Toledo 1000-ton Press
This press was used to finish iron and steel parts, such as the pieces of rail-connecting plate (known as fishplate) you see displayed here. It straightened hundreds of thousands of tons of metal in its lifetime. The machine weighs about 40 tons. The “1000 ton” designation refers to the amount of force it can generate. The machine was purchased in the 1920’s and was moved to Cleveland when the Tredegar Company’s equipment was purchased by Cleveland Track material in 1986.
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To make a fishplate, the iron or steel is rolled into shape at the Tredegar rolling mills.
Second, the shaped iron or steel is reheated and cut into the proper length with a bar shear.
Third, bolt holes are punched with a punch press.
Finally, the fishplate is straightened by the press you see here.
Marker can be reached from Tredegar Street 0.1 miles west of South 5th Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
