hydraulic presses

Mastering Metal Manipulation with RMT Hydraulic Presses

In the demanding world of metal fabrication, the hydraulic press remains an indispensable cornerstone. Unlike mechanical presses, which deliver a sharp peak of force at the very bottom of their stroke, hydraulic presses provide constant, uniform pressure throughout the entire cycle. This level of control allows operators to fine-tune stroke lengths, adjust speeds, and approach materials with a precision that significantly reduces part damage.

At the forefront of this technology is Revolution Machine Tools (RMT). Renowned for engineering rugged, steel-welded plate frames and integrating top-tier components from trusted global brands like Rexroth, Parker, Siemens, and Schneider, RMT delivers a highly specialized portfolio of hydraulic presses. RMT’s catalog is organized via a clear nomenclature—where the prefix “H” designates a vertical hydraulic press and “HZ” stands for a horizontal variant. Understanding the distinct specialties, design architectures, and ideal applications of each model series reveals how RMT addresses the broad spectrum of industrial needs.

The H-FAB C™ and H-SMART C™ Series (C-Frame / Gap-Frame Presses)

Named for their distinct, squarish “C” profile, these presses are open on the front and both sides, connecting only at the back.

  • The Specialty: Unrivaled accessibility and space optimization.
  • The Advantages: The primary advantage of a C-frame press is operator ergonomics and workpiece versatility. Because the sides are completely clear, fabricators can feed long or oddly shaped materials through the machine from virtually any angle. They also feature a remarkably compact footprint, making them ideal for facilities looking to maximize floor space.
  • Specifications: The H-FAB C™ and H-SMART C™ models are available across six distinct configurations, ranging from a nimble 33 tons to a robust 275 tons of pressing force. While the H-FAB represents RMT’s standard, high-performing framework, the H-SMART variant integrates advanced touchscreen controls, allowing operators to digitally manipulate pressure parameters and stroke tolerances for highly repeatable production runs.

The H-FAB H™ and H-FAB HBP™ Series (H-Frame Workshop Presses)

The universal H-frame configuration features robust side walls with an open front and back, forming a rigid structure built to minimize frame deflection under heavy loads.

  • The Specialty: Universal maintenance, repair, and heavy-duty shop support.
  • The Advantages: Often referred to as “universal workshop presses,” the H-FAB H™ series is the ultimate utility player in a fabrication environment. These machines feature dual-speed hydraulics, chrome-plated cylinders, and a movable cylinder head that can slide laterally from left to right across the upper frame. This allows offset pressing without moving the workpiece itself. They are primarily utilized in maintenance yards and repair shops for tasks like removing seized bearings, extracting shafts, straightening bent components, and performing small-scale punching or bending operations.
  • Specifications: The baseline H-FAB H™ series spans 11 standard models scaling from 65 tons up to a powerful 550 tons (with custom configurations capable of reaching 1,100 tons). For shops that require a press tailored specifically toward heavy bending and folding, RMT offers the H-FAB HBP™ Series. These are specialized H-frame presses formatted explicitly to accept press brake tooling, providing five targeted models up to 330 tons.

The H-SMART HSA™ & H-FAB HDT™ Series (H-Type Heavy Industrial Presses)

When structural integrity, absolute rigidity, and maximum pressing force are mandatory, RMT deploys its premier heavy-duty, closed-frame H-type machines. Unlike lighter workshop variants, these series are engineered with heavy steel plate weldments and extra-deep throat dimensions designed to handle massive tonnage without structural fatigue.

  • The Specialty: High-volume stamping, deep drawing, and precision material forming.
  • The Advantages: The closed H-frame architecture distributes enormous pressures evenly, minimizing structural deflection over long production cycles. Within this category, RMT provides two distinct pathways depending on a shop’s technological and operational needs. The H-SMART HSA™ Series represents the pinnacle of RMT’s smart industrial engineering. Equipped with advanced touchscreen control interfaces, automated stroke controls, and optional hydraulic cushions, the HSA excels at deep drawing—a process where sheet metal is precisely pulled into a die to form deeply recessed, seamless components (such as industrial containers, vehicle bodies, or dished ends). The H-FAB HDT™ Series is tailored for heavy-duty forming and flattening, focusing on reliable, brute-force mechanics backed by precision manufacturing. It features an extra-heavy frame, an integrated dual-speed hydraulic block, and digital stroke counter adjustments, making it a rugged powerhouse for industrial fabrication environments that require continuous output such as die cutting without the need for high-end electronic drawing integration.
  • Specifications: To accommodate massive industrial component manufacturing, the flagship H-SMART HSA™ series is available in 11 standard models, topping out at a massive 3,300 tons of raw pressing force. Meanwhile, the H-FAB HDT™ series expands RMT’s capability across 10 standard model configurations starting at 110 tons, ensuring a precisely scaled solution for every tier of industrial manufacturing.

