Press is a useful thing, whether you like to destroy things or just want to install some bearings correctly. [retsetman] decided to build one from scratch, avoiding the typical hydraulic method of gear design.
The advantage of using the gear press design is that [retsetman] can print the required gears in 3D by itself. The design uses a series of herringbone gears to reduce the output of two brush DC motors. It is then converted to linear motion by the rack and pinion settings. Of course, the strength of the gear and rack is the key to the performance of the press. As you might expect, a considerable part of the printing gears failed during the development process.
The final press conference showcased a variety of objects in a real YouTube style. It can’t destroy things like a proper hydraulic press, but it can crush cans. Interestingly, it can crush a teddy bear. If you really want to make a gear press, you’d better use a metal gear train. Play the video after the break.
