Overview
ISO 6898:1984 specifies capacity ratings and dimensions for open-front mechanical power presses. It covers presses with or without a passage through the frame and with or without a slope, for nominal capacities from 100 kN to 2 500 kN inclusive. The standard gives dimensional series choices and alternative bed designs so manufacturers, designers and users can adopt consistent sizing and interfaces for mechanical presses.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Capacity range: Rated for presses from 100 to 2 500 kN (kilonewtons).
- Dimensional series: Two series (series 1 and series 2) are provided. All dimensional values for a given press should be selected from one series to minimize variety; shut height may be selected separately from either series when required.
- Bed types: Two alternative bed concepts:
- Round opening beds (can include T‑slots so press can be used without a bedplate).
- Rectangular opening beds (alternative bedplate and ring arrangements).
- Bedplates: Two specified bedplate types - type 1 and type 2 - with details on T‑slot arrangements, bedplate ring (type 2) and bedplug for round openings.
- Primary dimensions defined include: throat depth, shut height, bed-to-slide distance, slide adjustment, stroke length and surface dimensions. Figures and tables in the standard provide the exact millimetre values for each nominal capacity.
- Tolerances and holes: Tolerances follow ISO/R 286; clearance holes and T‑slot dimensions reference ISO 273 and ISO 299 respectively. Stem/through‑hole and clamping bolt sizes are specified by capacity classes.
- Additional parameters: Nominal air pressure for pneumatic equipment and maximum angle of inclination are included where relevant.
Practical applications and users
ISO 6898 is used by:
- Press manufacturers to standardize press dimensions, bed interfaces and capacity ratings across product lines.
- Machine tool designers and OEMs to specify mating tooling, bedplates, jigs and fixtures that fit standard presses.
- Toolroom and production engineers to choose presses and bedplate configurations (type 1/type 2) compatible with tooling and clearances.
- Procurement and specification writers who need consistent dimensional and capacity criteria for sourcing presses.
- Maintenance and retrofit teams planning bedplate replacements, bedplug installs or die‑change systems.
Using ISO 6898 helps ensure interchangeability of tooling, consistent safety margins and predictable machine layout for stamping, forming and other press operations.
Related standards
- ISO 273 - Fasteners: clearance holes for bolts and screws
- ISO/R 286 - System of limits and fits (tolerances)
- ISO 299 - Machine tool tables: T‑slots and corresponding bolts
- ISO 6899 - Acceptance conditions and testing of open front mechanical presses
Keywords: ISO 6898, open front mechanical power presses, capacity ratings, press dimensions, bedplate, bedplug, T‑slots, shut height, throat depth.