You need a new hydraulic press. Is the standard sufficient for your needs? Or is custom the way to go?
Standard follows the default dimensions and specifications. Any deviation from the product defaults is considered custom. If you have tight specifications for part size, stroke length, and integration needs, it may be tricky to find a standard machine that meets your requirements.
We’ll review which parts of the press can be customized, and the signs to watch for when you’re contemplating whether a custom hydraulic press is worth it.
A standard hydraulic press works well for many common jobs. Keep in mind that they are built to meet the standard manufacturing requirements and may not accommodate specialized applications, tighter tolerances, or unique production needs without modifications. A custom hydraulic press eliminates the need to work around that when your parts, tooling, or production are unique. Customization helps you improve consistency, efficiency, and safety in your production process.
Keep these 7 signs in mind when considering a customized solution.
If your parts are often too big, too small, or an unusual shape, they may not sit securely or be properly supported in a standard press. You may also run into limits with reach (throat depth), bed size, or opening height (daylight) that make it tricky or even impossible to complete your jobs.
Some jobs require variable pressure or speed throughout the production cycle. For instance, the application may require a light force starting out, but increase to a set amount to finish the process. Or the ram of the machine may need to slow down at a set point during production, depending on how the working piece reacts as it's being formed.
If you already have a fixed production setup, customization simplifies fitting a new hydraulic press into what’s already in place. Instead of reworking your line around a standard machine, customize the new press to connect smoothly with the other machinery and software. This often occurs within robotics, conveyors, vision systems, and when established safety protocols are in place.
If you’re piecemealing together upgrades for each job, the current press’s core design isn’t meeting your production needs. Constantly modifying a standard press’s features is inefficient, plus costly. Customization will save you time and money.
Special dies, molds, and fixtures need to be positioned, supported, or moved in a specific way during production. These requirements often go outside the realm of what a standard press is designed to handle.
If your plans include growth in production or new product lines, a customized press can be built with that future in mind. Investing now will save you from replacement or retrofitting costs down the road.
Productions requiring high precision, consistent repeatability, and tight tolerances often benefit most from a custom press. Advanced manufacturing capabilities are a must to meet strict quality standards and regulatory compliance. This is common in industries like aerospace, medical devices, defense, automotive, and specialized electronics.
In deciding whether customization is your best route, it helps to understand which parts of a hydraulic press can be modified to fit your needs. Designing your press around your production, instead of adapting your process to the press, gives you greater flexibility. The chart below outlines the common benefits of each part customization.
| Press Component |
Customization Options |
Benefits |
| Frame |
Style (C-frame, 4-post) |
Fits space, meets application needs |
| Daylight (vertical opening) |
Extended or reduced in size, adjustable |
Accommodates taller parts and dies, reduces setup constraints |
| Bed size (width) |
Larger or smaller bed, bolster plate size, T-slots or tapped hole patterns, moving bed, bed rollers |
Supports larger tooling and parts, improves tooling mounting and alignment, more ergonomic |
| Cylinder (tonnage and stroke) |
Tonnage rating, number of cylinders, stroke length, speed & approach-return, cushioning, position sensors |
Meets force and travel requirements, faster cycle times, better control & accuracy, protects tooling and parts |
| Controls (touchscreen, PLC) |
HMI touchscreen, job storage, pressure and position control, data logging, remote diagnostics, safety-rated controls |
Easier operations and changeovers, consistent results, traceability and reporting, quick troubleshooting |
| Tooling (die sets, V-blocks) |
Bolsters, T-slots, quick-change tooling, V-block sizes, die slots, locating pins, heated & cooled plates, ejection systems |
Faster setup, improved part quality, supports wider range of jobs, better ergonomics |
| Power unit |
Adjustable speed control, cooling systems |
Energy efficiency, maintain optimal operating temperature |
| Automation |
Robotic integration, material feeding |
Higher throughput, reduced labor, consistent handling, safer operation |
| Safety devices |
Light curtains, interlocked guarding, two-hand controls, automatic doors |
Fully enclosed, safe, & clean working cells |
As with most manufacturing decisions, there are pros and cons for custom versus standard hydraulic presses.
A custom build can be a smart investment when you need specific capabilities or tighter precision, but it typically comes with a higher up-front cost compared to a standard press. However, if accuracy and repeatability are top priorities, customization may be the best route for your production.
Below are some key considerations for determining which option makes the most sense.
| Consideration |
Custom press |
Standard |
| Performance fit |
Built to your production’s exact specifications |
“Good enough” for common applications |
| Lead time vs. time-to-value |
Longer build time |
In stock, less lead time |
| Costs |
Higher up-front cost, but can reduce scrap, rework, and labor |
Lower up-front costs |
| Flexibility & Upgrades |
Easier to adapt with tooling, save settings for specific jobs, and add upgrades |
More costly to update with new requirements in the future |
| Controls, data, & integration |
Easier to match your specific standards, safety circuits, and automation needs |
May require modification to add features later |
Building a customized hydraulic press involves three stages: designing, building, and installation.
During the design process, engineers work with the customer to understand the application, as well as determine the exact specifications and desired capabilities. Design considerations include the structural design of the frame (C-frame, 4-post, etc), tonnage, hydraulic system requirements, control system needs (automation, data storage), and tooling needs.
Engineering teams work closely with the customer during the build to make sure the customer’s specific needs are met, and downtime is minimized.
When customizing your hydraulic press, keep these best practices in mind:
Deciding between customization and standard solutions comes down to your application’s specific needs. Does a standard press check all the boxes? If so, it may be the simplest route. If not, customization will likely be the better fit for your production.
Our engineers can answer any follow-up questions that may arise. Download Multipress’s flyer below on typical customization options to explore what’s possible before settling for a ready-made machine.