Comprehensive Overview of the Laboratory Press and its Functionality

Importance of Laboratory Press

Explanation of the laboratory press as a tool for preparing samples with reproducible characteristics

Laboratory presses play a crucial role in various industries, including pharmaceutical, laminating, rubber, and plastic molding. They are also widely used in research and development work, testing, short runs, limited production, cell manufacturing, and lean manufacturing. Scientists and researchers prefer laboratory presses due to their precision and ability to meet rigorous demands.

These heavy-duty machines are essential for testing and compacting materials such as rubber, plastic, and laminate materials. They provide reliable and consistent results, making them integral to industrial inquiries.

Understanding the importance of uniform temperature distribution and mechanical solidity for constant sample thickness and consistent closure force

A laboratory press applies pressure to a sample to compress or compact it, making it suitable for studying material properties or preparing samples for further analysis. These presses are typically equipped with a hydraulic system capable of generating up to 1,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure.

To ensure reliable test results, it is crucial to create consistently well-made specimens. This requires uniform temperature distribution over the platen surface and mechanical solidity to maintain a constant sample thickness and consistent closure force. These elements are essential for preparing samples with reproducible characteristics.

In conclusion, laboratory presses are vital tools in various industries and research settings. They offer precision, durability, and the ability to meet rigorous demands. Uniform temperature distribution and mechanical solidity are critical factors in ensuring constant sample thickness and consistent closure force, ultimately leading to reproducible sample characteristics.

Key Features of the Laboratory Press

Laboratory presses are essential tools in various industries such as pharmaceutical, laminating, rubber, and plastic molding. They are widely used in R&D work, testing, short runs, limited production, cell manufacturing, and lean manufacturing. Here are the key features of a laboratory press:

Mechanical structure with 4 columns and sliding platen driven by self-lubricating bushings

The laboratory press is built with a robust mechanical structure consisting of four columns and a sliding platen. The self-lubricating bushings ensure smooth and efficient movement of the platen, reducing friction and wear. This mechanical design provides stability and precision during the pressing process.

Hydraulic system with 25 tons closure force

The laboratory press is equipped with a hydraulic system that generates a closure force of 25 tons. This high force allows for effective compaction and molding of materials such as rubber, plastic, and laminates. The hydraulic system ensures consistent and uniform pressure application, resulting in reliable and accurate results.

250x250 mm chrome plated steel platens with 40 mm thickness

The laboratory press features chrome plated steel platens with dimensions of 250x250 mm and a thickness of 40 mm. The chrome plating enhances the durability and resistance to wear of the platens. The large platen size provides ample space for pressing various sample sizes and shapes.

Specifically designed flat heating elements for uniform temperature distribution

To ensure uniform temperature distribution over the platen surface, the laboratory press is equipped with specifically designed flat heating elements. These heating elements deliver heat evenly across the platen, allowing for consistent and controlled heating during the pressing process. This uniform temperature distribution is crucial for obtaining accurate and reproducible results.

Closed moulding area for easy fume aspiration

The laboratory press features a closed moulding area, allowing for easy fume aspiration. This feature is particularly important when working with materials that emit fumes or require ventilation. The closed moulding area ensures a safe and controlled environment, minimizing exposure to harmful substances.

Protection doors with safety lock

Safety is a top priority in laboratory environments. The laboratory press is equipped with protection doors that have a safety lock mechanism. This ensures that the doors remain securely closed during operation, preventing any accidental opening and minimizing the risk of injury.

CE Labelling

The laboratory press is CE labelled, indicating compliance with European safety, health, and environmental protection standards. This certification ensures that the press meets the necessary requirements for safe operation and quality performance.

Laboratory presses offer precise and reliable performance, making them indispensable tools in various industries. Their mechanical structure, hydraulic system, heating elements, and safety features make them ideal for research, testing, and production applications. Whether it's compacting materials, molding samples, or conducting quality tests, a laboratory press provides the precision and control needed to achieve accurate and consistent results.

