Applications
The hydraulic laboratory presses by Fontijne Presses are used successfully in many different sectors and applications.
Currently, more than 2.000 our laboratory platen presses are being used daily for quality control purposes and in R&D departments in factories, labs and universities around the world.
Our presses are often used to prepare samples for different kinds of lab tests. This is because many lab testing equipment can only provide reliable results on the condition that the samples are properly pressed first.
Applications we can help you with
Rubber
To examine the quality of rubber for example, a sample is taken from the production batch and pressed into a die.
Next, the sample will be vulcanised (e.g. according to the ASTM D 3182 norm), after which it is ready to be used for elongation tests, or to test density, Mooney viscosity, ash content, bromine and chlorine content.
Polymers
Our laboratory presses are widely used for the preparation of polymer samples, such as PE, PP, PS, ABS and many more.
In order to precisely determine the physical properties of polymers, samples that are pressed under accurately controlled conditions (following international standards) are needed. This way, properties like tensile strength, flexure and impact can be tested. Furthermore, compression moulded polymer samples are also used for colour testing, weathering and XRF analysis.
Composites
Our hydraulic laboratory presses enable ground-breaking and industry leading research into composite materials.
They assist your investigation to develop cost effective manufacturing technology for lightweight composite structures, as used in aerospace (unmanned aircraft structures) and automotive (sports car bodies) industries.
PEM fuel cells/membrane electrode assembly
PEM (proton exchange membrane) fuel cells are made from several layers of different materials. The heart of a PEM fuel cell is the membrane electrode assembly (MEA), which includes the membrane, the catalyst layers, and gas diffusion layers (GDLs).
The membrane electrode assembly provides sites for chemical reactions occurring inside a fuel cell to convert the fuel into usable electrical power. The PEM is sandwiched between two electrodes which have the catalyst embedded in them. The electrodes are electrically insulated from each other by the PEM. These two electrodes make up the anode and cathode respectively. The electrodes are heat pressed onto the PEM. Commonly used materials for these electrodes are carbon cloth or carbon fiber papers. This is when the Fontijne Presses laboratory presses come into play in this story.
Other applications
Apart from quality control and R&D support in the rubber, polymer and composite industries, these presses are also widely used to prepare samples in wood, plywood, textiles, ceramics, laminating (credit cards, ID cards), silicones, thermoplastic resins, etc.
Furthermore, Fontijne Presses is a familiar name in universities where the presses are used for educational and research purposes.
Interested to find out how our lab presses can help you with your application?
Contact us and our specialist will advise you with the best solution for your application.
Application notes
Precision in encapsulation: Fontijne Presses’ transfer molding press dedicated to EMMI spiral flow testing according to ASTM D3123
As electrification and connectivity sweep through industries—from automotive and mobility to medical and consumer electronics—the demand for reliability under tough environmental conditions grows. Whether it’s moisture, dust, chemicals, or extreme temperatures, sensitive components like PCBs and sensors need a protective shield. That’s where encapsulation comes into play. Encapsulation explained Encapsulation is a...
Enhancing thermoplastic composite testing with the Fontijne Presses LabManual 300
As a leading manufacturer of fiber materials and thermoplastic prepregs, Bambooder faced significant challenges in producing consistent, high-quality composite plates for mechanical testing. The need to provide customers with accurate data on material performance and precise processing parameters was constrained by limited in-house capabilities. When introducing a new thermoplastic composite...
Testing methods for recycled thermoplastics
Consistent batch to batch quality is the absolute key to the successful use of recycled thermoplastics. Through targeted raw material selection, technological know-how and the most elaborate process and quality monitoring, it is possible to achieve batch consistency at the level of virgin material. Process and quality monitoring is the...
Curing of biobased resins using Fontijne Presses’ LabManual 50 press
According to the Paris agreement, the CO2 level should be reduced in 2050 to the level of 1990. Therefore, the aim of the Dutch government is to be 100% circular by 2050. Over the last decades, several solutions have been developed to replace fossil fuels as energy source by renewable alternatives like wind...
