Abstract: A continuously operating press for the production of particleboards, fiberboards or similar wooden-material boards and plastic sheets allows for the free longitudinal expansion or contraction of the press heating plates by having a press force frame structure of individual press frames positioned between support carriers and mounted on sliding members on the lower support carriers. The sliding members are designed as rolling wheel segments that are assigned to each individual frame of the press force support structure.

Abstract: A method of controlling the press force on at least one press heating plate along the press length of an operating cycle. For a reduction of specific press force from a maximum press force towards a zero press force, a setting force for a longitudinal deformation of the at least one press heating plate is increased accordingly. For an increase in the specific press force from a zero press force towards a maximum press force, the setting force for the longitudinal deformation of the press heating plates is reduced accordingly. For a reduction of the specific press force from the maximum press force towards the zero press force, the longitudinal gradient tan .beta. is set to be approximately twice as large as the gradient tan .alpha. at the press force maximum. The longitudinal gradient and setting force can thus be controlled along an entire pressing path for an increase or decrease in the specific press force.

Abstract: A continuously operating press having a plurality of press columns each including upper and lower press heating plates being separated by an adjustable press nip, a piston-cylinder arrangement connected to both the upper and lower press heating plates and a spring supporting the press column achieves an increased longitudinal deformation gradient of the press heating plates. The press achieves the increased longitudinal deformation gradient by deforming the upper and lower press heating plates together.