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LabVac series

LabVac is a series of laboratory hot platen presses that can create a vacuum condition inside the press chamber, which can prevent oxidation or contamination of the material by oxygen or other gases. A vacuum condition can also enhance the bonding and curing of the material, resulting in higher quality specimens.

Overview

Models

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Technical specifications

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full overview

Hot platen pressing in vacuum — void-free, contamination-free specimens.

Depending on the model – 50, 200, 400, 600, 1000 – the closing force range goes up to 50, 200, 400, 600 or 1000 kN at 300°C. Regardless of the model or settings used, the results will always be accurate and consistent.

The LabVac’s support table has a built-in vacuum pump that can create a low-pressure environment (30 – 40 mbar) in the press chamber. This allows testing without oxygen and/or with other gases such as nitrogen or argon. The air outlet at the back of the press can be connected to an exhaust system to expel air and gases from the vacuum chamber.

The LabVac press is delivered with our ProView control system which includes a 15” touch screen to control the pressure, temperature and vacuum parameters according to the specific requirements of the material and the test. The vacuum system can be controlled manually through the operation panel, or as part of a recipe via a set of commands.

The press chamber can be quickly filled with air after pressing. The large screen area of the ProView system gives the user a very good view on the settings and progress of the LabVac as well as extra comfort to control the unit.

Built-in vacuum pump

The support table contains a dedicated vacuum pump that rapidly brings the press chamber to 30–40 mbar — no external equipment needed for vacuum pressing.

ProView with vacuum control

The 15" ProView touchscreen manages all three parameters simultaneously — closing force, temperature and vacuum level — via manual or fully automated recipe-based cycles.

Inert gas processing

Optional argon or nitrogen connection enables pressing under inert gas atmospheres — essential for oxidation-sensitive materials, fuel cell membranes and specialty elastomers.

Higher quality specimens

By eliminating air entrapment, a vacuum condition enhances bonding and curing during pressing — delivering void-free, reproducible specimens for demanding research environments.

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Active cooling system

Automated water cooling of the press platens, controlled by electric valves, allows the press to be redeployed quickly for tasks requiring a lower temperature setpoint — without losing valuable lab time.

Argon / nitrogen connection

A connection point enables pressing under an inert gas atmosphere. Ideal for materials that require a fully oxygen-free and moisture-free pressing environment, such as fuel cell membranes or specialty elastomers.

Light & sound signal

A stacklight with audible alarm indicates the current press cycle status at a glance — improving operator awareness in busy laboratory environments without the need to monitor the screen continuously.

Ethernet connection

A dedicated Ethernet port enables direct export of process data from the ProView system — for integration into lab data management systems, quality control workflows or regulatory traceability requirements.

External thermocouple connection

Read-out and integration of an external thermocouple into the press cycle via the ProView control system — enabling direct monitoring of sample or mould temperature for critical processes.

Fast heating system

Accelerates heating to 20°C/min — reaching 180°C in just 8 minutes (vs. 16) and 300°C in only 14 minutes (vs. 28). A significant productivity boost for labs running multiple press cycles per day.

Steel, aluminium & copper platens

Alternative platen materials allow a specific temperature distribution profile to be achieved. Steel, aluminium and copper each offer different thermal conductivity characteristics to match your material requirements.

Extended guarantee & maintenance

Extend the standard warranty period and subscribe to a preventive maintenance and calibration service plan — ensuring long-term vacuum system and press performance reliability over time.

Custom configuration

Need different temperatures, closing forces or platen sizes? The LabVac's modular design supports customisation across all parameters. Contact us with your specific requirements and we will work out a tailored solution.

Technical specifications

Full specifications

LabVac		50	200	400	600	1000
Max. closing force*	kN	50	200	400	600	1000
Platen size*	mm	225 x 225	320 x 225	320 x 320	400 x 400	500 x 500
Specific pressure with full load Max. press force on steel 25 N/mm²	N/mm²	0,99	2,78	3,91	3,75	4
Max. temperature*	°C	300
Daylight opening*	mm	200
Amperage	A	16	16	16	32	32
Voltage	V	400V – 3 phase – 50 Hz + zero + ground 480V – 3 phase – 60 Hz + zero + ground
Length	mm	1360			1540
Width	mm	675			810
Height	mm	1685
Weight	kg	1160	1250	1300	1875	2150

*These parameter values can be altered upon request. Please contact us for further information.

Fontijne Presses BV has a policy of continuous product development and reserves the right to amend these specifications without prior notice.

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Watch the LabVac in detail

Looking for a vacuum press solution for your laboratory?

Whether you're working with composites, prepregs or advanced materials, our specialists can help identify the right LabVac configuration for your application.