Pellet pressing

Boost efficiency with our high-performance XRF and XRD pellet presses

Optimise your laboratory with our wide range of manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic equipment for the pelletizing of powder sample material for XRF and XRD analysis. Our pellet presses will improve the reproducibility, and productivity demands of your sample preparation laboratory.

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Key benefits of XRF and XRD pellet presses

  • Automatic press cycles with adjustable press forces & times

    Our XRF presses offer the flexibility to adjust press forces and times to suit the materials being analysed and your analysis methods. Automatic press cycles minimise the risk of human error, press more samples in less time, and improve your ability to consistently produce pressed pellets with the required surface area and structure for accurate analysis.

  • Flexible installation options

    Our presses’ modular design allows for an individual machine set-up that suits your laboratory. We have presses designed for benchtop installation as well as floor mounting. We also have options for standalone operation. We have other presses that can be fully integrated into an automated system to boost your sample preparation accuracy while minimising preparation times, leaving operators free to undertake other important tasks.

  • Designed for operator safety

    The safety of your operators is maintained through the incorporation of a range of specially designed safety features in our XRF and XRD presses. For example, safety switches, protective guards and fail safes, such as automatic locking while pressing is in progress, keep your operators safe during pressing. Our presses’ fully enclosed design also keeps operators safe from exposure to dust and loud noise.

TP manual pellet press

Flexibility - Pellets can be pressed into steel rings or into aluminium cups. Furthermore, pressed pellets can be produced by free pressing. For each type of pellet, the TP can be equipped with the proper pressing tool. The machine is available as a a variant with maximum press forces of 200 kN (TP 20) and 400 kN (TP 40).

Economic solution - Due to its low-level investment and maintenance costs as well as the long service life, the TP is the perfect solution for the economic operation of your laboratory.

Easy handling - Each tool can be changed very easily. The hydraulic pump is operated by a hand lever. The direction of movement of the plunger is reversed by switching over the valve to permit simple access to the dies installed. 
The threaded spindle serves as a counter-bearing to absorb the compacting pressure and to reduce the no-load stroke. The additional intermediate cross beam in the TP/2d model allows the upper traverse to be swivelled to the side. This makes the machine even easier, more effective, and more ergonomic to operate.

TP manual pellet press

TP 20 E semi-automatic pellet press

TP 20 E semi-automatic pellet press 

Efficient pellet preparation - The TP 20 E is the bench-top laboratory press for easier and more efficient preparation of pressed pellets for XRF analysis. The semi-automatic TP 20 E produces perfect pellets at the press of a button.

Improved operator comfort – Increased efficiency - The pressure is built up automatically using a hydraulic aggregate instead of a hand pump. This means a significant reduced physical workload, more comfortable working conditions and efficiency enhancement for the operator.

Easy to use – Safe to handle - The sample material is filled into the press tool manually. The operator inserts the press tool in the machine and closes the safety input/output flap. The machine will not start until the flap is closed. By pushing the ‘start’ button, the piston moves out until it achieves its maximum pressure force of 200 kN and the motor stops. The hydraulic system keeps the pressure until the operator pushes the ‘stop’ button to let the piston move backwards. For safety reasons, it is not possible to open the input/output flap during the complete process. The flap is released as soon as the piston is retracted completely. Then the press tool with the pressed pellet can be removed and the machine is ready for the next sample.

HTP semi-automatic pellet press

 Perfect laboratory press - The HTP 40 is the ideal laboratory press for the semi-automatic production of press tablets for XRF analysis. Due to the variety of pressing tools and the configurability of the machine parameters, the HTP is perfectly suitable for a wide range of materials and applications.

Easy Handling - The HTP laboratory press is characterized by its simple and ergonomic operation. The area for filling the press tool with the sample material is located at a comfortable working height and is easily accessible. This allows fatigue-free working at the machine over a longer period of time. The smooth-running press traverse can be swivelled to the side with a single hand movement, exposing the working area to the operator. This makes it much easier to fill, remove and clean the pressing tool. All pressing tools from Herzog are characterized by superior material quality and high-precision manufacturing. This guarantees not only perfect quality of the pressed pellets, but also trouble-free operation and problem-free handling. The machine is operated via the integrated, touch-sensitive 7-inch color display. The size of the display and the clear menu navigation allow easy and intuitive access to all machine functions. The three buttons on the front of the machine are programmable, so that frequently used sample preparation programs can be started directly at the touch of a button. 

Highest quality standards - All processes in the HTP are controlled by a programmable logic controller. Together with the high-performance hydraulic unit, this ensures extremely precise control of all phases of the pressing process. As a result, a high degree of precision and accuracy is achieved in the sample preparation and analysis of the pressed pellets. All relevant parameters of the pelletizing process such as pressure force, pressing speed and pressure holding time can be set on the HTP's HMI panel and saved as a program. Thus, force build-up and release can be parameterized in such a way that even complicated sample materials can be processed without any problems. 

