Dulytek DM1005 Clamshell Manual Rosin Press VS INTIVA IM1200 Clamshell Rosin Press
In 2015, a new method of processing THC extract began to take form in the shape of heated presses. The experimental beginnings of the rosin press were started by DIY enthusiasts tired of the extreme conditions required of solvent-based products.
These enthusiasts wanted to develop a method that was safer, used fewer contaminants, and could be done cheaper. The end product — a translucent, sap-like concentrate that closely resembled solvent-based shatter. It’s shatter that’s more consumer-friendly, safe, and cost-effective, though — all while being produced in a fraction of the time.
In this guide today, we want to cover a variety of topics regarding the rosin press. Let’s dive into our comprehensive guide to find the best rosin press machines.
4 types of rosin press
As of 2022, multiple types of rosin press equipment are available for those looking to break into their own production. Currently, there is no particular “industry standard” when it comes to home rosin production. However, there are still an array of options available to the public.
1. THE CLASSIC — A COMMON HAIR STRAIGHTENER
As basic as it sounds, the hair straightener was the starting point for the rosin press movement. While not the most efficient — by any means — the hair straightener covers all three necessary mechanical components for rosin extracts.
To make rosin, you need heat, time, and pressure. The layout of the average hair straightener offers this combination at an extremely cost-effective rate. It also has the added benefit of only being able to handle a set amount of pressure before breaking. Early adopters used this to properly gauge the maximum force they could use in the process without overdoing it.
While not the most efficient method, its affordability, and ease of accessibility, make a hair straightener still a worthy option. For those wanting to try out rosin production at home without committing to the more expensive options, hair straighteners are a perfect choice.
2. A MODIFIED HAT PRESS
Not too long after hair straighteners had proven their ability to produce rosin, people started instead modifying larger equipment. A downside of the hair straightener was that it couldn’t produce much product at one time. The result spawned the early adaptation of the hat press.
It was larger and, as a result, able to handle more flower in a single press. Unsurprisingly, this heated hat press helped to increase rosin yield. The drawback for a regular hat press is that it only heats its top plate. Typically, a hat press doesn’t require the bottom plate to be heated. Both sides don’t need to be hot to apply work to hats.
With that in mind, some modification was in order. Aftermarket companies accommodated, providing heated solutions in the form of compatible parts. Quickly after, the hat press became a viable option to increase overall rosin yield.
Unfortunately, the yield quantity still limited the hat press to personal use. It also doesn’t provide enough benefits to constitute any industrial or large-scale production. As quickly as the hat press came into the market for rosin, it also quickly faded into the background. Comparing the price to product, there are other, much more efficient options.
3. THE PNEUMATIC PRESS
Beyond the field of DIY rosin pressing, a more streamlined, specialized type of machinery came forward. Above the hat press tier is the pneumatic press. A heavy hitter, the pneumatic press uses air — pressurized air, which can deliver upwards of 2000 pounds across its surface.
From here, the industry saw the makings of much larger batches of rosin. Quality increased with the quantity, too, as the pneumatic rosin press has more precisely controlled variables. This allows rosin producers to generate more consistent results.
And, since the variables are more controlled, we can use this to preserve more of the terpenes in each strain. Terpenes are what give every plants its flavor and aroma profile, so they’re kind of a big deal.
As with all things, though, there are some drawbacks to the pneumatic press. The change in quality is directly correlated with the change in initial investment cost. Considerable manufacturing requirements and modern technology are required to produce equipment like this. Still, even with the greater cost, pneumatic presses continue to flood into the consumer market. Thanks to their high reliability and consistent output, they’re a necessary commodity for some rosin producers.
4. THE HYDRAULIC ROSIN PRESS
Beyond the pneumatic press lies its big brother: the hydraulic press.
This absolute beast of a machine dwarfs the pressure output limits of the pneumatic press by orders of magnitude. For comparison, the pneumatic rosin press can achieve upwards of 2000 pounds of pressure per square inch. The hydraulic press can generate ten times that.