Automatic Press Control

Introduction to the PLC controller for the press

The automatic press control system is equipped with a user-friendly touch screen display and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) controller. This allows for easy operation and precise control of the press. The PLC controller is a computerized system that manages and controls the various functions of the press, including the displacements of the moving platen, the thermal cycle, and the pressure cycle. With the PLC controller, you can define and customize the molding cycle according to your specific requirements.

Explanation of the free definition of the molding cycle

By using the PLC controller, you have the freedom to define the molding cycle according to your needs. This includes setting the displacements of the moving platen, the thermal cycle, and the pressure cycle. This level of customization allows for precise control and optimization of the molding process. You can set different temperatures for the platens and create thermal gradients within the molding cycle. Additionally, the pressure cycle can be controlled with the force control option, ensuring accurate and consistent pressure application.

Information on the storage capacity for three molding cycles

The PLC controller has the capability to store three different molding cycles. Each cycle can include up to 24 molding steps, which encompass displacements, temperature setups, and pressure setups. This storage capacity allows for easy access and retrieval of predefined molding cycles, streamlining the production process. With the ability to store multiple molding cycles, you can quickly switch between different setups and optimize your production efficiency.

Cooling system

The cooling system is an essential component of the press, especially when molding thermoplastic materials. During the molding cycle, the material needs to be cooled to its solidification temperature before the mold can be opened. The press is equipped with a cooling system that efficiently cools the platens, ensuring proper solidification of the molded material. This cooling process is crucial for achieving high-quality molded products and maintaining consistent production output.

Hydraulic system

The press utilizes a hydraulic system with a closure force of 25 tons. The hydraulic system provides the necessary force for the molding process, ensuring proper compression and shaping of the material. It is designed with a 4-column mechanical structure and self-lubricating bushings, providing smooth and reliable operation. The hydraulic system is a key component of the press, enabling precise control and consistent performance.

KinTek Press Logger

The Automatic Press Control device is equipped with a USB port, allowing for easy connection to a PC. The press logger program provided by KinTek enables continuous recording of press conditions, such as temperature, pressure, moving platen position, and cycle steps. This data can be recorded in both graphical and numerical formats, with automatic generation of daily storage files. The program is compatible with Windows 10 and 11, providing a convenient and comprehensive tool for monitoring and analyzing press performance.

Benefits of PLC-controlled equipment

PLC-controlled equipment, including the PLC controller, offers numerous benefits over traditional relay/timer/push button systems. PLC systems are more cost-effective, easier to maintain, and less prone to mechanical wear and loose wires. They provide precise control and automation of press operations, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity. With the ability to control multiple operating parameters, such as temperature and pressure, PLC-controlled equipment offers versatility and simplicity in operation.

Automatic Hydraulic Press

An automatic hydraulic press is a highly efficient and accurate press that utilizes hydraulic power to apply force. With the use of a pump and a controlled piston, an automatic hydraulic press can deliver precise and consistent pressure for various applications. Compared to a manual hydraulic press, an automatic hydraulic press offers greater control, repeatability, and ease of use. It can be programmed to operate autonomously, allowing technicians to focus on other tasks and increasing overall productivity.

Hydraulic Mini Press

A hydraulic mini press is a compact and portable press that utilizes hydraulic power to generate force. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a wide range of applications, including pressing, bending, and forming. The hydraulic mini press works by using pressure generated by a pump to move an oil-filled plunger, which compresses fluids or gases to exert force on an object. The pressure can be regulated and adjusted according to the specific requirements of the task at hand, making it suitable for various applications.

Process Control and CNC Automation

Automatic hydraulic presses offer precise control over the forging process, allowing for accurate and efficient production. The speed, travel distance, and pressure of the press forging die can be automatically controlled, ensuring consistent results. Additionally, CNC automation can be implemented, enabling the input of designs and automating processes such as blank feeding and forged piece removal. This level of control and automation improves productivity and quality in the manufacturing process.

Safety and Operator Considerations

When using any form of press, including automatic hydraulic presses, safety is of paramount importance. Operators should receive proper training and adhere to safety guidelines to ensure their well-being and the integrity of the equipment. Automatic hydraulic presses offer improved safety features compared to manual presses, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. However, operators should still exercise caution and follow proper operating procedures to maintain a safe working environment.

