Specac Atlas Power 8Ton User manual

Atlas™ Power 8Ton (8T), 15Ton (15T)
and 25Ton (25T) Hydraulic Presses
User Manual
2I-25400 Issue 12

Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Hydraulic Presses
3
Atlas™ Power 8Ton (8T), 15Ton (15T)
and 25Ton (25T) Hydraulic Presses
User Manual
2I-25400 Issue 12

User Manual
4
Specac manufactures and stocks a full range of IR sampling
accessories for solids, liquids and gases and optical components. e
design and manufacture fully integrated sampling solutions for the
laboratory, 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 re lection ATR systems
Golden Gate ATR (-150ºC to +300ºC)
Quest ATR
Gateway ATR (up to +200ºC)
25 Reflection ATR
♦ Transmission – Fixed/Variable pathlength gas cells up to 20m
Cyclone (up to +200ºC)
Tornado
Storm (up to +250ºC)
♦ Di use Re lectance
Selector
Minidiff Plus
♦ Specular Re lectance
Monolayer
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)
♦ Polarisers
www.specac.com

Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Hydraulic Presses
5
Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Presses
1. I NTRODUCTION ................................................................................. 6
2. U NPACKING , C HECKING AND I NSTALLATION ........................................ 8
3. G ENERAL S AFETY .......................................................................... 12
4. D IAGRAMS OF THE A TLAS ™ P O ER 8T/15T/25T P RESS ................. 16
Front View .................................................................................... 16
Back View ..................................................................................... 17
Electronic Controller of the Atlas™ Power Press.. ............... 18
Language Setting ......................................................................... 18
5. O PERATION OF THE A TLAS ™ P O ER P RESS ................................... 19
General Procedure ....................................................................... 19
Powering up the Atlas™ Power Press ......................................... 19
Placing ork in the Atlas™ Power Press .................................... 20
Applying a Load with the Atlas™ Power Press ............................ 21
The Safety Guard ......................................................................... 22
The Pressing Area ........................................................................ 23
Piston Travel................................................................................. 25
6. Q UICKSTART G UIDE ........................................................................ 26
English .......................................................................................... 27
Français ........................................................................................ 28
Deutsch ........................................................................................ 29
7. N ON - ROUTINE P ROCEDURES FOR THE A TLAS ™ P O ER P RESS ........ 30
Aborting a Cycle ........................................................................... 30
ork Becomes “Trapped” In the Pressing Area .......................... 30
No Sample In The Pressing Area ................................................. 30
8. F AULT F INDING C AUSES AND R EMEDY FOR A TLAS ™ P O ER P RESS 31
9. G ENERAL P REVENTATIVE M AINTENANCE OF A TLAS ™ P O ER
P RESSES ....................................................................................... 35
10. A CCESSORIES FOR A TLAS ™ P O ER P RESSES .............................. 38
11. S PECIFICATIONS OF A TLAS ™ P O ER P RESSES ............................. 39
12. EC D ECLARATION OF C ONFORMITY ............................................... 40
© July 2018 Specac Ltd. All rights reserved.
Brilliant Spectroscopy is a trademark of Specac Ltd.
Other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks
of their respective owners.

User Manual
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1. Introduction
Thank you for purchasing a Specac product.
The Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T presses are automatic hydraulic
presses which have been designed for a wide variety of pressing
applications within the laboratory or heavy industrial environments. The
presses are specifically suited to the preparation of solid sample discs
using Specac Atlas™ evacuable pellet die assemblies, but they may
also be adapted to provide heated pressing surfaces by installation of
Specac Atlas™ Heated Platens P/N GS15515.
The Atlas™ Power presses enable the controlled application and
release of an applied load and can accommodate large samples up to
220mm in diameter and 155mm tall. They work by automatic motorised
pumping of an hydraulic 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 assembly from where the oil is transferred across to
the base of the pressing area and forced under the piston assembly.
As the oil pressure builds up in the press system the load being
applied to the sample will be registered on the electronic display. The
application of a load will continue until the required load is reached and
then held until released by the operator. The power unit is extremely
quiet and operates below 62 dB(A) making the presses ideal for use in
all environments.
The sample is held in the pressing area prior to compression by 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 any load to the sample pressing procedure. In the
compression process the disc springs will be initially compressed
before full resistance is met to stop the travel of the piston. hen any
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 safety guard mechanism. For any
operation of the press the safety guard must be in its closed (down)
position. Accidental raising of the guard, even if the press is under

Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Hydraulic Presses
7
load, will automatically abort the pressing operation and reduce the
load from the system to render it safe. Please read section 3 on
pages 12 to 15 regarding sa e operation be ore using the press
or the irst time.
The Atlas™ Power Press is fully CE marked to comply with strict
European regulations.
WEEE Directive For Equipment Disposal
The symbol (above) on the back of the controller indicates that this
product complies with the aste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
Directive ( EEE). If this product is in use and was purchased within
the European Union, please contact your local sales agent or Specac
to make arrangements for disposal of this equipment.

