Custom LabPro 2000 replaces steam heating in rubber R&D

Fontijne Presses recently completed a customised LabPro 2000 for a customer preparing rubber samples for materials research and development.

The press replaces an older steam-heated system. The customer required more direct control over the pressing process, faster heating and cooling, and two working levels that could be controlled independently.

The resulting LabPro 2000 delivers a maximum closing force of 2,000 kN and uses electrically heated 600 × 600 mm steel platens. Heating, cooling, pressure and venting are controlled automatically through the Fontijne Presses ProView system.

From steam to electric heating

The former press depended on an external steam supply to heat the platens. In the new system, each platen is heated electrically, giving the laboratory direct control over platen temperature and heating rate.

The change is expected to make a substantial difference to operating costs. According to figures supplied by the customer, the previous steam-related operating cost was approximately €70,000 per year. The expected electrical power cost for the new LabPro 2000 is approximately €6,000 per year*.

* Based on the customer figures provided for this application. Actual savings depend on operating conditions and local energy costs.

More information about energy use, equipment lifetime and press design can be found in our article on the sustainability of Fontijne Presses laboratory presses.

Two independently controlled working levels

The LabPro 2000 contains two working levels, each with a daylight of 150 mm. Both levels have independent temperature control and can operate hot or cold.

This configuration gives the laboratory flexibility when preparing rubber samples under different process conditions. It also allows both levels to be incorporated into a defined press cycle without relying on one common temperature setting.

The steel platens can reach 300°C and heat at up to 25°C per minute. Automatic water cooling provides a cooling rate of up to 30°C per minute when cooling from 200°C to 40°C.

At 200°C, the specified temperature distribution across the platen surface is ±3°C, measured 25 mm from the platen edges after stabilisation.

Control over these conditions matters because differences introduced during sample preparation can affect the outcome of subsequent material tests.

This is discussed further in our technical article on the role of laboratory platen presses in reliable sample preparation.

Automated control and data recording

The press is operated through the ProView control system with a 15-inch touchscreen. The laboratory can define the pressure, temperature, heating, cooling and venting stages of the press cycle.

Automatic venting can be programmed from one to 99 cycles. This allows the press to open and close at predefined points to release trapped gases during processing.

Process data can be recorded and exported through an Ethernet connection, providing a traceable record of the conditions used for individual samples and R&D trials.

Configured for the laboratory environment

The cooling circuit uses electrically controlled solenoid valves and includes an air-blow function to remove residual water. Its piping, connections, valves, hoses and manifold blocks are manufactured from stainless steel.

A non-motorised extraction hood with a 200 mm Jacob connection enables connection to the customer’s existing exhaust system.

The press is enclosed by a CE-compliant safety cage with clear hardened safety glass. Front and rear doors provide access to the platens for cleaning and maintenance. Light and sound signals indicate when a cycle has finished.

Key specifications

Built around the customer’s process

Every LabPro laboratory press is configured around the intended material, sample dimensions and process conditions.

In this case, the customer needed to replace steam heating while retaining a high closing force, large platens and two independently controlled processing levels. The delivered LabPro 2000 brings these requirements together in one automated system developed specifically for the laboratory’s rubber R&D work.

Are you considering replacing an existing press or changing from steam to electric platen heating? Contact Fontijne Presses to discuss your process requirements.