The APEX 400 benchtop automatic press is designed for busy on-site testing laboratories at mining, manufacturing, and other material testing facilities. It is capable of producing pressed pellets for XRF laboratories and other elemental analyses in steel rings, Aluminum cups, or as unsupported pellets. With a maximum load of 400 kN (40 t), the APEX 400 features Quickshift technology, automating the pressing cycle and extracting pellets without manual intervention.
The APEX 400 supports the use of both ring dies and standard dies, with programming of any cycle achieved through a touch screen. The press can produce approximately 40 pellets per hour with single stage pressing in ring dies and 20 pellets per hour using standard dies and Quickshift Technology. Its compact design makes it suitable for all laboratories, even where space is limited. Access to the die is via a pull-out drawer, positioned at a comfortable height for repeated sample filling, and the press is designed with servicing in mind, from modular fitment of components to diagnostic reporting.
Quickshift Technology
The APEX 400 is equipped with a sliding pressure plate that has two positions. The first is a flat ‘load’ position that applies force to the die body and sample together, while the second is a recessed ‘release’ position that only loads up the die body and provides space for the finished pellet to eject into. The press controls the position of the pressure plate as part of its programming, eliminating the need for manual intervention from the user. Quickshift Technology is also integrated to speed up the two-stage pressing cycle by removing the requirement for manual adjustment of the pellet die and press platen during pellet extraction.
Cycle times
With single stage pressing in ring dies, the APEX 400 press can generate approximately 40 pellets per hour, while the use of standard dies and Quickshift Technology can produce 20 pellets per hour.
If your pellets require binding agents for stabilisation, please see our XRF Binders.