At Intelicare, we speak with labs and R&D teams across the UK and Ireland who are looking for more control, reliability, and repeatability in their polymer sample preparation process. And understandably so—when it comes to polymer testing, everything starts with the sample. If that’s not right, your results won’t be either. That’s why we always point them toward hydraulic laboratory presses from Fontijne Presses. Whether you opt for a manual or an automatic model, hydraulic presses bring a level of precision and consistency that’s hard to match.
Why Use a Hydraulic Press for Polymer Prep?
The main advantage of a hydraulic press—manual or automatic—is its ability to apply high, stable pressure evenly. This is especially important when working with polymers, where uniformity in temperature and pressure directly affects the quality and testability of the sample.
In both manual and automated models, Fontijne presses are built to deliver consistent platen temperatures and reliable pressure performance, ensuring samples are formed correctly and reproducibly. This is essential for downstream testing such as tensile strength, impact resistance, and rheological behaviour.
Manual vs. Automatic: What’s the Difference?
Manual hydraulic presses, like Fontijne’s LabManual series, are a great fit for labs that need solid performance with a bit more hands-on control. They’re especially popular in educational settings, R&D departments, and labs with lower sample throughput. You still get excellent build quality and precise heating, but you control the pressing process manually via a hydraulic hand pump.
Automatic models—such as those in the LabEcon or LabPro ranges—offer a more streamlined workflow with programmable cycles, automated pressure regulation, and often touchscreen control. These are ideal for labs looking for efficiency, repeatability, and the ability to run the same test protocol over and over without variation.
Whichever route you take, the fundamentals stay the same: reliable performance, excellent temperature control, and the kind of durability Fontijne is known for.
Designed for Flexibility
Polymers vary widely in their characteristics, and so do the requirements for pressing them. Fontijne’s hydraulic presses are designed with flexibility in mind. Whether you’re working with thermoplastics, rubbers, or composites, you can customise parameters like heating time, temperature, and cooling cycles to match the material.
That adaptability is key for labs working with multiple material types—or simply wanting room to evolve.
Local Support from a Trusted Partner
As Fontijne’s exclusive partner in the UK and Ireland, Intelicare offers more than just the machine itself. We provide expert guidance, installation, and ongoing support to make sure your lab gets the best from your equipment.
From helping you choose between manual and automatic models to ensuring your team is trained and confident, we’re here to support you every step of the way.