Press

"Press" operates as both verb and noun in the concentrate lexicon. To press is to mechanically compress cannabis material between heated platens, forcing resinous oil through a micron filter bag onto a parchment collection sheet. A press is the general category of heat-and-pressure extraction devices. The underlying mechanism combines two effects: heat reduces resin viscosity and ruptures trichome glands, while applied pressure (including steam vapor pressure generated inside the bag) forces the liberated oil through the filter screen. Drive types define the cost and repeatability tiers. Manual presses use a screw or twist mechanism and suit personal production. Hydraulic presses, driven by a bottle jack or an electric hydraulic pump, dominate commercial operations. Pneumatic presses, powered by an air compressor and cylinder, offer the fastest cycle times and most repeatable pressure curves and are preferred for high-throughput production. The press is the central piece of hardware in the solventless pipeline; its specifications — platen size, heating, pressure consistency — largely determine throughput and product quality. → See also: Rosin press, Rosin, Live rosin, Screen