Abstract: The objective of this paper is to perform the optimal design of a novel press system with Stephenson-I mechanism for deep drawing, and validate its feasibility. First, the system is presented and its advantages are discussed. Then, kinematic analysis is conducted by using the vector loop method. Moreover, the kinematic dimensions of the variable coupling are synthesized by using an optimization method. Furthermore, the proposed approach is illustrated by a design example. Finally, the solid model of the proposed design is established, and then kinematic simulation is performed by employing ADAMS software. The results show that proposed new press system is feasible and of better output motion for deep drawing. In addition, it has the advantages of easy manufacture, lower cost, higher precision, and easy adjustability. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]