Arbor Press
Introduction to Arbor Presses for Cutting ASTM Test Samples
Arbor presses are simple, highly effective manual machines that use mechanical leverage to deliver controlled, repeatable cutting force for ASTM specimen preparation. By applying up to 26 kN (approximately 6,000 lbf) of force without any external power source, an arbor press makes it easy to cut precise test coupons from sheet materials using ASTM-specific steel rule dies.
These presses are typically bench-mounted for stability. Bolting the arbor press directly to a workbench ensures secure operation, letting the user apply two-handed force safely and comfortably. The long lever arm amplifies the user's input, delivering consistent pressure across the die for clean, reliable cuts.
In ASTM sample preparation, the die—shaped to match the exact specimen dimensions defined by the standard—is fixed to the press arm. Beneath it sits a hard nylon counterplate that supports the material during cutting and preserves die life. Our standard kit includes a 120 × 220 mm nylon counterplate, providing a generous working area for most specimen sizes.
Similar manual cutting solutions include toggle presses and clicker presses. While toggle presses use a mechanical linkage to achieve high force at the end of travel, making them ideal for precise punching or staking, clicker presses typically use a swing-arm or hydraulic mechanism to distribute force across larger cutting dies—especially useful in leather or textile cutting. Arbor presses occupy a middle ground: compact, robust, and extremely well-suited to cutting standardized test specimens from rubber, plastics, composites, textiles, or thin metals.
By using ASTM-specific dies with an arbor press (or other manual presses like toggle or clicker types), labs and manufacturers can ensure test samples conform exactly to the dimensions and shapes required in ASTM procedures. This consistency is critical for achieving repeatable, reliable test results in tensile, compression, tear, or peel testing.
Whether you're equipping a quality lab or a production environment, a manual arbor press offers an affordable, maintenance-free solution for preparing standardized specimens accurately—without needing electric or hydraulic power.
Pneumatic & Hydraulic Presses for Easy Die Cutting
