panel
4
11
1
1

User Manual
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5. O eration of the Atlas™ Autotouch
8T/15T/25T Press
General Procedure
The Atlas™ Autotouch 8T/15T/25T press is used to appl a constant
load to a sample contained within the pressing area. The sample will
usuall take the form of a particular size evacuable pellet die loaded
with a sample powder for compaction.
The Autotouch press can appl a load from use of a standard “simple
program” (PZ – program zero), or from the loading and running of one
of six programs (P1 to P6), which can be custom created and stored in
the presses Directory register.
When using the (PZ) program, the load (tonnage) to be applied can be
selected from the presses own allowable load range limits b touching
the Increase Load s mbol from the main Operation Screen menu of
the Displa Screen (4) and then applied when the start button (11) is
pressed.
The load that can be set for the different Autotouch presses are:-
8T press is from 1.0 Ton to 8.0 Tons range in 0.2 Ton steps.
15T press is from 2.0 Tons to 15.0 Tons range in 0.2 Ton steps.
25T press is from 3.0 Tons to 25.0 Tons range in 0.5 Ton steps.
For the (PZ) program, the load is held from a Maintain Load function
step with an automatic “top up” of the load if the tonnage load value set
reduces, until the stop (release) button (1 ) is pressed. Alternativel ,
the load can be applied for a particular time with use of either the
Maintain Load or a Hold Load function b running a particular
program sequence (P1 to P6) that has been created and stored into
the memor of the Auto press. Programming and Editing for the
press operation are explained in their own sections of this instruction
manual (Please see Section 6).