User Manual
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2. Unpacking, C ecking and Installation.
Beware: The Atlas™ Power Press is very heavy and care must be
taken to transport it correctly. Please keep the press
packing materials for future transportation by reversing
the following procedure. This will protect you and the
press from accident or injury.
Remove the outer wooden box casing and the top layer 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™ Power Press is on a base packing piece which also holds
a lead screw assembly and special parts for a lifting “eye bolt”
assembly. An appropriate mains lead (or leads) will also be placed in
this area. Cut the straps that hold these items in place. You will need to
assemble the lifting eye bolt pieces through the press (where the lead
screw assembly is positioned for operation) to lift the press clear from
the pallet and its transportation packing.
Fig 1. Packing Kit or Atlas™ Power Presses
Lifting Eye Bolt
Assembly
Lead Screw Assembly

Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Hydraulic Presses
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Before the eye bolt can be put in place the internal packing in the press
must 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 safety guard. The safety guard is in the down position and held in
place by sticky tape to the base of the press on the outside. Remove
the sticky tape and raise the safety guard via the handle to gain access
to the internal pressing area. Remove the packing inside.
Now take the lifting eye bolt pieces and assemble through the top of
the press as shown in the diagram.
Fig 2. Li ting Eye Bolt Parts Positioned or Assembly
Note: Ensure that the pieces are firmly bolted together prior to
moving/lifting the press.
Lifting Eye Bolt
Assembly Parts
Separated

User Manual
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Fig 3. Li ting Eye Bolt Parts Assembled or Li ting o Press
The press is now ready 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 eye bolt. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO
LIFT THE PRESS BY ANY OTHER METHOD. hen the press has
been installed and the lead screw assembly has been fitted, for any
subsequent possible repositioning, the press should NEVER be lifted
via the lead screw handle. Always use the lifting eye bolt assembly
pieces for a re-siting operation.
Lifting Eye Bolt
Assembly Parts
Assembled

Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Hydraulic Presses
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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 supply and near to a water supply and drainage sink if
the Atlas™ Heated Platens P/N GS15515 is used.
The press is supplied filled with hydraulic oil (VG68 P/N GS25900) and
is ready to use.
Specac would strongly advise that the Atlas™ Power 8T/15T/25T
press packing materials are retained and not destroyed for future
transportation should it be required. Using the purpose-built packaging
is the safest way of moving and containing the press to minimize for
any possible damage in transit. Replacing an Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T or
25T press in its packaging is the reverse of the procedure described
previously.
For any inquiries to Specac regarding the Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and
25T presses, the serial number must be quoted. The serial number is a
five digit number preceded by a letter and it is found on the electrical
appliance label placed on the electrical/motor housing assembly panel
at the rear of the press.

User Manual
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3. General Safety
Specac recommends that certain safety precautions should be
followed for any operational procedure of the Atlas™ Power
8T/15T/25T press. The press is very heavy and it should only be lifted
using suitable equipment and moved in a safe manner.
Sa ety Regulations
The Atlas™ Power 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 by EN ISO 14121:2007.
EN-1088 :1996.+ A2:2008.
Testing has been performed by the application of the following
Regulations and Standards:
Supply of Machinery Safety Regulations. 1992.
EN-61010 – 1 :2001.
EN-61010 – 2 –010 :2003.
EN-61326 :2006/8 EMC requirements.
CE Marking
This product bears the “CE” mark and complies with Machinery
Directive 2006/42/EC, EMC Directive 2004/108/EC, Low Voltage
Directive 2006/95/EC.

Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Hydraulic Presses
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Electrical Sa ety
• Check that the input voltage (230v, 110v or 100v) and frequency
50Hz or 60Hz) printed on the appliance label at the back of your press
is compatible with your AC mains voltage.
• The electrical supply connection to the power plug must be earthed.
The protective action earth contact must not be negated by use of an
extension cable without a protective conductor.
• Any interruption of the protective conductor inside or outside the
press or disconnection of the protective earth terminal is likely 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 supply.
• ONLY suitably rated mains leads (power cables) should be used with
this product.
• hen the press is connected to the mains power supply, terminals
may be live and opening of covers or removal of parts (except those to
which access can be gained by hand) is likely to expose live parts. To
avoid the risk of electrocution, disconnect the mains power supply
BEFORE removing any covers to the electrical components or motor
assembly.
• Make sure that only fuses with the required current rating and
specified type are used for replacement. The use o make-shi t uses
and short-circuiting o use holders are prohibited.
• hen the power is switched off from the mains supply, wait one
minute before disconnecting the mains input cable, as capacitors can
store charge and give severe shock.

User Manual
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• henever it is likely that electrical protection has been impaired, the
press should be made inoperative and be secured against unintended
operation.
Operational Sa ety
The Atlas™ Power Press is safe to use provided that it is operated as
recommended and directed from this instruction manual.
The Front Safety Guard (see page 22) is a very important component
and its mechanism is linked to the operation of the press. hen the
guard is closed (down), in its safe position, the press is enabled to
apply a load to a sample. hen 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 sa ety guard is operated mechanically and is raised and
lowered by hand. I the sa ety guard shows any visible signs o
damage (marks, scratches etc), these may impair its e ective
per ormance or sa e containment. Specac recommends that the
sa ety guard is replaced i damaged to con orm to the correct
sa ety standards.
I power is cut to the press whilst a load is being applied DO NOT
RAISE the sa ety guard. Should this occur please re er to the
section on the Sa ety Guard (see page 22) or the correct
procedure under these circumstances.

Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Hydraulic Presses
15
Other possible operational risks may 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™ Power 8T/15T/25T Press. You should take note of the specific
safety considerations involved with these items if they are being used.
• Do not exceed a load limit of 8 tons for the Atlas™ Power 8T Press,
15 tons for the Atlas™ Power 15T Press and 25 tons with the Atlas™
Power 25T Press.
• Do not attempt to press potentially combustible materials or materials
with a low flash point temperature.
• Do not operate the press in very hot or very 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 any visible damage. The press
may 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 Sa ety
The Atlas™ Power Press shall be disconnected from all voltage
sources before it is opened for any adjustment, replacement of
parts, maintenance or repair.
Any 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 may still be charged even if
the press has been disconnected from all voltage sources.

User Manual
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4. Diagrams of t e Atlas™ Power 8T/15T/25T
Press
Front View
Fig 4. Front View o Atlas™ Power Press
10
9
5
4
13
14
2
1

Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Hydraulic Presses
17
Back View
Fig 5. Back View of Atlas™ Power Press
16 3
10
21

User Manual
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Electronic Controller of Atlas™ Power Presses
The main functionality and control of the Atlas™ Power Press is
indicated from the Electronic Controller unit (4). (See Fig 6.). Please
note button (20) currently has no function. Button (19) displays the
date and time.
Fig 6. Detail View o Electronic Controller and Display
Language Setting
The Electronic Controller can display the status conditions in English,
French or German languages. Button “A” (17) will cycle through
English – French – German each time the button is pushed. The “B”
(18) button cycles back. The language setting is retained when
switched off and will be displayed when the Atlas™ Power Press is
next switched on.
The various messages displayed during normal operation are shown in
the Quickstart Guide. (See Section 6 – page 27).
17 18 19 12 11 20
4

Atlas™ Power 8T, 15T and 25T Hydraulic Presses
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5. Operation of t e Atlas™ Power Press
General Procedure
The Atlas™ Power Press is used to apply a constant load to a sample
contained within the pressing area. The sample will usually take the
form of a specific size of evacuable pellet die loaded with a sample
powder for compaction. The load is selected from the Electronic
Controller (4) (see Fig 6.) and then automatically applied when the
start button (13) is pressed. The load is held until the release button
(14) is pressed. (See Fig 4.)
For the following description of how to install, press and remove a
sample from an Atlas™ Power Press please refer to the diagrams of
the press for press part identification.
If an Evacuable Pellet Die with a powder sample is to be placed in the
Atlas™ Power Press, then prior preparation of the die and its sample
loading is required. Please follow the instructions for use supplied with
the Evacuable Pellet Die.
Powering Up the Atlas™ Power Press
Note: efore switching on the Atlas™ Power Press ensure that
the Safety Guard (5) is in its safe/down position.
hen operating the Atlas™ Power Press for the first time ensure that
the power on/off switch (1) on the front panel is in the off position. (See
Fig 4.) The power switch (1) has the markings O and I. The switch is
off when O is pressed level with the surface of the panel.
Now connect the Atlas™ Power Press to a suitable electrical supply
using the supplied mains lead and plug. The mains lead is first
connected to the press at the rear into the power socket (3). (See Fig
5.) Then the plug is connected to the electrical supply and the power is
switched on at the mains.

User Manual
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Turn on the Atlas™ Power Press by the power on/off switch (1) on the
front panel (2). (The indicator I is pressed level with the surface of the
panel). The upper edge of the switch (1) shows a green colour when in
the on position.
Power to the press will also be indicated by the Electronic Controller
(4). From start up the display will show SetLoad (top of display), the
actual load being applied in TONS (middle of display) and a
condition/status message (bottom of display). At initial startup, the
SetLoad will read 03 for a Power 25T press, 02 for a Power 15T press
and 1.0 for a Power 8T press. Both versions of press will show 00.0
TONS for the actual load and a “Ready” (lowercase characters) status.
If a time period of 30 seconds elapses before there has been any
further operation with the press the “Ready” status will turn to a
“READY “(capital characters) status.
Placing Work in the Atlas™ Power Press
After switching on, raise the safety guard (5) to its up/load position.
The Electronic Controller (4) will initially show a “SLO release” status
followed by “Close Guard” about three seconds later.
Place the sample in the pressing area (6) on the piston pressing face
(7). The maximum height of a sample that can be installed into the
pressing area is 155mm. (See Fig 7. – page 23).
Note: It is essential to always place the sample in the centre of the
piston pressing face (7).
Rotate the lead screw (9) via the handle (10) to raise or lower the top
bolster anvil pressing face (8) until there is a gap of no more than 2 to
3mm between it and the top surface of the sample to be compressed.
Now close the safety guard (5) to its down/safe position. The Electronic
Controller (4) status will change from “Close Guard” to “Ready” and
then to “READY” if a period of 30 seconds elapses prior to any further
operation.