Linköping University Materials Science School Upgrades Research with Hench 300°C Automatic Hydraulic Heat Press

The Materials Science and Engineering Department at Linköping University focuses on polymer materials, new energy composites, and flexible electronics. With an increasing number of research projects and an expanding graduate program, the department’s existing manual heat presses were insufficient. Low efficiency, limited precision, and heavy reliance on manual operation could no longer meet the requirements for parallel multi-project sample preparation and high-precision research. To address these challenges, the department sought to upgrade to automated high-temperature pressing equipment.

Selection of Hench HPC-800D 300°C Hydraulic Heat Press

In November 2025, the department conducted an extensive equipment evaluation. After comparing several brands, the Hench HPC-800D 300°C automatic hydraulic heat press was selected. Key specifications included:

• Maximum temperature of 300°C with ±1°C control accuracy
• Multi-stage programmable temperature and pressure control, including pressing, supplementary pressing, and pressure relief
• Heated plate dimensions of 150×150 mm
• Compatibility with polymer films, composite laminates, and battery material sample preparation

This equipment perfectly aligned with the department’s needs for both research and teaching. It is available as a prensa térmica hidráulica designed for precision, repeatability, and safety.

Significant Improvements in Research and Teaching

After installation, the department observed immediate benefits:

Enhanced Research Efficiency

Automated operation reduced the need for manual supervision. Single-batch sample preparation time decreased from 40 minutes to 15 minutes, representing a 60% increase in efficiency. The press now supports three national-level research projects and five provincial-level projects simultaneously.

Increased Data Accuracy and Repeatability

With 30-stage precise temperature control and automatic pressure stabilization, sample density variation was reduced to ≤0.02%, and experimental repeatability reached 98%. This level of precision effectively eliminated errors from manual operation and enabled the publication of multiple papers in core journals.

Optimized Teaching Outcomes

The press was integrated into the practical curriculum of Materials Forming Processes. Students directly programmed the temperature and pressure profiles, gaining hands-on experience with hot press forming principles. This training significantly improved their operational skills and research thinking, earning high praise from faculty and students alike.

Versatility and Safety

The equipment accommodates glovebox integration for oxygen-sensitive materials, expanding applications into lithium batteries and semiconductor research. Its modular design facilitates maintenance, while multiple safety features—including overpressure release and anti-scalding alerts—ensure safe operation for students and researchers.

Continued Investment and Expansion

By March 2026, due to the exceptional performance of the HPC-800D, the department purchased the upgraded HZT-800D2 automatic hydraulic heat press, fully resolving limitations in research and teaching equipment.

This procurement highlights how Hench’s 300°C automatic hydraulic heat press provides high automation, precision, and stability, becoming a cornerstone of the Materials Science Department’s innovation and education. It serves as a critical tool supporting the development of advanced materials and preparing the next generation of researchers.