In conclusion, automatic press control systems, such as the PLC controller, offer advanced features and capabilities for precise and efficient molding processes. With the ability to define molding cycles, store multiple setups, and control various parameters, these systems provide flexibility and optimization. Combined with cooling systems, hydraulic systems, and advanced press logging capabilities, automatic hydraulic presses offer improved productivity, consistency, and safety in various manufacturing applications.

Cooling System

Explanation of the need for cooling of press platens during the molding cycle

During the molding cycle of thermoplastic materials, it is necessary to cool the press platens to the solidification temperature before opening the mold. This cooling process ensures that the material sets and solidifies in the desired shape, allowing for easy removal from the mold without any distortion or damage. Without proper cooling, the material may not fully solidify, resulting in defects or incomplete molding.

Modern laboratory equipment requires efficient and environmentally friendly cooling solutions that save on cost, size, and noise. Liquid cooling systems, such as those used in KinTek heated platen presses, offer a reliable and effective method of cooling the platens during the molding cycle.

Liquid cooling systems can provide labs with reduced noise impact by utilizing variable speed compressors and condenser fans. These systems can operate in a stand-by state when cooling low operating loads for extended periods of time, but can quickly cool at full capacity when needed. By changing the speed of the motors to match the cooling requirements, these systems require less air flow and result in reduced noise and energy consumption.

Description of the KinTek press equipped with controlled speed cooling device

The KinTek press is a highly versatile heated platen press that can be equipped with a cooling device to allow for the controlled speed cooling of the platens. This cooling device ensures that the cooling process is regulated and optimized for the specific molding requirements.

The KinTek press features a mechanical structure with 4 columns and a sliding platen driven by self-lubricating bushings. It also has a hydraulic system with a closure force of 25 tons, providing accurate pressure control during the molding process.

The press is equipped with 250x250 mm chrome plated steel platens that have a thickness of 40 mm. These platens are specifically designed with flat heating elements to ensure uniform temperature distribution over the platen surface.

The cooling device in the KinTek press allows for precise control of the cooling speed, ensuring the efficient and effective cooling of the platens during the molding cycle. This controlled speed cooling helps to optimize the molding process, improving productivity and ensuring high-quality results.

In addition to the cooling device, the KinTek press also features an automatic press control system. This system is provided with a user-friendly touch screen display and allows for the free definition of the molding cycle, including displacements, thermal cycles, and pressure cycles.

Overall, the KinTek press equipped with a controlled speed cooling device offers a reliable and efficient solution for cooling the press platens during the molding cycle. With its advanced features and precise control, it is an ideal choice for businesses and laboratories in need of a high-performance heated platen press.

Closure Force Control

Closure force control is an essential aspect of hydraulic systems, particularly in applications that require accurate control of closure force. This control is crucial to ensure the proper functioning and performance of various industrial processes. In this article, we will provide an overview of closure force control and explain the specific 2-stages hydraulic circuit used for accurate pressure control. Additionally, we will delve into the details of smooth and consistent force control, which allows for setting closure force within a specific range.

Overview of the Digital pressure regulation system for accurate control of closure force

The digital pressure regulation system is specifically designed for applications that demand precise closure force control. It employs advanced technology, including proportional regulation valves and continuous fine regulation pumping systems, to ensure accurate pressure control. This system enables smooth and consistent force control, allowing operators to set the closure force within a range of 10 kN to 250 kN.

Explanation of the specific 2-stages hydraulic circuit for accurate pressure control

To achieve accurate pressure control for closure force, a specific 2-stages hydraulic circuit is employed. This circuit incorporates proportional regulation valves and a continuous fine regulation pumping system. The proportional regulation valves enable precise adjustment of pressure levels, while the continuous fine regulation pumping system ensures consistent and stable pressure control. This combination of components and circuit design allows for accurate and reliable closure force control.

