Precise control and monitoring of press parameters play a very important role in wood-based composite manufacturing processes.A robust press control system was developed based on microcontroller ATmega128.By using serial communication methods between the microcontroller and a touch screen monitor,the control system allows press operators to set press parameters to control the press processes or to monitor the press process according to pre-existing settings.A field test showed the control system had excellent stability and high accuracy in controlling hot pressing parameters,such as,platen temperature,position,pressing speed,and pressure.