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 technology.

In this article, we explain the role of the Fontijne Presses LabEcon 600 in shaping the future of brake systems at Lapinus.

The Fontijne Presses LabEcon 600 hydraulic press is used to press brake pads with special tooling. Crosslinking in the compound is activated by pressure and temperature. After pressing, the brake pads are cured in an oven for a longer period before they are used to do application research. 

Funs Sanders, Laboratory Coordinator at Lapinus explains:

A press is essential in the manufacturing process of brake pads. The pressing stage in this process is largely defining the brake pad performance (like wear, temperature stability and friction coefficient). The outcome of our testing is the input for our customers.

The Fontijne Presses lab press is reliable and makes it possible to produce brake pads with consistent quality. The easy and flexible way to program press cycles makes it possible to also work on customer specific applications.

Besides that, both the well-founded knowledge of the behavior of our fibers in brake applications as well as the optimized processing (like mixing, curing etc.) have improved the quality of our production processes and of course sales. 

 

As 2023 comes to a close, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your partnership and support. This year has been filled with lots of successes and meaningful collaborations.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful holiday season, and may the upcoming year bring you prosperity and many achievements.

 Happy New 2024!

Understanding the critical need for streamlined and automated production cycles, Fontijne Presses has engineered the Cassette Cooling Press to cater to industries where rapid cooling is a prerequisite for material testing and high-throughput processes.

This cutting-edge solution is set to become a game-changer, particularly where reliable and reproducible test results are paramount. 

Unique design 

What sets the Cassette Cooling Press apart is its automatic control system and a distinct design that places integrated fast cooling at the forefront. Unlike traditional methods, which involve a time-consuming hot/cold/hot process, this laboratory press ensures continuous heating of the press platens while simultaneously cooling the cassette platens. This not only enhances efficiency but also significantly reduces energy wastage. 

Have a look at the working of this innovative press via this video: 

How does the press work? 

The cooling sequence, an integral part of the fully automated cycle, begins with the opening of the press and placing the sample in the middle. A transfer unit is then employed to seamlessly exchange the heated platens with the cooled cassette platens, initiating immediate cooling. The Cassette Cooling Press achieves remarkable cooling speeds of up to 250 degrees Celsius per minute, depending on the conditions. 

Importantly, the cooling platens remain cold, allowing the operator to swiftly remove the current sample and introduce the next one. This not only saves valuable process time but also ensures that the hot platens remain hot, allowing for a new cycle to commence without delay. 

Luc Pattyn, Sales and Marketing Director at Fontijne Presses, explains:

“The Cassette Cooling press is a testament to our commitment to advancing technology in material testing. This newly developed press as part of the LabPro series reflects our dedication to providing efficient and reliable solutions to industries that demand efficiency, precision and speed in their processes.” 

Overview key features Cassette Cooling lab press

• Continuous heating and cooling: Our unique design allows the press platens to be continuously heated while cassette platens are continuously cooled, eliminating energy wastage efficiently. 

• Fast and efficient cooling: Achieve remarkably fast cooling speeds of up to 250 degrees Celsius per minute, ensuring precise and reliable test results. 

• Fully automated cycle: The cooling sequence, part of a fully automated cycle, involves opening the press, placing the sample, and using a transfer unit to seamlessly exchange heated platens with cooled cassette platens.  

Main benefits of the Cassette Cooling press

Companies engaged in research and development, quality control, and production testing will find the Cassette Cooling Press indispensable, setting a new standard for efficiency and reliability in material testing and sample preparation.  

Contact us today to find out how the Cassette Cooling Press can revolutionize your testing processes. 

When it comes to ensuring seamless operations and optimal performance, understanding the utilities required for laboratory presses and deploying the equipment properly are of utmost importance. In this blog article, we will discuss the essential utilities needed to power Fontijne Presses laboratory presses and the best practices for their deployment.

