The laboratory press is a so-called upstroke press. The plates are built into a sturdy 4-columns unit. Yoke and columns are well dimensioned in order to absorb the forces developed. The bottom plate is placed on the backing plate, the latter being actuated by a high-pressure hydraulic cylinder. Optimum guiding properties are assured. The plates are of a multi-layer construction: the working surface is made of polished steel. Water cooling circuit and heating cartridges providing for uniform temperature control and quick cooling are built into an aluminum plate. The platen is fixed to the press unit through a temperature and pressure resistant insulating plate.