Also known as an H-frame press, this unit uses a hydraulic cylinder compared to the pneumatic’s compressed air system. Another advantage of such a machine is the much larger surface area on its pressure plates. The larger the plates, the greater the volume of rosin can be produced at once.
The greatest benefit to the hydraulic rosin press, though, may come as somewhat of a surprise — it’s also cost-effective. For the volume and consistent quality that it can produce, the hydraulic press has a relatively low price point.
With the space to set up and store a hydraulic press, the barrier to get into rosin is low. The average twelve-ton shop press can be acquired for as little as $100. Then, only about $75 more for additional equipment to be converted into a functional hydraulic rosin press. The alteration doesn’t even require extensive mechanical expertise, so you don’t have to feel out of your element. It can make an excellent addition to anyone’s operation, with most alteration parts available online.
Dulytek DM1005 Clamshell Manual Rosin Press
Features:
Dulytek Rosin Press is suitable for solvent-free vegetable oil extraction for small business and personal use. The press is lighter than its predecessor, the DM1000, but stronger and more powerful, with a locking lever mechanism and adjustable pressure knob to apply maximum pressure without the need for continuous manual force. The press’s dual thermal solid aluminum plates ensure even heat distribution for optimal output. Touchscreen temperature and timer controls allow you to set and save press parameters for multiple batch extractions. The temperature control can be easily adjusted to display Fahrenheit or Celsius settings, depending on your preference. The DM1005 is easy to use and requires no additional equipment or parts to start pressing.
INTIVA IM1200 Clamshell Rosin Press
Features:
Rosin presses are designed for solvent-free extraction of vegetable rosin oil for pharmaceutical, food processing, brewing, cosmetic and research laboratory applications. The Intiva IM1200 Clamshell Rosin Press is suitable for solvent-free vegetable oil extraction for small businesses and personal use. Lightweight, yet stronger and more powerful, the Intiva IM1200 Flip Rosin Press features a locking lever mechanism and an adjustable pressure knob that eliminates the need for constant manual maximum pressure. The press’s dual thermal solid aluminium plates ensure even heat distribution for optimal output. Touchscreen temperature and timer controls allow you to set and save press parameters for multiple batch extractions.
THE BUYING GUIDE
The hydraulic press machines are the most commonly available heat presses for the extraction of rosin from flowers. These are available is multiples sizes and power.
The selection of right hydraulic press machine requires proper understanding of following key factors.
HYDRAULIC MECHANISM
For the hydraulic press machine the hydraulic pressing mechanism is the primary component. Some hydraulic press machines are equipped with a bottle type jack while some other have hydraulic pump fitted in it.
The bottle type jack is further fitted with a handle to easily press the plates. Generally the upper plate is pressed with the handle to squeeze the flower material between the plates.
The capacity of the jack depends on the type and size of the machine. The jack power vary from 2 to 12 tons or even higher as per requirement. The hydraulic jack can be refilled with the oil.
The hydraulic pump is usually a manual and is also provided with handle to operate the pump. The pump power also depends on the size of the machine.
Leakage of oil may be problem for some of the machines but usually high quality machine are leaking proof. You should check the jack or pump capacity before purchasing a hydraulic press machine.
PRESSURE TOLERANCE
The pressure tolerance of the hydraulic press machine is usually the capacity of hydraulic jack or the pump. Suppose a machine is fitted with a hydraulic jack of 5 ton, then the maximum pressure tolerance of the machine is also the same as that of jack.
Some innovative machines are designed to allow extension of the hydraulic capacity mainly due to the heavy duty structure of the machine.
The material of construction of the machine body also plays an important role to extend the pressure capacity of the hydraulic press machine.
ADJUSTABLE KNOB
Almost every hydraulic jack is fitted with a knob to adjust the pressure of the jack on the plates. This knob is rotated to change the pressure of the cylinder.