Utilities

1.  Electrical connections 

Depending on the specific model acquired, the necessary electrical connections may vary. The LabManual and LabTop series can be operated using 230VAC 50Hz / 16A, while the LabEcon and LabPro series require 400V – 3phase – 50Hz + ground + zero / 16A-32A-63A, depending on the closing force, heating rate, and configuration (single- or double-daylight). Should your application require a different voltage, Fontijne Presses can provide suitable solutions. 

2. Cooling options: water and compressed air 

Water is essential for cooling down the heated press plates, and Fontijne Presses offer several cooling options, each with its pros and cons. The available choices are: 

• Process Water / Drinking Water Cooling System (with condenser): This option involves connecting the press to either the process water or drinking water supply. A condenser may be utilized for improved efficiency. 
• Chiller: The chiller cooling system provides very consistent cooling and maintains a closed system, but it requires additional space and has higher energy consumption. 
•  Cassette Cooling System: Ideal for applications requiring rapid cooling, the cassette cooling system quickly exchanges hot and cold platens, achieving incredibly fast cooling speeds. 

3. Proper drainage: managing wastewater 

As the press plates are cooled, wastewater is generated, and its temperature will match the reading on the screen. It is crucial to organize the water discharge carefully to avoid environmental risks. Fontijne Presses recommends using heat- and pressure-resistant hoses for wastewater drainage, instead of PVC pipes. The drain must always have an open connection with the ambient air to facilitate proper disposal. 

4. Compressed air for cooling channel purging 

Compressed air plays a vital role in removing cooling water from the press’s cooling channels. 

For cool water connection, compressed air connection and water outlet following connections are used: 

• 3/8” -> Pipe Ø12, M18x1.5 or Push-Lok Hose DN10, Ø15,9×10 
• 1/2” -> Pipe Ø15, M22x1.5 or Push-Lok Hose DN12, Ø19,8×12 
• 3/4” -> Pipe Ø22, M30x2 or Push-Lok Hose DN20, Ø26,2×20 

Consult the relevant manual for the technical information applicable for your specific press. 

Deployment: ensuring safety and convenience   

Fontijne Presses laboratory presses are shipped in sturdy wooden transport boxes, and any accompanying accessories may be shipped separately. During unpacking of the press, it is crucial to use lifting equipment and accessories with sufficient capacity, considering the press’s weight. Adhering to general safety precautions when lifting the press is vital to prevent personal injuries and machine damage.   

Fontijne Presses recommends flexible connections instead of fixed ones for utilities to facilitate service and maintenance, ensuring a free area around the press for convenient access. Additionally, attention should be paid to minimal floor load, and the necessary measures should be taken before the press is delivered to its designated location. 

Conclusion 

Fontijne Presses laboratory presses offer unmatched precision and innovation, but their seamless operation and longevity depend on understanding and managing the utilities they require. By powering the press correctly, employing the right cooling methods, ensuring proper drainage, and deploying the equipment safely and efficiently, researchers and technicians can unlock the full potential of Fontijne Presses laboratory presses, making groundbreaking strides in material research and development.  Whether it’s through process/drinking water cooling, chiller cooling, or the innovative cassette cooling system, Fontijne Presses ensures that the laboratory presses deliver optimal performance and reliability for various material testing and analysis applications. 

When it comes to cooling and draining options for Fontijne Presses laboratory presses, researchers have several choices based on their specific requirements, available hardware, and desired performance levels. In this article, we will take a closer look at the available options and their pros and cons.

 

1. Process or drinking water cooling

This cooling method involves connecting the platen press to either the process water or drinking water supply. When the cooling cycle initiates, the magnetic valves open, allowing the heating platens to be cooled.

The control system regulates the cooling rate and temperature. The maximum cooling speed depends on the flow, pressure, and temperature of the cooling water. 

Pros: 

• Easiest and most straightforward way to cool the press with no additional hardware required. 
• Lower initial costs compared to other cooling methods. 
• Ramp cooling, which involves a straight-line cooling process, is possible under suitable conditions. 

