WICKERT Special Laboratory

special 

Laboratory 

Nickname: Chameleon 

New Laboratory Press for the Most Diversified Applications 

The new Universal-Laboratory press known under the unpretentious designation WLP S is not only of a high utility in rubber laboratories 

but also in the paper, chemical and plastics processing industries. The well accessible upstroke press, constructed as column machine, 

is remarkable for two precision features: a) for the exceptional repeating accuracy of the press force adjustment and b) for the highly 

homogenous temperature distribution. In combination with the rapid heating up time this press has been conceived to the already 

described WICKERT modular construction system utilising only high quality components. 

The all-hydraulic closing unit is driven by a delivery volume controlled, 

low noise and energy saving axial piston pump. Virtually 

maintenance free lip seals for the main cylinder, dirt traps and 

leakage oil reflow provide for minimum maintenance efforts 

being also due to the pressure resistant, on both sides sanded 

and, of course, asbestosfree heat protection plates and the longlife 

and exceptionally energy saving heating cartridges. 

Above Average IQ 

Claimed for the WLP S is a high intelligence, it offers the possibly 

best setting adapted to product and tool. In conformance with 

the specified pressure and the workpiece size the machine calculates 

the required press force on its own initiative. The fine pressure 

adjustment ensures the lowest conceivable press, as from 30 

N/cm 2 is applied to a specimen size of 400x300 mm (e.g. specially 

for LP laminates). 

The following press programmes can be activated with the rapid 

preselection switch: 

• Hot pressing 

• Power pressing 

• Hot pressing with recooling 

• Short contact pressing and manually 

controlled cooling 

The automatic blow-out system for residual cooling water 

ensures concurrent temperature for top and bottom plate. The 

continuous insulation of the 

heat plates saves not only 

on energy but also enacts an 

optimum temperature distribution 

of up to + - 0.5°C. 

The automatic KT mounting 

fixture with a extra wide 

mounting surface for sheet 

iron represents standard 

equipment for the testing 

of decorative sheet paper 

and enables quick changing 

of the sheets. Inserted can be 

separate cooling plates as, for 

instance, is required during 

the development of bipolar 

plates for fuel cells in laboratories. 

A touch panel as display 

control “Press Easy” with 

clear text information serves 

for rapid operation, displayed 

are interferences in real time 

together with optical alarm 

for early warning. Programming 

is greatly facilitated by 

integrated setup and operating 

assistance. 

special: Laboratory 

Uniform temperature distribution 

for tools with the four-zone 

control 

Metrologic evidence for the uniform 

temperature Distribution 

in the WICKERT precision heat 

plates 

Wickert Maschinenbau GmbH · Wollmesheimer Höhe 2 · D-76829 Landau/Pfalz · Tel. ++49 (0) 63 41 -93 43 - 0 · info@wickert-presstech.de · www.wickert-presstech.de

The last state of art in developments 

Heating Plates with Supreme Temperature Homogeneity 

The efficiency of vulcanization depends in a heated press to a high degree on the heat balance and control of heat plate temperature. 

A temperature differential of but a few degrees celsius will almost inavoidable result also in temperature deviation of the tools further 

work on the development of heat plates being thus in the very focus of Wickert development activities. 

The production of moulded rubber articles 

requires pressure and temperature. 

The temperature flow on the vulcanizing 

time being described by the following 

rule of the thumb. A temperature rise of 

10°C enables a reduction of the vulcanizing 

time (heating time) by 50%. 

In regard to temperature distribution in 

heat plates only a few degrees temperature 

deviation implicate variation of 

vulcanisation degree or vulcanisation 

time. All articles to be moulded must 

consequently be uniformly heated i.e. 

heating must persist until the last of the 

articles is exposed to the essential vulcanisation 

degree. The uniform heat distribution 

must also apply to the tool. It is 

thus necessary that the heat plate on the 

periphery produces a heat differing from 

that in the centre. Only if the heat plate 

disseminates higher temperatures on the 

outer fringes as in the centre; the surface 

or more accurately the cavity will be heated 

at a uniform temperature level. Compromises 

are not tolerated if the live of 

people is at stake – this being the philosophy 

of the producers of pharmaceutical 

products. The high standard of product 

quality demand for an optimum toolheating. 

