The Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge is renowned for its cutting-edge research and comprehensive educational programs. With over 240 researchers and a research income exceeding £10 million annually, the department is a hub of innovation, particularly in fields such as ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites. The recent addition of the LabManual 50 laboratory press from Fontijne Presses, supplied by Intelicare, marks a significant enhancement to the department’s research capabilities.
Research Excellence
The LabManual 50 will feature in a lab with a research focus on caloric materials, that exhibit reversible thermal changes under varying external fields, including mechanical stresses, magnetic and electric fields. These materials have the potential to revolutionise energy-efficient and eco-friendly heat pumps, paving the way for next-generation cooling devices. The LabManual 50 press is instrumental in providing the precise control and consistent results needed for developing these advanced materials.
The LabManual 50 Advantage
The LabManual 50 series from Fontijne Presses is designed for accuracy, consistency, and ease of use, making it ideal for advanced research applications.
Key features include
- Manual Operation of Press Force: This allows for precise control over the pressing process, essential for experimental accuracy.
- Electrically Heated Platens: Ensuring uniform temperature distribution, which is critical for materials research.
- High Parallelism and Easy Access: The 2-column press frame design facilitates easy access to the press area, promoting efficient workflow.
- Accurate Temperature and Force Distribution: The rigid design ensures consistent results across the entire platen surface, vital for reproducible research outcomes.
- Compact and Ergonomic Design: The press’s modest footprint and straightforward operation make it an excellent fit for laboratory environments.
Collaborative Growth
The department’s research activities have seen exponential growth, supported by robust industrial partnerships and international collaborations. The addition of the LabManual 50 press further strengthens these collaborations by providing a reliable and advanced tool for experimental research. This investment underscores the department’s commitment to maintaining its status as a leading centre for materials science research globally.