1.  High Pressure Capacity:

      OSB uses larger strands and requires high strength, often in thick sections.

      The press must provide very high maximum working pressure (typically above 500-1000 tons per meter of width) to effectively compress the thick, loose mat composed of large strands.

      The pressure system (usually an array of hydraulic cylinders) needs precise pressure distribution control.

2.  Large Opening Height and Long Press Platen:

      Large Opening: Accommodates the typically thick OSB mat (finished thickness can reach 40mm or more), requiring sufficient opening height for mat entry.

      Long Platen: OSB uses adhesives (typically Phenol-Formaldehyde resin - PF) that cure at higher temperatures, necessitating longer press times. The length of the continuous press (typically 30 to 50+ meters) provides sufficient press time to ensure full core resin curing. A longer press also allows finer control of process parameters in different press zones.

3.  Precise Temperature Zone Control:

      The press platen is divided into multiple independent heating zones (often 20+).

      Each zone can be controlled independently (typically 180°C - 220°C or higher, depending on resin).

      This zonal control optimizes the heating curve: higher temperatures might be needed at the entry for fast surface curing, maintained in the middle for core curing, and potentially reduced near the exit to minimize pre-cured layers or control moisture gradients. This is crucial for ensuring OSB's physical-mechanical properties (especially internal bond strength) and preventing delamination.

4.  Precise Thickness Control & Density Profile:

      Position Control System: The press has numerous position sensors and cylinders along its length, forming a closed-loop control system.

      Continuous Thickness Measurement: Devices like laser scanners typically monitor panel thickness in real-time at the exit.

      The system dynamically adjusts cylinder pressure and position based on set thickness and real-time measurements, ensuring highly uniform thickness across the entire panel.

      Controlling the pressing curve (pressure vs. position over time/length) in different zones optimizes the panel's density profile distribution (higher surface density, relatively lower core density), vital for balancing OSB strength and dimensional stability.

5.  Adaptation to Large Strands and Oriented Mat:

      Design must account for the different sizes and orientations of strands in OSB surface and core layers.

      Pressure gradients at the entry must avoid disrupting the oriented surface structure while effectively compressing the thicker core layer.

6.  High-Strength, Wear-Resistant Steel Belt System:

      Top and bottom high-strength, heat-resistant, wear-resistant steel belts are the core components.

      OSB production places extreme demands on belts due to severe abrasion from large strands and high pressure.

      Belts require precise tensioning and tracking systems for smooth operation, preventing misalignment or wrinkling.

7.  Efficient Mat Handling:

      The continuous press must integrate seamlessly with high-speed, precise mat formers (typically continuous forming) and mat conveying systems.

      A pre-press is critical for preliminary compaction of the loose OSB mat, reducing thickness variation entering the main press.

8.  Advanced Automation & Process Control:

      Integrated, highly automated control systems (PLC/DCS) monitor and control thousands of parameters (pressure, temperature, position, speed, thickness) in real-time.

      Synchronization with upstream (blending, forming) and downstream (cooling, trimming) equipment.

      Capabilities for data acquisition, storage, analysis, and process optimization.