Only completely vulcanised closing 

plugs will preventvolatile contaminates 

to find access to the medial substances. 

On the other hand high productivity 

demands a reduction of the heating and 

thus of the cycle times. 

Absolutely homogenous 

temperature distribution 

The mechanical engineering department 

of Wickert has coped with the complexity 

of heat plates for (but not only) 

pharmaceutical products culminating in 

a new technique. The new system has 

already proved its efficiency in the first of 

the production working to this principle. 

Measurements taken on a heat plate of 

700 x 700 mm with precision sensors 

produced on the tool side (and not on the 

heat plate) over the whole surface a temperature 

deviation of only + - 2°C. Results 

of the measurements include expressively 

the temperature critical fringe areas 

and corners of the heat plates (which 

generally are excluded from measurements). 

These areas commonly defy accurate 

measuring. Conventional heat plates 

produce generally temperature differentials 

of + - 4 to 5°C. 

Apart from the assured product quality 

it is thus possible to reduce the heating 

time by approx. 15 % following the rule of 


thumb mentioned above. Created is thus 

15 % extra capacity respectively machining 

costs for the article. 

Wickert could also with other heat plate 

concepts substantiate their developing 

competence. For the testing of rubber 

for the tyre production specimen were 

vulcanised under “extreme” conditions 

(according to DIN 53670). With an ingenious 

steam control and medium supply 

be a temperature distribution of less than 

+ - 1°C could be achieved. 


To be on the safe side: Quality Assurance with Dekopress 

You may presently stand on Wickert without being aware of it. The production of various papers (decors, overlays etc,) for laminate 

floors or furniture surfaces are supervised with the aid of Wickert presses. Wickert heating/cooling presses are resorted to as universal 

machines for quality assurance, development or the production of samples. 

Low and high pressure laminates make the most various 

demands on the machines. A special feature of the WLP 1600 

Dekopress is the high precision pressure control. The machine 

operates within a low pressure range equally accurate at pressures 

between 30 N/cm 2 and 1000 N/cm 2 . Deviation from the 

specific pressure entails but +2 % over the entire pressure range. 

Conventional machines, in comparison, produce essentially higher 

pressure deviations on higher and lower level. Decisive for 

the exemplary precision of the Dekopress is the precise sensor 

technology available in different versions and a finely adjusted 

hydraulic system. Accomplished are reproducible laboratory 

results as precondition for reproducible production results. 

The final paper products should after all conform to the sample 

of the first run and thus with the specification of the customer. 

The laminate consists of further ingredients such as melanime 

and phenol resins, the printer ink (décor print) and counter-draught 

paper. 

Available for development and testing are the Wickert Universal- 

Laboratory Presses of 300 x 400 to 700 x 800 mm. 

Homogenous temperature and pressure distribution 

A on the market unique electrical multi-zone temperature control 

provides for a well balanced temperature distribution on 

the heat plate surface and thus for a uniform poly-condensation 

degree of the applied resin. Heating on two plate levels results in 

a rapid heating after the cooling process for the height pressure 

laminate (HLP). The cooling processes are by a flow laminates 

cooling water-channel system quickly terminated. The Dekopress 

can be economically operated via closed systems. Instead of cooling 

with service water with production of waste heat possible is 

also the use of heat exchangers. 

Crucial next to temperature distribution is 

an absolutely even pressure 

distribution. The special 

heating and cooling 

plate construction impedes neither during heating nor cooling 

the pressure distribution. The undesired “bi-metal effect” i.e. the 

distortion of plates being thus avoided. An irregular pressure 

distribution will cause recognizable dull or shiny surfaces on the 

laminate. 

Ecological heating and cooling 

A separate cooling press saves on energy and cycle time if cooling 

under pressure is not necessary. For optimal handling Wickert 

offers also machines in which heating and cooling press are 

combined. These machines are equipped with insertable cooling 

plates. Focus is also in ecological aspects. Heat plates are thermally 

separated from the cooling plates. The high quality of the 

Wickert Dekopresses is widely renowned, which is substantiated 

by Wickert Dekopress becoming the market leader in German 

laboratories.

WICKERT Special Laboratory

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