Osterwalder Technology AG has launched the MPneo 480, a high‑precision, fully electric powder press designed to deliver greater productivity and support increasingly complex part geometries across a range of advanced material applications.
Introduced at the company’s headquarters in Lyss, Switzerland, the MPneo 480 is a 480kN multi‑plate system capable of accommodating up to six cross‑pressing modules. It has been developed for use with hard metals, iron‑based materials, technical ceramics and other engineered materials, and can be specified with an integrated Part Removal System (PRS) to create a fully automated press cell.
The machine combines what Osterwalder describes as ‘true’ multi‑plate technology with full control of all press‑active axes throughout the compaction cycle. This approach enables complete process control, allowing the press to produce complex geometries, multi‑level parts and controlled density variations while maintaining a high degree of repeatability.
By actively managing every axis involved in the pressing process, the MPneo 480 is intended to provide the flexibility required for near‑net‑shape production. This capability supports the efficient manufacture of intricate components while helping to minimise secondary finishing operations.
The press is positioned not as a standalone machine but as part of an integrated production environment. When equipped with the PRS, the system enables automated part handling, reducing manual intervention and improving both productivity and operator safety.
Offline programming and simulation tools are also available, allowing production jobs to be prepared away from the machine and thereby reducing changeover times and avoiding unnecessary downtime.
Osterwalder says that the MPneo 480 has been designed with sustainability in mind. Its fully electric architecture eliminates the need for hydraulic systems and cooling water, cutting energy consumption and associated emissions. Combined with its near‑net‑shape capability, the press is intended to reduce material waste, an important consideration in sectors using high‑value or critical raw materials.
Integrated monitoring functions further support process stability and energy optimisation, contributing to lower cost per part over the lifetime of the system.
The launch reflects growing demand from manufacturers for greater efficiency and higher levels of part complexity without increased production costs.
“Customers increasingly want to produce more complex parts, while maintaining high quality and productivity, without adding process complexity or increasing production costs,” said Aaron Coone, managing director of Osterwalder Technology AG. “We developed the MPneo 480 to meet these needs, giving customers full control over the pressing process so they can produce complex parts efficiently and consistently, without longer setups or higher costs.”