Details on the smooth and consistent force control permitting the setting of closure force between 10 kN and 250 kN

The smooth and consistent force control provided by the digital pressure regulation system allows operators to set the closure force within a specific range. This range typically spans from 10 kN to 250 kN, providing flexibility for various applications. The system allows for precise force control with regulation steps of 10 N. Moreover, the force regulation oscillations are kept below 1000 N, ensuring a stable and reliable closure force throughout the operation.

In conclusion, closure force control is a critical aspect of hydraulic systems, and the digital pressure regulation system offers an effective solution for accurate control. The specific 2-stages hydraulic circuit, along with proportional regulation valves and continuous fine regulation pumping, ensures precise pressure control. This results in smooth and consistent force control, allowing for the setting of closure force within a range of 10 kN to 250 kN. With this advanced control system, industrial processes can achieve optimal performance and reliability.

Moulds

Availability of Moulds for Producing Plates and Different Types of Samples

Moulds play a crucial role in the production of plates and various types of samples. These moulds are designed to create precise and high-quality products. The process involves closing the mould and maintaining a fixed temperature for a specific period of time. The material then flows into the cavity, filling it completely. Any excess material flows out through special grooves, creating a mold flash. After the curing time, the press is opened, and the product is removed.

The availability of moulds for producing plates and different types of samples is essential for various industries. It allows businesses to create custom products that meet their specific requirements. Whether it's for R&D purposes, quality testing, or short production runs, having access to a wide range of moulds ensures flexibility and efficiency in the manufacturing process.

Fixing Rails with Sliding System for Easy Handling of Moulds

To facilitate the handling of moulds, fixing rails with a sliding system are utilized. This system allows for easy insertion and removal of the moulds, reducing the time and effort required. The sliding system ensures smooth movement, minimizing the risk of damage to the moulds or the products being produced.

By implementing fixing rails with a sliding system, businesses can enhance their productivity and streamline their operations. This feature is particularly beneficial for laboratory platen presses used in R&D and quality testing. Switching between different sample types and materials becomes effortless, saving time and resources.

Customized Mould Production upon Customer Design and Company Logo Engraving

In addition to standard moulds, there is also the option for customized mould production. This allows businesses to design their own moulds according to their specific requirements. Whether it's a unique shape, size, or pattern, customized moulds offer endless possibilities for product customization.

Furthermore, companies can also opt for company logo engraving on their moulds. This adds a personalized touch to the products and promotes brand recognition. Customized mould production and logo engraving provide businesses with a competitive edge in the market, allowing them to stand out and leave a lasting impression on their customers.

Overall, the availability of moulds, the implementation of fixing rails with a sliding system, and the option for customized mould production and logo engraving contribute to a more efficient and tailored manufacturing process. These features enhance productivity, flexibility, and branding opportunities for businesses across various industries.

KinTek Press Logger

Information on the Automatic Press Control device fitted with a USB port for PC connection

KinTek heated platen presses are highly versatile and can be supplied complete with a wide variety of ancillary equipment to further enhance productivity. A contact gauge can be coupled with platens specially designed for proper temperature uniformity and its self-contained hydraulic unit to ensure quiet operation as well as a low-pressure system that is able to perform successfully between 2 to 50 tons.

Simply put, the G50H-19-RASTM represents a true technological solution to the demands and stringent standards of vulcanization in the rubber industry.

KinTek offers several standard 4-post heated platen presses, technical parameters described in the right navigation bar. These standardized 4-post heated platen hydraulic press systems can be modified with specific tonnage, stroke, shut height, and bed size to meet your special need.

The KinTek press can be equipped with cooling device that allows the cooling of the platens at controlled speed.

Closure Force Control The Digital pressure regulation system is designed for applications that require an accurate control of closure force. A specific 2-stages hydraulic circuit, which includes proportional regulation valves and continuous fine regulation pumping system, has been designed to ensure accurate pressure control. The results are smooth and consistent force control which permits to set the closure force between 10 kN and 250 kN with 10 N set force regulation steps with regulation oscillations lower than 1000 N. The control of the closing force is performed using the Automatic Press Control that must be installed in combination with the Closure Force Control option.

