Automated Component Pressing Systems

Precision pressing and joining solutions with force, distance, and data monitoring for repeatable high-quality component assembly.

AUTOMATED COMPONENT PRESSING SYSTEMS

Curtis Assemble & Test Ltd (CAT) design and manufacture automated and manual component pressing systems engineered for high-precision assembly across demanding industries. Our systems deliver repeatable micron-level accuracy with full force and distance monitoring, enabling consistent quality, reduced rework, and reliable traceability.

With expertise ranging from simple pneumatic presses to fully automated servo- and piezo-driven press units capable of achieving accuracy within 5 microns, CAT deliver turnkey solutions tailored to specific components, materials, and production environments. Tooling, fixturing, monitoring, and data capture are fully integrated to support safety-critical and high-volume applications.

By controlling the entire process in-house, from machine frame design and specialist tooling to integration of force measurement and software, CAT ensure dependable performance, smooth production flow, and long-term system reliability.

Modular Pressing for Scalable Production

CAT pressing solutions are built around modular architectures that scale from manual stations to fully automated multi-axis press cells. Systems can be configured to support prototype development, batch manufacturing, or continuous in-line production with seamless integration into new or existing assembly lines.

Typical configurations include:

Manual & Semi-Automatic Stations – for flexible low-volume or development pressing tasks.
Servo-Driven Press Systems – with programmable force and distance profiles for consistent precision, incorporating piezo correction compensation where required.
High-Force Hydraulic Pressing – for robust assemblies and heavy-duty applications.
Automated Multi-Station Press Cells – enabling high-throughput production with reduced operator intervention.

These modular platforms allow customers to scale as requirements evolve, supporting early development cycles while maintaining the option for future automation upgrades.

Integrated Force, Distance & Traceability Control

Precision pressing relies on controlling force and displacement throughout the joining cycle. CAT systems integrate world-class monitoring technologies, iincluding Kistler, Schmidt, TOX, and other leading measurement and monitoring platforms, to capture critical process data and verify that each assembly meets defined tolerances.

Data acquisition, reporting, and storage ensure full traceability and compliance for quality-critical components in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, medical, electronics, and hydraulics.

This integrated approach improves product quality, simplifies compliance, reduces scrap, and supports continuous improvement initiatives across modern manufacturing environments.

AUTOMATED PRESSING SYSTEM CAPABILITIES

⚙️ Servo-Driven Precision Pressing – High precision programmable force and displacement profiles achieving accuracy to within 5 microns for safety-critical assemblies and repeatable production quality.

⚙️ Pneumatic Pressing Systems – Cost-effective solutions for filters, pins, and simple component insertion tasks with rapid cycle times and reliable operation.

⚙️ Hydraulic Pressing Solutions – High-force systems for robust assemblies and heavy-duty applications requiring greater force density and structural rigidity.

⚙️ Insertion & Joining Processes – Precision installation of pins, bushes, seals, filters, connectors, and other interference or clearance fit components.

⚙️ Punching & Forming Solutions – Automated sheet metal processing and mechanical joining solutions, including TOX® technologies, for clean, reliable, and repeatable assembly.

⚙️ Force & Distance Monitoring – Integrated measurement with live curve analysis enabling QC validation, tolerance checking, and rejection handling during the pressing cycle.

⚙️ Integrated Data Capture & Traceability – Secure storage of process data for compliance and quality reporting using platforms such as Kistler, Schmidt, TOX, and other industry-leading measurement systems.

⚙️ Multi-Station & In-Line Configurations – Manual, semi-automatic, or fully automated stations and cells designed for prototype, batch, or high-volume production.

⚙️ Tooling, Fixturing & Workholding – Bespoke tooling designed and manufactured in-house to suit component geometry, material behaviour, and ergonomic loading/unloading.

⚙️ System Integration & Connectivity – Press systems engineered to fit seamlessly into new or existing automated production lines with PLC, HMI, SCADA, and factory-level connectivity.

⚙️ Compliance for Quality-Critical Sectors – Pressing systems designed to support automotive, aerospace, medical, electronic, and industrial component validation requirements.

⚙️ End-to-End Engineering Control – Full in-house mechanical, electrical, software, and controls engineering streamlining development, commissioning, and lifecycle support.

Each CAT pressing system is engineered to achieve precise, repeatable assembly performance across demanding production environments. With force- and distance-controlled joining, in-process validation, and automated data traceability, our solutions support both prototype development and high-volume manufacturing requirements.

This modular approach allows CAT to tailor the pressing architecture, measurement technologies, and system configuration to each customer’s application — from standalone stations to fully integrated, in-line production cells.

COMMON APPLICATIONS

Automated component pressing plays a critical role in modern manufacturing where precision, repeatability, and traceability cannot be compromised. Typical applications include:

Industries We Support

WHAT WE CAN DELIVER

Automated, semi-automatic, and manual pressing stations
Servo, pneumatic, and hydraulic press architectures
Programmable force and displacement control with tolerance limits
Integrated force–distance monitoring and curve analysis
Bespoke tooling, fixturing, and workholding for specific components
Multi-station and in-line pressing cells for scalable production
Traceable data capture, reporting, and SPC export for compliance
Integration of Kistler, Schmidt, and other industry-leading measurement platforms
Custom HMI interfaces for operator workflow, setup, and troubleshooting
Flexible connectivity with PLC, SCADA, MES, and factory systems
Rejection handling, quarantine, and segregation workflows for non-conforming parts
In-house design, build, commissioning, and validation at CAT
On-site installation, training, documentation, and lifecycle support

DEFINE YOUR PRESSING & JOINING REQUIREMENTS

Whether you’re developing a prototype press station or integrating a full in-line cell, our engineers can help specify the right solution for your application.

Talk to Our Pressing & Joining Engineers
We’ll help define the correct pressing architecture, force/fit strategy, and data requirements for your application.

Why Choose CAT?

☑️ Proven expertise in precision pressing, joining, and component assembly.

☑️ Servo, pneumatic, and hydraulic platforms for a wide range of force requirements.

☑️ Integrated force–distance monitoring and curve validation for quality-critical parts
☑️ Fully traceable data capture for audit, SPC, and continuous improvement programs.

☑️ Bespoke tooling, fixturing, and workholding engineered in-house.

☑️ Scalable architectures from manual stations to in-line automated press cells

☑️ Seamless integration with vision, robotics, and factory control systems

☑️ End-to-end engineering support from concept through to commissioning and lifecycle support.

☑️Trusted by leading manufacturers across automotive, aerospace, and high-precision industries.

☑️ Over 50 years of automation and assembly experience across regulated and high-precision industries.

Real-World Performance, Real-World Trust

"Solving our design problems with innovative solutions, CAT lead us in the right direction to get the best results possible."

Richard Challis Senior Engineer, Crane Building Services & Utilities

"CAT followed a project plan and delivered on time. Clear and concise technical support was given when required."

Jim Holder

Engineer, Delphi Diesel Systems.

"For almost a decade, Curtis Assemble & Test has supplied Perkins with first‑class cleaning and flushing systems for our global engine assembly operations. They consistently deliver high‑end, bespoke solutions built to the highest standards. Our partnership with Curtis has helped us maintain exceptional levels of quality and customer satisfaction. Their team is reliable, professional, and their expert guidance has been invaluable over the years."

Andy Hurdman

Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Perkins Engines Co Ltd

READY TO DISCUSS YOUR PRESSING & JOINING REQUIREMENTS?

Our in-house team can support everything from prototype development to fully automated in-line pressing systems with integrated validation and traceability.