Half-size The Ideal Press?

Ruebel says economics and ergonomics are two important advantages of half-size presses.

"The 24x29˝ machine can do the same job as a 40˝, sometimes for less money," he says. "These highly-automated machines involve better access to the wash-up devices to optimize the operator's time."

Forty-inch presses, though more productive, are also more wasteful.