AFC Energy, a leading clean energy technology company committed to replacing fossil fuel generation with hydrogen fuel cells, has recently expanded its research capabilities by acquiring a LabEcon 600 press from Fontijne Presses. Intelicare Ltd, exclusive representative of Fontijne Presses in the UK and Ireland facilitated the supply and commissioning of the cutting-edge unit.
Headquartered at the iconic Dunsfold Aerodrome, which once housed pioneering organisations like British Aerospace and more recently TopGear! AFC Energy is dedicated to advancing clean energy technology through relentless innovation and research. Their mission is aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, and they have garnered a wide range of investors, supporters, and partners who share their vision of a hydrogen-powered future.
In their pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, AFC Energy recognised the need for a laboratory press to enhance their research and development capabilities. The LabEcon 600, part of the acclaimed LabEcon series, perfectly met their requirements for sample preparation and quality control.
The LabEcon series is well-regarded for its precision and consistency in pressing quality, making it a preferred choice for R&D and quality control applications. Depending on the model, the LabEcon series can exert forces up to 300, 600, or 1000 kN at temperatures of up to 400°C, ensuring that the results are consistently accurate. Larger platens, greater press force and higher temperatures can also be catered for
Fontijne Presses are renowned for building laboratory platen presses according to the specific requirements for their particular application. By means of modern techniques, smart developments, and customisation, it is their aim to deliver products of the highest quality and reliability. Fontijne customers can expect uninterrupted operation of their equipment in order to keep their own production, development and quality programs at optimal efficiency.
Small Footprint, Big Impact
One of the key benefits of the LabEcon 600 is its compact design, making it a valuable addition to AFC Energy’s laboratory without occupying excessive space. The user-friendly touchscreen interface, part of the ProView control system, simplifies operation and enhances the overall experience for lab technicians.
Safety is a top priority with the LabEcon series, featuring a fixed upper platen, an emergency stop system, and a safety shield. These built-in safety measures ensure that lab personnel can work with confidence, knowing that they are protected.
The ProView control system not only offers temperature and closing force control, as well as ramp profiles but also includes a large 15” touch screen, providing clear visibility of the press’s settings and progress. An automatic venting system and degassing stroke enhance the unit’s efficiency by allowing for automatic venting at preset intervals. Moreover, the LabEcon press comes equipped with an exhaust or extraction hood, which can be seamlessly connected to an existing exhaust system, enhancing environmental safety and laboratory efficiency.
An Investment in the Future
AFC Energy’s acquisition of the LabEcon 600 exemplifies their commitment to staying at the forefront of clean energy research. By investing in high-quality equipment like the LabEcon 600, they are poised to make significant strides in their mission to develop cutting-edge hydrogen fuel cell technology. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, innovation, and the pursuit of solutions that benefit both their end-users and the planet, AFC Energy is helping pave the way to a greener, hydrogen-powered future.
Intelicare are the exclusive partners for Fontijne Presses in the UK and Ireland. Intelicare specify, supply, install and maintain products and services in the UK and Ireland on behalf of our European partners. A family business, Intelicare was founded by service engineer Phil in 2001 when he saw an opportunity to support UK manufacturing through high efficiency and quality equipment. With our exclusive partnerships, Intelicare provides the care and attention of a local business, with the scope, scale, and quality of an international company.