Moulds for producing plates and different types of samples according to international standards are available. Fixing rails with sliding system permit easily handling of the moulds. Mould produced upon customer design and company logo engraving are available on request.

Details on the Gibitre Press Logger program for continuous recording of press conditions

The Automatic Press Control device is fitted with a USB port which permits the connection to a PC. The Gibitre Press Logger program permits the continuous recording of the press conditions (temperature, pressure, moving platen position, cycle step). Both graphical and numerical recording is provided with automatic generation of daily storage files.

Compatibility of the program with Windows 10 and 11

The program is compatible with Windows 10 and 11.

Standard Calibration service for Laboratory Press Maintenance and Calibration service for your Laboratory Press. The service includes:

• Ordinaly maintenance of the instrument
• Calibration of the temperature of the platens. The temperature is measured, with the plates closed, in 9 different points of the platens and at 3 different temperatures (140°C, 170°C, 200°C).
• Calibration of the closure Force (50, 100, 150, 250 kN)

What do KinTek products offer labs that competitors may not?

KinTek laboratory presses are manufactured to be highly precise and durable. A heavy-duty hydraulic system, iron bolsters, and high tensile steel tie rods will guarantee many years of service using a KinTek press.

Threaded rods with nuts allow for rapid and precise platen adjustment, and heated platens with accurate digital control can be integrated into manual and automated presses.

What level of customization can KinTek offer?

KinTek is proud to have a dedicated engineering team that can integrate customized options into our presses and develop equipment compatible to ASTM and other laboratory testing. KinTek understands that every application can be unique and will strive to meet your press needs.

Each electrically heated platen press in KinTek has PID temperature controllers for easy setting and displaying temperature. The heated platen can be divided into multi-temperature zones each monitored with a digital ammeter for easy temperature fault detection. The dwell time is programmable from .1 to 999 hours. All heated platen presses can be customized-made to your specifications with specific tonnage, stroke, daylight, as well as special exhaust time and times of exhaust in one cycle. With these features, KinTek's electrically heated platen press is ideal for the bonding friction material used in vehicles.

All heated platen hydraulic press machines in KinTek are built with tough quality standards to ensure years of maintenance-free and reliable operation.

Standard Calibration service for Laboratory Press

Maintenance Tip

Lab presses experience repeated heat and high pressures. To keep the press in good working condition, regularly inspect it for leaking hoses and seals, cracks, and excessive vibration. Keep the working parts of the press clean from dirt and any leaking oil or fluid, and ensure the press is properly lubricated. Over time, the hydraulic fluids will require replacement. Ensure the proper hydraulic oil is used when replacing.

Safety Tip

Lab presses generate high clamping pressure and high heat. Be sure to keep fingers and hands away from the platens during compression. Ensure that hand and eye protection are work during use to protect staff from high temperatures and from any flying debris in case of some form of press failure. Create an effective training procedure to introduce new users to safe lab press operation.

The KinTek press can be equipped with cooling device that allows the cooling of the platens at controlled speed.

Closure Force Control The Digital pressure regulation system is designed for applications that require an accurate control of closure force. A specific 2-stages hydraulic circuit, which includes proportional regulation valves and continuous fine regulation pumping system, has been designed to ensure accurate pressure control. The results is a smooth and consistent force control which permit to set the closure force between 10 kN and 250 kN with 10 N set force regulation steps with regulation oscillations lower than 1000 N. The control of the closing force is performed using the Automatic Press Control that must be installed in combination with the Closure Force Control option. The Automatic Press Control device permits to set multiple pressure regulation steps within the moulding cycle.

Moulds Moulds for producing plates and different types of samples according to international standards are available. Fixing rails with sliding system permit easily handling of the moulds. Mould produced upon customer design and company logo engraving are available on request.

Read more about KinTek Moulds

KinTek Press Logger The Automatic Press Control device is fitted with a USB port which permits the connection to a Pc. The Gibitre Press Logger program permits the continuous recording of the press conditions (temperature, pressure, moving platen position, cycle step). Both graphical and numerical recording is provided with automatic generation of daily storage files. The program is compatible with Windows 10 and 11.

