The press is prepared for pressing from three sides. Once the ham has been boned or the fresh, semi- or frozen meat product is ready, it is introduced into the mold of the press. By simultaneously pressing two hydraulically operated pushbuttons, a vertical, lateral and a rear cylinder are activated. These compress the ham against the mold in sequential cycles of pressure and stop, allowing uniform compaction by distributing the work of the successive pressing throughout the piece. At the end of the process, after opening the mold gate, the rear cylinder ejects the finished product into a collecting tray.