Cons:  

• Performance and consistency are affected by changes in flow, pressure, and temperature of the cooling water, impacting the press’s efficiency. 
• The use of drinking water results in wastage, as it needs to be drained after use. 
• The outgoing temperature of the cooling water can be quite high, requiring additional measures to manage it effectively. 

2. Chiller cooling

With the chiller cooling method, the platen press is connected to a chiller unit. During the cooling cycle, the magnetic valves open, and the heating platens start to cool down.

The control system manages the cooling rate and temperature, and the chiller automatically activates when the cooling water temperature requires it.

The maximum cooling speed can be calculated upon order. 

Pros: 

• Provides very consistent cooling, ensuring that press cycles are always conducted under the same conditions. 
• Minimal influence from external parameters, maintaining a closed system. 
• No warm wind flow or noise generated, especially when opting for an outside version of the chiller to avoid disturbances in the laboratory. 

Cons:  

• It requires additional space for the chiller unit. 
• Higher energy consumption compared to other cooling methods. 

3. Cassette cooling

The cassette cooling system is the ideal solution when extremely fast cooling is necessary due to specific process requirements or process speed. In this method, the press platens are continuously heated, while the cassette platens are continuously cooled. This process eliminates energy wastage caused by the hot/cold/hot process.

The cooling sequence involves opening the press, placing the sample in the middle, and using a transfer unit to exchange the heated platens with the cooled cassette platens.

Cooling starts immediately, achieving remarkably fast cooling speeds of up to 250 degrees Celsius per minute, depending on the conditions. 

Pros: 

• The fastest cooling method available, making quenching of samples possible. 
• Extremely high efficiency, with no energy transfer from hot to cold platens. 

Cons:  

• Cooling is not actively controlled, as the platens are continuously cold. 
• Cassette cooling might not be suitable for all applications due to its specific design and continuous cooling nature.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, Fontijne Presses laboratory presses offer multiple cooling and draining options to cater to diverse research needs. Researchers can choose the most suitable method based on the desired cooling speed, energy efficiency, control requirements, and space limitations.

Whether it’s through process/drinking water cooling, chiller cooling, or the innovative cassette cooling system, Fontijne Presses ensures that the laboratory presses deliver optimal performance and reliability for various material testing and analysis applications. 

 

In today’s era of sustainability, choosing environmentally friendly instruments is crucial for laboratories, research and development (R&D) facilities, and production environments. Fontijne Presses, renowned for their innovative and reliable solutions for sample preparation for applications such as polymers, rubbers, PEM and much more, offers laboratory presses that provide an excellent sustainable choice. These presses incorporate a small footprint, low energy consumption, and minimal maintenance requirements.  

In this article, we will present five top reasons why Fontijne Presses laboratory presses are an exceptional sustainable option for any laboratory or R&D facility. 

Fontijne Presses laboratory presses are designed with energy efficiency in mind, offering significant advantages in terms of sustainability. The press series LabManual and LabTop operate on a standard 230V connection, which ensures compatibility with existing power systems. This eliminates the need for additional power infrastructure, reducing energy consumption and minimizing the environmental impact.

By optimizing energy usage, Fontijne Presses helps laboratories achieve their sustainability goals while maintaining high-quality results.  

With space being a valuable resource in laboratory and R&D environments, the compact design of Fontijne Presses laboratory presses offers a significant advantage.

All our presses feature a small footprint, allowing them to fit seamlessly into limited spaces without compromising performance. By maximizing the efficient use of available area, laboratories can optimize their workspace and create a sustainable and organized environment. 

Have a look here at the LabManual and LabTop series – two of our most compact series. 

Fontijne Presses laboratory presses prioritize energy conservation by minimizing the amount of energy required to heat up the press. By utilizing advanced heating technologies and precise temperature control mechanisms, these presses reduce energy consumption compared to conventional alternatives. This not only contributes to sustainability efforts but also helps laboratories save on energy costs, making them a financially sound choice in the long run. For example, by utilizing well designed heating technologies and precise temperature control mechanisms, our presses reduce energy requirements compared to conventional alternatives. 