Improved service and safety features - The HTP has improved maintenance and service features. The front-mounted hatch facilitates access to the inside of the machine so that regular cleaning and inspection tasks are performed quickly and easily. In addition, service and repair work can be carried out more efficiently thanks to the easy access to the hydraulic unit. The safety features of the HTP have also been further improved compared to the previous model. Pelletizing can only be started when the safety cover is closed. These rules out interference of the operator with the pressing tool. During filling of the pressing tool, the safety cover can be folded to the side so that the operator's field of vision is not impaired. 

Options for all applications - The HTP 40 achieves pressing forces of up to 400 kN, the HTP 60 even up to 600 kN. This means that even pressed pellets with larger diameters can be produced without any problems. The HTP can be equipped with a cleaning device for steel rings, which is attached to the side of the machine. This allows effortless and rapid removal of the sample material from the ring after analysis is complete. The cleaning device is available in manual and pneumatic versions. For laboratories with high sample throughput, an optional hydraulic unit cooling system is available. This allows the HTP to operate for longer periods without overheating the hydraulic oil. Various press tools enable the HTP to be used flexibly for different applications, materials and analysing instruments. Optional press tools are available for free pressing as well as for pressing into 40 mm, 50 mm rings and aluminium cups. 

HTP semi-automatic pellet press

HP-PA automatic pellet press

HP-PA automatic pellet press

Perfect quality of the pressed pellet - The HP-PA produces high quality pressed pellets with a smooth surface necessary for an optimal XRF results. The HP-PA achieves the desired uniformity and density of each individual pressed pellet with maximum reproducibility.

Avoidance of contamination - In the standard version of the press, the counter pressure plate of the die is cleaned with a brush which rotates in alternate directions. As an option, a Mylar film device effectively prevents material particles from becoming fixed to the counter pressure plate.

Program-controlled pelletizing for high reproducibility and throughput - All parameters necessary for the pelletizing process such as total pressing force, incremental increase and decrease of pressing force and pressure holding time can be preset. They are clearly presented on the HMI control panel and can be easily adjusted. Due to the program-controlled automatic sequence, every sample is processed identically and is not subject to human error. Furthermore, the automatic sample operation guarantees a high sample throughput whenever required. 

Modular design - Due to their modular design, the HP-MA and HP-PA can be easily linked together or combined with other components. The modular design guarantees numerous combinations with other machines. It is possible to combine, e.g., two individual machines with manual feed and manual discharge, to add an automatic connection with conveyor belts, or design a fully automatic operation with an airtube receiving station and direct connection to an XRF spectrometer. Furthermore, the HP-MA and HP-PA can be easily integrated into a largescale robot automation.

HP-MP automatic grinding mill and pellet press

Compact and easy to operate - The HP-MP is the state-of-the art solution for grinding of powder material and preparation of pressed pellets for XRF and XRD analyses. The compact dimensions, the wealth of functions and effortless operation make the HP-MP the perfect choice for QC laboratories. The HP-MP is versatile and ready for different configurations: It can be used as a stand-alone machine with optional magazine function, as part of a linear automation or component of a robot cell. The HP-MP contains a wide variety of unique features to cover the specific needs of quality control and assurance. Thorough cleaning of all contact surfaces, blind dosing and other processes are used to effectively avoid cross-contamination between subsequent samples. The powerful hydraulic module with continuously adjustable press forces up to 200 kN is suitable even for challenging analytical tasks. The HP-MP can automatically retain a sample aliquot for further analyses. Grinding and pelletizing can be carried out independently.

Stand-alone configuration - High priority was the design of a versatile machine that is deployable in many different configurations. As a stand- alone machine, the HP-MP can be operated with an input and output device where the operator inserts a single cup and removes the pressed pellet. As an option, a 23-position-magazine is available to allow automatic batch processing of samples. The prepared pressed pellets are collected in an output magazine attached to the side of the machine. As a matter of choice for the operator, the cup can be returned empty to the magazine or filled with retained sample material for further sample processing or analysis. 

Designed for easy automation - In a linear automation, the HP-MP receives the sample from, e.g., an input magazine, pneumatic airtube station (type HR-LA), crusher (HP-CA) or gravimetric dosing unit (HR-WA). Pressed pellets are automatically transported to various analysers such as XRF and XRD. Several HP-MPs can be combined and interconnected with other components via conveyor belts. In a robot cell, the HP-MP is positioned with the side wall facing towards the robot. The robot inserts the sample cup and removes the pressed pellets via short input and output belts. This makes it possible for the operator to comfortably use the machine for manual operation from the front side. Simultaneously with robot operation, e.g., special samples can be entered via the manual input flap or the 23-position magazine. 

