Gap or C-frame presses have many useful features. These include excellent accessibility from the front and sides for die setting and operation.
The machines also cost substantially less than straight-side presses. The open back is available for feeding stock as well as ejection of parts and scrap.
A further advantage of a gap frame press is that the machine is easier to set-up than a straightside press. The diesetter has much greater freedom of access to locate and bolt the die in place. The open back is also accessible for discharging finished parts and scrap as well as feeding stock. Gap-frame presses generally have less height than a straightside press of comparable tonnage. This is a valuable consideration when overhead clearance is limited.