The Fontijne Presses hydraulic systems are energy efficient and precisely made so that they are switched off most of the time. This avoids power consumption and reduces noise. Thanks to the smart design, there is no cooling needed for the hydraulic system. What saves water and power and makes them so compact. 

Maintaining equipment can be time-consuming and costly. Fontijne Presses laboratory presses are engineered with durability and longevity in mind, resulting in minimal maintenance requirements. With robust construction and high-quality components, our presses minimize the need for frequent repairs or replacements, saving valuable resources and reducing waste.

By choosing Fontijne Presses, laboratories can focus on their core research activities, further enhancing their productivity and efficiency. We wrote for example an article explaining how easy the lifetime of the press can be extended with the right maintenance. 

Fontijne Presses recognizes the importance of sustainable material handling in laboratory and R&D environments. Our laboratory presses are designed to handle various materials efficiently while minimizing waste generation. Thanks to sample preparation by means of compression molding, Fontijne Presses laboratory presses offer precise and controlled processes, reducing material loss and optimizing resource utilization.

This sustainable approach not only contributes to a greener environment but also enhances the accuracy and reproducibility of experimental results. 

Conclusion 

In the quest for sustainable laboratory solutions, Fontijne Presses stands out as an industry leader, offering laboratory presses that prioritize environmental responsibility. In addition to the energy-efficient features, Fontijne Presses goes the extra mile by manufacturing the presses in-house using 100% self-generated green power.

This commitment to sustainability sets us apart and provides laboratories, research and development (R&D) facilities, and production environments with the ideal sustainable choice. 

Recently Fontijne Presses installed a LabTop 300 hydraulic laboratory press in the application lab Plastics & Rubber of Brabender GmbH & Co. KG in Duisburg, Germany. 

Jur Vleugel,  Service/R&D Engineer at Fontijne Presses and Twan van den Eijnden, Sales Manager at Fontijne Presses were present at Brabender for commissioning and training of the LabTop press

Fontijne Presses is thrilled with the opportunity to show the complementarity of the Brabender and Fontijne Presses equipment. Brabender also appreciates the good cooperation between the two companies. Simon Hill, Sales Engineer at Brabender, mentions:

We enthusiastically reacted to the idea of having one of the high-quality laboratory press from Fontijne Presses in our laboratory to expand the possibilities for further processing the material samples produced with the Brabender equipment.

Many (potential) customers take advantage of this application lab to test and develop their plastics and rubber on a laboratory scale experiencing the Brabender equipment. Hills adds:

With the LabTop press, we now have a state-of-the-art press model in our laboratory that is frequently used for plastics and rubber / elastomer applications.

 

Laboratory presses are widely used for the preparation of polymer samples, such as PE, PP, PS, ABS and also for the preparation and vulcanization of rubber samples. Hill explains further: “The press is used in our lab, for example, to press rubber compounds processed in a measuring mixer into sheets and then punch out specimens for further evaluation. Also plastics can be turned into sheets or films and there are special molds that can be used to directly press a final test bar”.

Alexander Sieger and Robin Mütz, Application Engineers at Brabender, were successfully trained by Jur Vleugel, Service / R&D Engineer at Fontijne Presses

The LabTop series is recommended for all demanding quality control and R&D applications where accuracy and consistency are prerequisites. These presses can easily get installed in any lab thanks to its small footprint and its 230V connection. Its ergonomic design and straightforward touchscreen interface are highly appreciated by lab technicians. 

 The LabTop press is delivered with the ProView control system which includes a 15” touch screen for temperature and closing force control. The large screen area of the ProView system gives the user a very good view on the settings and progress of the LabTop as well as extra comfort to control the unit. 

The press also includes an automatic venting system/degassing stroke that allows to vent the unit by automatically opening and closing – after a preset period of time – the press. 

Visit www.fontijnepresses.com and www.brabender.com to see which solutions are available for your specific application.