Tool Condition Monitoring - The HP-MP is ready for smart industry solutions enabling tool condition monitoring and predictive maintenance. Integrated sensory technology allows the online monitoring of the grinding performance as well as wear of swing aggregate and grinding set. This powerful tool, in combination with the PrepMaster Analytics software, makes it possible to assure reproducible sample preparation conditions for more accurate analysis. In addition, the HP-MP allows the fully automatic determination of the specific grinding energy of a material. This enables QC laboratories to easily and immediately determine the grindability of their sample materials.

Full control of the pelletizing process - The hydraulic unit ensures a controlled and reproducible pelletizing process. All parameters are easily adjustable to allow finetuning for each material and analytical approach. The operator can directly change the total pressing force (50- 200 kN), the incremental increase of the pressing force and the pressing holding time. Each pelletizing cycle can be monitored by the clearly laid-out HMI panel of the HP-MP or the PrepMaster screen. Using the dosing device of the HP-MP, the operator can choose between two different sample volumes for production of pressed pellets. The HP-MP can process 40 mm or 51.5 mm rings by default. The thickness of the pressed layer within the ring is automatically monitored so that a warning is issued if there is a lack of material.

HP-MP automatic grinding mill and pellet press

HP-PD6 Automatic Diffractometer Pellet Press

HP-PD6 Automatic Diffractometer Pellet Press

Special pelletizing process - The pressing process is completely compatible with the requirements of the XRD analysis. Low pressing forces are applied to minimize orientation of the crystals. The application using the backloading process ensures especially careful handling of the sample without any adverse influence on the surface to be analysed. This minimizes preparation influences and enables reproducible analysis of the sample composition.

High throughput - The distinctive design of the automation with simultaneous sample processing guarantees a high sample throughput whenever required. The HP-PD6 can used as a standalone machine with loading magazine option (30 to 300 cups), connected as part of a linear configuration or part of a robot automation system.

Reproducibility, avoidance of contamination - Decades of experience combined with leading technology guarantee very precise reproducibility of the sample quality. The special focus on cleaning of relevant machine parts prevents contamination of subsequent samples.

Compact design, scalability - The compact design enables optimum use of space without restricting machine maintenance. All components of the automation are perfectly aligned and thus ensure optimum analysis results. The individual preparation steps can be easily configured and are therefore individually adapted to the requirements of sample preparation and specific material properties.

Fully automatic connection to the analyzer - Almost all XRD analysers produced by leading manufacturers can be easily connected to the HP-PD6 press. The analysis surface faces upwards, and the pressed powder can be easily conveyed into the analyser.

Models

Compare XRF and XRD Pellet Presses

Maximum pressure force
200 kN
400 kN
Pellet carriers and sizes
Steel rings (40 or 51.5 mm diameter); Aluminium cups; Free pressing
Steel rings (40 or 51.5 mm diameter); Aluminium cups; Free pressing
Operation mode
Manual
Manual

Add-ons

TP Manual Pellet Press design options

  • Press tool 40 mm diameter for free pressing
  • Press tool 40 mm in aluminium cups
  • Press tool 40 mm for pressing in steel rings
  • Press tool 51.5 mm for pressing in steel rings
  • Ring cleaning device manual (separate)

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Frequently asked questions

FAQs for XRF and XRD pellet presses

XRF pelletizing is a sample preparation process used to create pressed pellets for X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis. Pressed pellets are a widely adopted method due to their cost-effectiveness, speed, and ability to deliver high-quality, reliable results. Since the accuracy of XRF analysis depends heavily on proper sample preparation, pressed pellets are essential for precise quantification of sample composition.

The pelletizing process involves grinding the sample into a fine powder, blending it with a binder or grinding aid, and compressing the mixture in a die under 15 to 40 tons of pressure. While the process is straightforward, variations such as pellet size, binder selection, and applied pressure can affect the outcome. Therefore, understanding these key factors is crucial for achieving optimal results.

The amount of sample required depends on the material and the method used, but typically, 1–20 grams of powder are used to make a pellet. 

  • The sample particles must be as fine as possible, at least 95% less than ~ 50 μm to ensure that at least 95% of the particles have a particle size less than about 1/5 of the analytical depth.
  • The pressed powder must have a flat surface for analysis, otherwise the distance of tube target to sample surface will be compromised.
  • The pressed powder must be infinitely thick for all the X-ray wavelengths to be measured. This “critical thickness” varies with the composition of the sample.
  • The pressed powder must be homogenous.
  • The pressed powder must be stable under X-radiation and vacuum, helium, or nitrogen paths, whichever is used.