Press frame assembly

A press frame assembly, comprising:

• a first plate, including a first press-tool mount, wherein the first plate defines a first plane that is arranged in parallel to a second plane defined by a base plate;
• the base plate including a second press-tool mount, a load cell, and an overload protection element,
• the base plate having an aperture formed therein;
• a spacer inserted into the aperture formed in the base plate, wherein the spacer has a thickness that is greater than a thickness of the base plate;
• a plurality of guideposts disposed on the base plate;
• a plurality of springs disposed on the plurality of guideposts;
• a displacement transducer, wherein the displacement transducer is arranged to monitor a linear displacement of the first plate in relation to the base plate;
• and
• a controller, in communication with the load cell and the displacement transducer;
• wherein the first plate is disposed to translate on the plurality of guideposts, and
• wherein the springs are disposed to urge movement of the first plate in relation to the base plate;
• wherein the load cell is arranged to monitor a load exerted upon the base plate;
• wherein the load cell includes a beam portion and a flexure portion;
• wherein the controller generates a signal, wherein the signal is based upon at least one of the load exerted upon the base plate or the linear displacement of the first plate in relation to the base plate;
• wherein the press frame assembly is a portable self-contained unit that is removably insertable into a mechanical press;
• and
• wherein the overload protection element is disposed on the beam portion of the load cell and arranged to overlap with the base plate.