• Cranfield University Purchases Composite Curing Press

Laboratory Products

Cranfield University Purchases Composite Curing Press

Nov 24 2016

Cranfield University has invested in a Fontijne Grotnes Composite Curing Press.

The press, also referred to as a Platen Press has been supplied through the UK agents Intelicare Limited. The model is a LabPro 1000, a hydraulically operated 2-column press with prism guiding with 500 x 500 mm heated platens, platen heating up to 450°C and a wide range press force; from 100 to 1000kN.

Additional features of the press include: quick closing and opening speed up to 25 mm/sec; combined air and water cooling of the platens by means of a new and unique multi channel common rail system which ensures accurate temperature distribution across the platen during the cooling process which has a positive effect on quality of the moulded product; a ‘bolster’ plate fixed to the platens for attaching the Cranfield moulds and tooling; Lab ProView control system with a large touch panel for easy control of pressure and temperature and incorporating an almost endless number of programs which can be saved and changed at any time.

The Composite Curing Press will enable Cranfield to carry out vital ground breaking and industry leading research into composite materials for aerospace and automotive industry application as well as enabling further advancement in postgraduate studies for a number of students directly involved with the projects.

Intelicare specialises in the supply and service of ancillary equipment used within the plastics processing and other industries. Key product lines include Fluid Temperature Control, Materials Handling and Laboratory Platen Presses, all sourced from high quality European manufacturers. The company also has an enviable reputation for product support in terms of equipment selection, application, installation, commissioning and service.

InteliCare also supply chillers for use with platen presses for rapid cooling of the platens. These are specially adapted with a calibrated pump by-pass circuit to allow the pump to continue running when platen cooling is inactive. It also has the ability to accept boiling water returning from the platens. Rapid cooling of the platens enables quick changeover of test samples using the new and unique multi-channel common rail system which ensures accurate temperature distribution across the platen during the cooling process which has a positive effect on quality of the moulded product.

Andrew Mills, Principal Research Fellow Composites Manufacturing, said: “We purchased the LabPro 1000 to assist our investigation and development of cost effective manufacturing technology for lightweight composite structures in partnership with industry, in particular but not limited to current research projects for unmanned aircraft structures with BAE Systems and sports car bodies with McLaren Automotive.”


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