Leading test laboratory and innovation centre, Impact Solutions, have recently invested in further development with a new package comprising a Fontijne Presses LabEcon 600 Proview that included commissioning and training by Intelicare.
An Innovative Press for an Innovative Company
For over 20 years, Impact Solutions have worked with their clients on materials and products testing at their UKAS and ISO 17025 accredited test laboratory in Livingston, UK. Impact Solutions needed a press to produce a plaque from various polymers of various sizes. These plaques are then used for a range of physical and mechanical testing. These tests determine material performance which is important when comparing materials or when creating material data sheets.
“The press allows us to meet the change of the requirements of international standards with more efficiency. The plaques are created with more precision and accuracy due to the digital management and control panel. It has been a great collaboration between Intelicare and Fontijne. We are already reaping the rewards.” – Gregg Falconer, Operations Manager at Impact Solutions
Fontijne Presses is a specialised manufacturer of laboratory platen presses, and in 2007 they appointed Intelicare to bring their world-renowned technology to the UK and Ireland. Fontijne’s critically acclaimed LabEcon series is known for its accurate and consistent pressing quality, and is therefore widely chosen as sample preparation press for quality control and R&D.
Providing Efficiency and Versatility
To best serve the aims of Impact Solutions, Fontijne and Intelicare suggested the LabEcon 600 ProView, as this advanced laboratory press combines precision, efficiency, and versatility to cater to diverse needs of laboratory testing applications. The press is designed to handle a wide range of materials and performs various testing processes, making it an ideal solution for Impact Solutions’ requirements.
Key Features and Benefits:
• Precision and Control: The LabEcon 600 ProView offers precise control over pressure, temperature, and time, ensuring accurate and repeatable test results. This level of control enables Impact Solutions to meet stringent quality standards and comply with industry regulations.
• Versatility: With its modular design and customisable options, the LabEcon 600 ProView accommodates different testing requirements. It allows Impact Solutions to perform various tests, including compression molding, sample preparation, and curing processes, efficiently and effectively.
• Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface of the LabEcon 600 ProView simplifies operation and reduces training time for Impact Solutions’ laboratory technicians. Its intuitive control panel and advanced software ensure smooth and hassle-free testing procedures.
Specification of LabEcon 600 supplied to Impact Solutions
• 1-600 kN press force. A number of models are available with press force from 100 to 1000 kN.
• 400 x 400mm platens. The full 400 x 400 is usable with a Fontijne press, who use a side guiding system to the platens, as opposed to platens where tie bars impinge on the platen area
• Maximum platen temperature of 300oC. An option of 400oC can be offered
• Impact Solutions also selected a dedicated chiller that allows cooling rates of 15oC/min
“We’ve been especially impressed with the consistency and surface finish of the plaques we’re getting, and it’s practically doubled the output of plaques since we’re not having to remake them…” – Thomas Dobbie, Mechanical Test Engineer, Impact Solutions
Commissioning and Ongoing Support
Intelicare’s expertise played a crucial role in the successful commissioning of the LabEcon 600 ProView at Impact Solutions. Additionally, Intelicare provides comprehensive training and ongoing technical support to ensure optimal performance and minimal downtime.
Through collaboration Intelicare and Fontijne were able to fully understand the needs of Impact solutions, and able to supply and integrate a seamless solution to their requirements. The project demonstrates the importance of innovation and collaboration in advancing laboratory testing practices and driving progress within the manufacturing community.