Laboratory Platen Presses
LabVac Series Presses
Fontijne Presses’ LabVac series comprises of advanced laboratory hot platen presses designed to operate under controlled vacuum conditions within the press chamber. By reducing or eliminating the presence of oxygen and other reactive gases, the system minimizes oxidation and contamination during processing.
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Integrated Vacuum for Inert Processing
The LabVac features an integrated vacuum system within the support table, capable of achieving low-pressure conditions in the range of 30 – 40 mbar. This enables processing in oxygen-free environments or under inert atmospheres such as nitrogen or argon. This controlled environment is particularly beneficial for sensitive materials and applications where enhanced bonding, improved curing kinetics, and superior specimen quality are required.
The LabVac is available in 5 models (based on the maximum pressing force required) with modules to expand the instrument’s capabilities.
LabVac 50
• 50 kN Maximum Pressing Force
• Temperatures up to 300 °C
• 225 × 225 mm platens
LabVac 200
• 200 kN Maximum Pressing Force
• Temperatures up to 300 °C
• 225 × 320 mm platens
LabVac 400
• 400 kN Maximum Pressing Force
• Temperatures up to 300 °C
• 320 × 320 mm platens
LabVac 600
• 600 kN Maximum Pressing Force
• Temperatures up to 300 °C
• 400 × 400 mm platens
LabVac 1000
• 1000 kN Maximum Pressing Force
• Temperatures up to 300 °C
• 500 × 500 mm platens
LabVac Series Presses
Product Features
ProView Touchscreen Control System
The LabVac series is equipped with the ProView control system, featuring a 15-inch touchscreen that enables precise control of temperature and pressing force. The large display provides clear visibility of process parameters and real-time cycle progress, allowing users to monitor and adjust conditions with confidence. An integrated automatic venting (degassing) function further enhances process control by periodically opening and closing the press at predefined intervals to release trapped gases during pressing cycles.
Built-in Vacuum Pump
The LabVac features an integrated vacuum system within the support table, capable of achieving low-pressure conditions in the range of 30 – 40 mbar. This enables processing in oxygen-free environments or under inert atmospheres such as nitrogen or argon. An air outlet located at the rear of the system can be connected to an external exhaust line, allowing efficient removal of air and process gases from the chamber. Optional connection ports allow operation under controlled inert gas environments, further reducing oxidation risks for sensitive materials.
Flexible Platen Options
Process optimization is further supported through optional platens in steel, aluminum, or copper, allowing tailored thermal conductivity and temperature distribution profiles to suit specific materials and applications
Optional Water cooling Platform
For improved throughput, an optional automated water-cooling system is available to rapidly reduce platen temperature between cycles, enabling faster transitions to subsequent processes. This cooling system can be configured to comply with ASTM D4703, achieving controlled cooling rates of up to 15 °C/min when required. Additionally, chrome-plated platens minimize sample adhesion at elevated temperatures, supporting clean and consistent sample release.
Optional Rapid heating system
For applications requiring faster throughput, an optional fast-heating system enables heating rates of up to 20 °C/min, reducing time to target temperatures. This significantly reduces cycle times, for example, reaching 180 °C in approximately 8 minutes, and 300 °C in around 19 minutes, thereby improving operational efficiency. An optional external Thermocouple interface allows direct temperature measurement within the sample, with integration into process control via the ProView system for enhanced accuracy.
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LabEcon Series Presses
Product Features
ProView Touchscreen Control System
Broad Temperature Ranges for Varied Material Processing
The thermal capabilities of the LabEcon can be extended up to 400 °C, allowing processing of a broader range of materials, including high-performance polymers and advanced composites. For applications requiring faster throughput, an optional fast-heating system enables heating rates of up to 20 °C/min. This significantly reduces cycle times, for example, reaching 180 °C in approximately 8 minutes instead of 16 minutes, and 400 °C in around 19 minutes instead of 38 minutes.
Smooth Roller Bed For Mold Insertion
A roller bed equipped with ball transfer units facilitates smooth and precise mold insertion, improving handling ergonomics and reducing operator effort. Optional integrated light and sound indicators provide clear, real-time feedback on press cycle status, enhancing process monitoring and operational safety.
Automatic Venting & Exhaust Hood
The LabEcon is equipped with an integrated exhaust or extraction hood mounted above the press, which can be connected to an external ventilation system to effectively manage fumes generated during processing.
Flexible Platen Options
Process optimization is further supported through optional platens in steel, aluminum, or copper, allowing tailored thermal conductivity and temperature distribution profiles. Additionally, the system can be configured with multiple daylights (the spacing between platens), enabling simultaneous processing of multiple samples within a single cycle. Each daylight can be independently controlled for heating and cooling, providing greater flexibility and throughput in demanding laboratory workflows.
Automated Water cooling Platform
An automated water-cooling system, controlled via electric valves, enables rapid cooling of the press platens between cycles. This allows quick transition to processes requiring lower temperature setpoints and improves overall productivity. The cooling system can also be configured to comply with ASTM D4703, achieving controlled cooling rates of up to 15 °C/min when required.
Optional Rapid heating system
For applications requiring faster throughput, an optional fast-heating system enables heating rates of up to 20 °C/min, reducing time to target temperatures. This significantly reduces cycle times, for example, reaching 180 °C in approximately 8 minutes, and 300 °C in around 19 minutes, thereby improving operational efficiency. An optional external Thermocouple interface allows direct temperature measurement within the sample, with integration into process control via the ProView system for enhanced accuracy.