Applied Polymer Technology (APT), part of the Technological University of the Shannon: Midlands Midwest (TUS), has recently upgraded its polymer testing capabilities with the acquisition of a LabEcon 600 Laboratory Press. The press was supplied and commissioned by Intelicare, the exclusive partner of Fontijne Presses in the UK and Ireland. Known for its precision and consistency, the LabEcon 600 will support APT’s work in polymer technology research and development.
Applied Polymer Technology
APT provides advanced polymer technology solutions for Irish-based companies operating in a range of high-value sectors including MedTech, GreenTech, packaging, and sustainability. With a strong focus on innovation, APT supports the development of cutting-edge polymer products that improve global competitiveness and foster export opportunities.
The LabEcon 600 Press
The LabEcon series from Fontijne Presses is recognised for its high performance and versatility in laboratory and R&D environments. The LabEcon 600 at APT provides a pressing capacity of up to 600 kN, a crucial feature for quality control and research on a wide range of polymer materials. The press’s compact design and high precision make it ideal for environments where small-scale sample preparation plays a vital role in ensuring consistency and accuracy across diXerent tests.
The LabEcon 600 supplied to APT comes with several key features to support high quality
results, including a heated platen system capable of reaching 400°C.
Additionally, the unit is fitted with cooling and increased daylight options, providing both
greater operational flexibility and improved sample processing eXiciency. The press at APT enables the fast and eXicient production of thin films, which can be used in applications such as puncture/tensile testing, oxygen/moisture transmission rate analysis, optical clarity assessments, etc., without the need for expensive molds.
Dr. Declan Devine, Polymer Research (PRISM) Director and Academic Director of APT at TUS, noted that the “Fontijne Press is an excellent addition to our extensive portfolio of industry-relevant polymer processing equipment. It is a vital tool in the development of new sustainable materials suitable for packaging applications and will help us fast-track innovation in this space.”
Dr. Declan Colbert, Principal Investigator within the PRISM Research Institute, notes “the press provides APT with exceptional capabilities in the analysis of both high performance polymers and novel biomaterials. The staC of Fontijne and Intelicare need special mention as their after-installation support has been beyond exceptional”.
Key Features of the LabEcon 600
The LabEcon 600 is equipped with a range of features designed to ensure precise and
repeatable results. These include:
- ProView Control System: The LabEcon 600 is fitted with the ProView system, which
includes a large 15” touchscreen interface for enhanced control. This system provides
real-time feedback on the pressing process and allows operators to monitor and adjust
settings with ease. - Active Cooling System: The addition of an automated cooling system ensures rapid
temperature reduction between pressing cycles, facilitating faster turnaround times,
and can be tailored to meet specific industry standards. - Flexible Daylight Configuration: APT’s LabEcon 600 features increased daylight,
allowing for increased flexibility. - Ergonomic and Safe Design: The LabEcon series is renowned for its ergonomic
design, which ensures ease of use and comfort for lab technicians. Safety features,
including a fixed upper platen, emergency stop system, and a safety shield, ensure a
secure working environment
High Impact
The addition of the LabEcon 600 press significantly enhances APT’s R&D capabilities.
The ability to carry out high-precision testing and sample preparation is crucial for
developing new materials and improving product formulations. Whether it is for testing
polymers for the medical sector or optimising composite materials for sustainability,
the LabEcon 600 provides the tools needed to meet the demanding requirements of
modern polymer industries.