A heated platen press is a precision tool used to apply heat and pressure to materials, typically in a laboratory or R&D environment. Whether you’re pressing composite materials, producing test plaques or preparing samples for quality control, the right press can make a big difference in accuracy, repeatability and ease of use.

At Intelicare, we supply and support the full range of Fontijne heated platen presses in the UK and Ireland. From manually operated models to advanced automatic systems, we help labs, universities and manufacturers choose equipment that suits their exact requirements.

So, what exactly is a heated platen press, and how does it work?

What Is a Heated Platen Press?

A heated platen press is a machine designed to apply both heat and pressure to materials placed between two heated plates known as platens. These presses are widely used in lab environments, quality control settings and R&D because they deliver consistent and controlled processing conditions.

The platens are typically made from steel, aluminium or copper, and are electrically heated to reach temperatures up to 700°C depending on the model. Hydraulic systems apply a defined pressing force, with Fontijne presses ranging from 1 to 1000 kN on standard presses and up to 5000 kN on customised presses, ensuring uniform compaction or curing across the material.

Common uses include:

• Preparing test plaques for evaluation
• Curing or bonding thermoset and thermoplastic materials
• Compression moulding of polymers and elastomers
• Laminating layers under controlled pressure
• Simulating production conditions in a lab environment

When accurate thermal and mechanical processing is critical, a heated platen press helps ensure consistent results every time.

How a Laboratory Heated Platen Press Works

Achieving reliable results depends on precise control of temperature, pressure and time. Here’s how a typical press cycle works:

1. Sample Placement

The material or mould is positioned between the upper and lower platens. This could be a polymer sheet, resin, powder or composite sample.

2. Press Closure and Force Application

The platens move together manually or automatically depending on the machine type. A hydraulic (and sometimes pneumatic) system applies a controlled force, which is evenly distributed across the platens for uniform pressure. On Fontijne presses, pressure is managed digitally for complete consistency.

3. Heating and Holding

The heated platens raise the material to a target temperature. The sample is held at this temperature and pressure for a defined period. This allows for curing, bonding, forming or stabilising of the material. On more advanced presses, the heating phase can be customised and automated through programmable control systems depending on exact customer requirements.

4. Cooling (Optional)

For processes that require it, cooling systems reduce the platen temperature quickly using automated water circuits. This is especially useful for time-sensitive tasks or labs that run multiple cycles per day. We can provide chillers specifically designed for use with a platen press, for customers who require a closed-circuit system.

5. Press Opening and Sample Removal

Once the cycle finishes, the platens separate and the sample is removed. Many Fontijne presses include light and sound indicators to show when a cycle is complete, along with optional venting features that automatically release pressure at set intervals.

Types of Heated Platen Presses

There are several types of heated platen presses available, each suited to different applications, materials and lab requirements. Whether you need a manual or automatic bench-top press, or a fully custom system, Intelicare offers a solution to match.

Manual Heated Platen Presses

Manual presses are ideal for lower volume work and simple testing tasks. They offer reliable performance with hand-operated controls and are easy to install in small labs.

Explore the LabManual range

Automated Laboratory Presses

Automated presses include touch screen control, programmable cycles and automatic hydraulic regulation. Automatic presses can be specified as bench-top, or our best-selling freestanding model. Both models are a great fit for labs that need consistent results and higher throughput. Freestanding models can be customised with higher temperatures, multiple daylight configurations and more.

See the LabEcon and LabTop models

Custom and High Force Presses

For more advanced applications, high force presses with larger platens and extended control options are available. These are ideal for composite development, specialist materials or labs with bespoke testing needs.

View the LabPro series

Vacuum Presses for Sensitive Materials

Vacuum presses remove air during the cycle, preventing oxidation and improving material bonding. These are often used in high performance composite research and advanced thermoset curing.

Discover the LabVac series

Not sure which type is right for your project? Our team can help assess your requirements and recommend the best option.

Why Choose Fontijne Heated Platen Presses from Intelicare?

Fontijne is a trusted name in laboratory press technology, known for reliable performance, precise control and robust build quality. As the exclusive UK and Ireland distributor, Intelicare provides:

• Expert product advice and selection
• Commissioning and training support
• Servicing, breakdown response and calibration
• Optional accessories and tailored configurations
• Long-term parts availability and maintenance packages

We work closely with research labs, universities, testing facilities and manufacturing clients to ensure their equipment performs exactly as needed. We have many prestigious customer references in a wide range of industries across the UK & Ireland.

Talk to Us About Your Laboratory Press Requirements

If you’re looking for a heated platen press for your laboratory or R&D facility, our team is here to help. We’ll guide you through the options, explain the differences, and make sure your equipment is specified to suit your application. To learn more or request a brochure, visit our Contact Us page and get in touch with one of our specialists.