The H-SMART HCFP™ Series (Four-Column Presses)

Four-column presses feature a hydraulic cylinder powered top plate guided by solid cylindrical columns at each corner.

  • The Specialty: Perfectly parallel pressure distribution across large surface areas.
  • The Advantages: In processes like compression molding, stamping, or laminating, any minor tilt or uneven pressure across the die can ruin the part. The four-column architecture ensures that the top moving plate stays perfectly parallel to the bottom bolster plate, regardless of the resistance or eccentric loading met during the stroke.
  • Specifications: Available in seven standard models ranging from 110 tons to 1,100 tons, the HCFP™ series comes standard with advanced touchscreen control panels. RMT provides custom bed sizes and open heights for this series, making it a favorite for industries working with composite molding or high-tolerance automotive body panels.

The H-FAB HPP™ Series (Portal Presses)

Portal presses feature an unconventional, movable gantry structure designed to tackle geometric challenges that standard vertical presses cannot accommodate.

  • The Specialty: Straightening massive, heavy, or intricately elongated workpieces.
  • The Advantages: When dealing with extremely large steel plates or long architectural beams, lifting and repositioning the metal beneath a fixed press ram is dangerous and inefficient. The H-FAB HPP™ portal press flips the script: the workpiece remains stationary on a massive worktable (up to 59″ x 139″ standard), while the entire portal frame moves longitudinally along the bed, and the hydraulic cylinder moves left and right within the frame. This grants three axes of freedom, allowing the operator to pinpoint and flatten warps anywhere across a massive surface area via a remote-control pendant.
  • Specifications: RMT offers four standard portal models between 110 and 440 tons, with special-order custom units stretching up to an impressive 1,100 tons.

The HZ-FAB™ Series (Horizontal Presses)

Breaking away from traditional vertical architecture, the HZ-FAB™ series operates entirely along a horizontal plane.

  • The Specialty: Compact, multi-functional bending, punching, and shearing.
  • The Advantages: The horizontal layout allows parts to rest flat on a supportive table while being pressed. This eliminates the awkward material handling associated with holding a long part vertically in a standard press brake or shop press. The HZ-FAB™ functions as a multi-tool; utilizing a quick-change induction-hardened tooling and pin system, a single compact machine can cycle between flat material bending, round tube forming, structural shearing, and punching.
  • Specifications: This highly versatile series features 7 standard models ranging from 11 tons to 110 tons of capacity. It boasts an integrated NC controller, Digital Read-Out (DRO) stroke adjustments, and a foot-pedal operated system for hands-free material manipulation.

The RMT Advantage

Revolution Machine Tools does not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to metal fabrication. From the nimble, space-saving access of the H-FAB C™ to the three-axis flexibility of the H-FAB HPP™ Portal Press, and the raw, deep-drawing power of the H-SMART HSA™, RMT builds its lineup around operational specialties. Backed by heavy-duty steel frames, off-the-shelf top-tier components, and an industry-leading commitment to pre-sale environment consultations and post-sale technical support, RMT’s hydraulic presses are uniquely engineered to keep modern fab shops precise, efficient, and highly profitable.

WHY CHOOSE RMT?

PASSION

At Revolution Machine Tools, it is our passion to help others succeed. We believe that manufacturing is the backbone of our economy and that by providing the best solutions to make our customers successful is how we measure our own success.

SERVICE

In the words of the late (and fictional) Big Tom Callahan, "A Guarantee is only as good as the man who backs it up." We stand behind our machines and our customers are like partners. We work with you to make sure your machines run efficiently.

QUALITY

Our R&D team has designed some of the most innovative, strong, and precise machines on the market. Only quality materials are used to build our machines, and when you use the best materials and combine that with the best technology, you get the best machines.

Filed Under: Hydraulic Press