Standard Calibration service for Laboratory Press

Maintenance and Calibration service for your Laboratory Press. The service includes:

• Ordinaly maintenance of the instrument
• Calibration of the temperature of the platens. The temperature is measured, with the plates closed, in 9 different points of the platens and at 3 different temperatures (140°C, 170°C, 200°C).
• Calibration of the closure Force (50, 100, 150, 250 kN)

Types of Laboratory Press

A laboratory press is a device used to apply pressure to a sample, in order to compress or compact it. Laboratory presses are often employed to study the properties of materials, or to prepare samples for further analysis.

Laboratory presses are typically equipped with a hydraulic system that can generate up to 1,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of pressure. The press can be used to apply pressure to a variety of materials, including powders, sheet materials, and polymer beads.

Manual Hydraulic Press The Manual Hydraulic Press is available up to 25 MPa load and used for a wide range of laboratory press applications. The press has a compact, small footprint design making it ideal for bench-top and glove box laboratory applications. With a rigid steel construction, and protective safety shield as standard, this laboratory hydraulic press is particularly well-suited for FTIR KBr pellet press, XRF pellet press and thin film press applications. The easy-to-read scale gauge is calibrated in MPa. Adjustable pressure control value allows reproducible load for repetitive applications. A range of conversion gauges are available for low pressure hydraulic press applications.

Feature of rubber laboratory Press

1. All four pressing plates are made of SKD chromium-molybdenum alloy. The surface is treated by high frequency, carburizing, chromium plating and polishing, with a hardness of up to 60HRC.

2. Four high-strength precision guide columns are designed with double layers of high-strength laminate clamping structures. The heavy structural steel of the frame can effectively reduce deformation and damage. The parallelism between the laminate plates is extremely high.

3. The patented heating control technology is equipped with imported high-precision PID digital temperature control display. The heat transfer pipe according to the heat density distribution can ensure uniform temperature distribution on the heating plate surface.

KinTek provides hand-actuated laboratory presses, which combines simplicity with excellence. Our presses, with capacity from 20 to 200 kN and cylinders with return spring, are operator friendly and need low maintenance, thanks to its trusted design. The standard press can heat up to 300 °C, for a 100 mm stroke, but we can adapt the stroke up to 200 mm, according to your need.

STANDARD LABORATORY PRESS RANGE (LAB PRESS)

To equip laboratories or really small production units, we launched a varied range of standard laboratory presses. This new range allows the customer to choose the required performance while limiting the required investment. The LAB, LAB P (Programmable) & Lab PA (Programmable + data Acquisition) standard presses are equipped with high temperature heating and cooling platens (up to 450 °C) and apply up to a 1,000 kN effort. These machines can perform the following processes:

• The laboratory press is an important tool for the preparing of samples with reproducible characteristics.
• Uniform temperature distribution over the platen Surface and mechanical solidity to ensure constant thickness of the sample and consistent closure force are basic elements to ensure this result.
• Each electrically heated platen press in KinTek has PID temperature controllers for easy setting and displaying temperature. The heated platen can be divided into multi-temperature zones each monitored with a digital ammeter for easy temperature fault detection. The dwell time is programmable from .1 to 999 hours. All heated platen presses can be customized-made to your specifications with specific tonnage, stroke, daylight, as well as special exhaust time and times of exhaust in one cycle. With these features, KinTek's electrically heated platen press is ideal for the bonding friction material used in vehicles.
• All heated platen hydraulic press machines in KinTek are built with tough quality standards to ensure years of maintenance-free and reliable operation.

If you are interested in our products, please visit our company website：https://kindle-tech.com/product-categories/heated-lab-press, where innovation has always been a priority. Our R&D team consists of experienced engineers and scientists who closely follow industry trends and are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Our laboratory equipment incorporates the latest technology to ensure that you can obtain accurate and repeatable results during your experiments. From high-precision instruments to intelligent control systems, our products will provide you with unlimited possibilities for your experimental work.