Automatic Heated Hydraulic Press: Empowering University Research and Teaching

Project Background

The School of Materials Science and Engineering at Newcastle University, UK, undertakes multiple national-level research projects while supporting both undergraduate and postgraduate laboratory teaching. The institution has long focused on advanced research areas including polymer composites, new energy electrode materials, and special ceramics hot pressing processes.

However, the previously used manual hot press equipment presented several limitations:

• Poor temperature control accuracy
• Unstable pressure output
• Complex and inefficient operation

These issues often resulted in defects such as air bubbles, delamination, and uneven density in samples. As a consequence, experimental repeatability was low, significantly affecting research progress and teaching quality.

In March 2026, after extensive evaluation and comparison, the university completed the procurement and installation of an automatic heated hydraulic press, successfully overcoming the limitations of traditional equipment.

Equipment Solution

The selected model, HZT-800EG Prensa hidráulica automática calentada, integrates electric hydraulic drive technology with an intelligent control system, delivering high precision and automation.

Key Technical Specifications

• Pressure capacity: 30 tons
• Temperature range: Room temperature to 500°C
• Temperature accuracy: ±1°C
• Pressure accuracy: ±0.1 ton
• Sample thickness precision: 0.06–0.1 mm
• Touchscreen: 7-inch interface
• Cooling system: Standard water chiller

The system supports over 30 programmable stages, allowing precise control of:

• Heating rate
• Pressure application
• Tiempo de espera
• Pressure release
• Cooling process

This enables fully automated operation from start to finish, ensuring consistent and high-quality sample preparation.

Customization Flexibility

To meet diverse experimental requirements, the machine offers flexible configuration options:

• Heating temperature options: 300°C or 500°C
• Heating plate sizes: 180 mm to 600 mm
• Custom high-precision version available: 0.015–0.035 mm

Additionally, customized solutions can be provided based on specific sample testing requirements.

Safety and User-Friendly Design

The equipment is designed with both safety and usability in mind, featuring:

• Emergency stop switch
• Protective safety glass
• Overload protection system
• Over-temperature alarm

These features ensure safe operation in both research and teaching environments.

Resultados de la aplicación

After implementation, the performance improvements were significant:

• Ceramic sample density increased to over 98.5%
• Porosity reduced to less than 0.3%
• No visible cracks or structural defects

The enhanced sample quality has strongly supported key research projects and contributed to the publication of multiple high-impact academic papers.

Teaching Impact

Beyond research, the equipment has become an essential tool for academic training:

• Suitable for undergraduate and postgraduate experiments
• Enables clear demonstration of the full hot pressing process
• Bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application
• Improves students’ hands-on skills and understanding

Conclusión

The HZT-800EG automatic heated hydraulic press has effectively addressed long-standing challenges in university laboratories, including inconsistent sample quality, low efficiency, and complex operation.

With its precise temperature and pressure control, automated workflow, and flexible customization, it provides a reliable solution for both scientific research and talent development in material science.

It has now become a core piece of equipment in material forming laboratories, supporting both innovation and education with higher efficiency and accuracy.