20 Ton 180x180mm Programmable Lab Precision Hot Press with Touchscreen PLC and Water Cooling

Product Overview

This laboratory precision hot press is engineered to deliver exceptional pressure and temperature uniformity for advanced material research and small-scale production. With a robust 20-ton hydraulic system and 180×180 mm heated platens, it generates up to 6.1 MPa of surface pressure, making it ideal for densifying high-performance ceramics, composite materials, and polymer films. The integrated programmable touchscreen controller allows researchers to define and execute complex multi-step temperature-pressure profiles, ensuring reproducibility and rigorous process control.
Designed for the most demanding applications, this press excels in battery research, solid-state electrolyte compaction, and multilayer lamination. Its large 180 mm platen opening and 30 mm piston stroke provide ample space for custom molds and tooling, while the rapid water-cooling system shortens cycle times and protects sample microstructures. Industries including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and pharmaceuticals rely on this type of equipment for prototype development and quality assurance.
Built on a heavy-duty welded steel frame, this unit combines stability with a compact benchtop footprint. High-quality hydraulic seals, precision temperature sensors, and a user-friendly PLC interface contribute to long-term reliability even under continuous operation. Every detail, from the dual-zone heating to the safety interlocks, reflects a commitment to engineering excellence that delivers consistent results and minimal downtime.

Key Features

• High Pressure in Compact Form: Capable of applying up to 20 tons (200 kN) of force over a 180×180 mm platen area, this system achieves a surface pressure of 6.1 MPa. This high force density is essential for compacting hard materials like metal powders and technical ceramics into dense, void-free compacts without requiring a larger, more expensive floor-standing press. The proprietary hydraulic design ensures smooth and consistent pressure delivery across the full range.
• Programmable Touchscreen Control: The advanced PLC controller features an intuitive color touchscreen for programming up to 20 temperature-pressure segments. Operators can set ramp rates, dwell times, and cooling profiles, with real-time graphical monitoring of setpoint vs. actual values. All run data is automatically logged and can be exported for traceability, meeting the strict documentation needs of research labs and quality systems.
• Large Vertical Opening: With a platen opening of 180 mm and a piston stroke of 30 mm, this press easily accommodates tall molds, multi-layer stacks, and specialized heating jigs. The opening height is sufficient for most standard lab tooling, reducing the need for custom press frames and simplifying experimental setup across different projects.
• Integrated Water Cooling: Internal coolant channels within the platens enable rapid temperature ramp-down by connecting to an external circulating chiller. This feature is critical for processes where quenching the sample under pressure is required to lock in desired material phases or to reduce overall cycle time. The cooling circuit is optimized for efficient heat transfer without risking thermal shock to the platens.
• Robust Benchtop Design: Despite its powerful 20-ton rating, the all-steel frame measures just 950×260×720 mm, fitting comfortably on a standard lab bench. The low center of gravity and vibration-damping feet ensure stability during high-force operations. The enclosure protects moving parts from dust and debris, contributing to maintenance-free operation over its lifetime.
• Dual-Zone Heating with 2400 W: Both upper and lower platens feature independent heating elements, delivering 2400 W total power for fast heating to 300°C. Precision thermocouples provide feedback to the PID algorithm, maintaining temperature uniformity of ±2°C across the entire platen surface. This ensures identical thermal conditions for every sample, from small pellets to full-size sheets.

Applications

Technical Specifications

Why Choose This Product

• Proven Engineering for Long-Term Reliability: Every component, from the heavy-gauge steel frame to the hard-chrome platen surfaces, is selected for durability under repetitive 20-ton cycles. The hydraulic system uses high-performance seals rated for millions of strokes, and the electrical enclosure meets stringent safety standards, ensuring this press remains a workhorse in your lab for years with minimal maintenance.
• Superior Process Control and Repeatability: The combination of a smart PLC and precision PID loops means you can replicate exact thermal and pressure conditions run after run. Whether you are performing QA tests or fundamental research, the ±2°C uniformity and pressure stability of ±0.2% full scale eliminate guesswork and reduce scrap, saving time and materials.
• Fast Turnaround with Water Cooling: Unlike air-cooled models, the integrated water cooling platen design cuts cooling time by up to 70%, allowing you to process more samples per shift. The rapid quench capability also enables the study of metastable material phases that are impossible with slow-cooling presses.
• Versatile Platform for Diverse Applications: With a wide opening, user-swappable tooling, and multi-zone programmability, this press adapts to almost any lab’s needs—from hot embossing polymer microfluidic chips to bonding aerospace composite panels. Its compact size and universal power requirements facilitate integration into multi-user facilities.
• Dedicated Support and Customization: Our team of application engineers can help you optimize program recipes, select tooling, or even design custom platens for unique research challenges. We offer onsite installation, training, and ongoing technical support to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

Ready to see how this precision hot press can accelerate your material research? Contact us today for a competitive quote, arrange a demonstration, or discuss a customized configuration tailored to your exact requirements.

Trusted by Industry Leaders