Drive specialists want the lightest possible connecting and coupling components, and an allnew coupling represents an outstanding example in this context. The elastomer coupling features a composite membrane on both sides, which forms the mechanical interface to the drive train in place of the otherwise customary steel discs. Thanks to a weight reduction of up to 50%, this results in a highly responsive coupling with torsional elasticity, high damping and minimal maintenance. For the production of these high-tech couplings, WICKERT delivered the 1000th vacuum-chamber press built in Landau (Pfalz), a WKP 12.500 S in four-column construction delivering a press force of 12.500 kN and round heating plates. These heating plates are adapted to the geometry of the products and lead to energy savings of up to 30% compared with rectangular heating plates. Consequently, the 1000th WICKERT vacuumchamber press also marks the beginning of a new generation of especially energy-efficient machines. The optimized thermo-oil heating with a thermo-oil tempering device per heating plate allows savings on heating energy of around 15 – 20 %. This includes a contribution from the heating plate which matches the geometry of the tooling. As the part of the surface which is not directly used in production has been reduced to a minimum, less heat energy is needed.