Redesign of the machine frame and hydraulic system has increased stiffness significantly, whilst reducing overall weight. Moving to a “two column” design has allowed the ergonomics to be greatly improved, giving better access to the hoppers and the tooling.

The rigid steel frame sits on rubber isolation feet, and the controls enclosure is mounted to one side. External panels are stainless steel, and all surfaces in the working area are polished approved materials.
Guard doors are designed to operate with a light touch, yet are robust to withstand frequent use. Electrical interlocks prevent inadvertent access and meet relevant guarding standards.

Access to the major components for maintenance has been improved by using a control enclosure with large double doors, and by using easily removable machine panels all round.

The machine incorporates two closed loop servo-hydraulic actuators by Instron, one mounted on the upper crosshead and the other below the lower crosshead. Hydraulic accumulators provide the instantaneous power for fast tests. Hydraulic supply is from a remote power unit, and noise levels in the laboratory are therefore comfortably low.

Control of the Push-Off Arm and the Carousel is now via electric motors to give more control options, and the hopper drives are pneumatic. Optionally, one hopper may be electrically driven for accurately synchronised die filling.

The generous use of stainless steel means that the whole machine can be easily cleaned to remove all traces of powder between different trial batches. In particular, the automatic die fill hopper has been meticulously produced for easy dismantling and cleaning.
Installation costs have been considered by making the machine small enough to fit through a standard double door with the feet removed, and by reducing the weight considerably. It can now be moved on a standard pallet truck.