Brake systems development at Lapinus
In the landscape of automotive engineering, even the smallest components can make a significant impact. Among these, brake systems stand out as crucial elements for ensuring safety and performance. At Lapinus, a key player in the industry, attention to detail is the norm, especially when it comes to advancing brake...
Pressing glass with the Fontijne Presses laboratory press
The challenge consisted of bonding PVB (PolyVinyl Butyral) interlayer film between 2 panels of glass. Laminated glass is a type of safety glass that holds together when shattered and that is commonly used in applications that require strong binding, toughness, and optical clarity for example in the automotive and architectural...
Recycling of textiles with the Fontijne Presses lab press
Unlike other waste streams, such as household electrical appliances, textile waste, and more specifically discarded clothing, is not subject to a set of regulations that producers must adhere to regarding the collection and disposal of discarded products. In this process Fontijne Presses can fulfill an important role... To read more...
Customer testimonials
Improving rubber material testing with a Fontijne Presses laboratory press – AEGIR-Marine testimonial
AEGIR-Marine, an OEM-independent manufacturer and global service provider of stern seals and propulsion-related components, continuously invests in innovation to improve the reliability and performance of its sealing solutions. To strengthen its research and development capabilities, AEGIR-Marine established a dedicated R&D rubber laboratory, enabling the company to mix rubber compounds and...
Optimizing MEA production for electrochemical hydrogen compression with Fontijne Presses
HyET Hydrogen, a leading SME in electrochemical hydrogen compression and separation, has been driving innovation since 2008. Based in Arnhem, the Netherlands, the company partners with key stakeholders to scale up its advanced hydrogen processing technologies. HyET’s solutions stand out for their efficiency, reliability, and ability to meet the growing...
AFC Energy enhances research capabilities with the LabEcon laboratory press
AFC Energy, a leading clean energy technology company committed to replacing fossil fuel generation with hydrogen fuel cells, has recently expanded its research capabilities by acquiring a Fontijne Presses LabEcon 600 laboratory press. About AFC Energy Headquartered at the iconic Dunsfold Aerodrome, which once housed pioneering organisations like British Aerospace and more recently TopGear!, AFC Energy is dedicated to advancing...
Advancing research excellence at the University of Bath with the LabTop 150
The University of Bath’s Chemistry Department is renowned for its cutting-edge research in the field of polymer science and sustainable materials. In pursuit of advancing their research capabilities, the department recently acquired a LabTop 150 press from Fontijne Presses. This acquisition, expertly facilitated by Intelicare – Fontijne Presses distributor in the UK, promises to elevate the department’s capabilities in quality control...
Innovative membrane processing at AGC Chemicals Europe
About AGC Chemicals Europe AGC Inc. is a multinational corporation and one of the world’s largest manufacturers of glass, electronic displays and chemical products. As a world-leading manufacturer of fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers, the European subsidiary, AGC Chemicals Europe, has been providing solutions specifically aimed to create a sustainable future. Understanding the...
Lantor Customer Testimonial
When it comes to lightweight a monolithic shell part, or to produce products fast and with optimal surface quality Lantor has expertise and textile solutions in FRP products. A custom press mould from Lanulfi and the laboratory press LabEcon from Fontijne Presses are the right tools to achieve that....
High-end ceramic composites development at Arceon Novel Elements
The Fontijne Presses LabEcon 600 ProView laboratory press allows the team at Arceon to achieve uniform pressure over the mould of the product, which ensures a high-quality component. To ensure the safety of the working personnel, the laboratory press is equipped with exhaust connection and closed processing zone so that...
AMS Institute Customer Testimonial
AMS Institute is an internationally leading institute where talent is educated and engineers, designers, and both natural and social scientists jointly develop and valorize integrated metropolitan solutions. With its focus on research and innovation, AMS Institute purchased the Fontijne Presses LabManual 50 to be used in its makerspace for experimentation...
Salomon Testimonial LabEcon series
Salomon has grown into a world leader in outdoor sports equipment since the company was founded in 1947. The brand is best known for its high-quality materials for mountain sports such as downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, hiking and trail running. Based in Annecy, in the heart of the French...