It is recommended to gradually increase the pressure of the machine. If the pressure is increased suddenly then there are chances that the machine break or get damaged.
Adjustable pressure is very handy feature of the hydraulic press machine.
PORTABILITY
The hydraulic press machines are designed in different sizes and power capacity. The low power hydraulic press has low weight and is easier to move.
Their weight lies in the range of 10–20 lbs which is not very difficult to move. The high power machines have high weight and thus are difficult to move.
The weight of heavy hydraulic press machine is generally more than 50 lbs. These machines are used for the commercial purpose and seldom moved.
The low weight machines are easier to mobilize while the heavy ones are difficult to move.
PLATE SIZE
The heating is the basic feature of heat press machine. Double heating plates are essentially fitted with the machine to heat up the flower material for rosin extraction process.
The size of the press machine is also a quick indicator of the size of the machine. The hydraulic press machines usually are available in multiple sizes.
These kinds of machines are useful for the domestic as well as commercial use. The commercial grade press machines have larger plates.
The most common size of heating plates of the hydraulic press machine is 3”x5”. The machines with the different plate size are also available.
The press machine having plates of this size can squeeze out 10–15 grams of flowers and herbs to extract rosin concentrate. Plate size of the heat press machine must be checked, if you are buying a hydraulic rosin press machine.
PLATE MATERIAL
The plate material is also of high importance. You must consider the material of construction of the heating plates to get best results. The heating capacity of the plates primarily depends of the material of construction.
It also tells about the heat distribution throughout the plate length. Generally the plates are made of aluminum or stainless steel material.
These are further insulated to avoid any loss of heat during the extraction process. The aluminum plates provide quick heating. The heat is even distributed throughout the aluminum plate.
The stainless steel made heating plates also allow the heat to be equally spread across the length of the plate. The material of the heating plate of the press machine should also be carefully selected to fulfill your needs.
LOADING CAPACITY
The capacity of the hydraulic press machine is amount of rosin extracted from the flowers being pressing. The loading capacity of small hydraulic rosin press machine is on the lower side.
The larger plate hydraulic press machine has usually high loading capacity and thus the high production capacity. It also varies with plate size.
The pressure applied on the plates also plays an important role to get concentrate from the flowers. The low weight hydraulic rosin press machines have usually a capacity of 5–6 grams to squish rosin from the flowers.
The capacity of mid-range hydraulic press machine is between 10–15 grams. Generally speaking a good quality press machine delivers a yield of up to 25 %.
TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER
The rosin is extracted from the flowers by pressing them under hot plates. Temperature is therefore an important key factor of the press machine.
The modern hydraulic machines are equipped with the digital temperature controller. The temperature reading is displayed on the digital screen which ensures close monitoring of the temperature. Temperature setting controller allows adjusting the temperature of each separately as per requirement.
The maximum temperature limit also varies with the different type of plates. Some plates have very high temperature range of 400 oF while some other machines have lower temperature range of up to 250 oF.
TIME SETTING
Pressing time of the flowers material is also considered important while extracting rosin concentrate from the herbs and flowers. The hydraulic heat press machines are usually equipped with the double channel controller system.
This allows you to adjust the time as well. The general time setting range is between 0–999 seconds. Automatic timer shut off is also provided for some press machines.
This type of timer will automatically turn off when the plates are opened. The timer will again start counting from the zero.
This feature permits to monitor the pressing process more closely and effectively. The concentrate quality can also be enhanced by controlling the extracting time.
EASE OF OPERATION
The ease of operation of hydraulic press machine is also considered while purchasing. The low weight hydraulic press machines are the easiest ones to operate.
These machines are usually smaller in size and can be moved easily anywhere you want. These machines are generally provided with a handle fitted with the jack to press the plates.
The larger press machines also have a handle attached with the hydraulic jack to press the material easily and quickly. Detailed instruction manual is provided every machine to operate it correctly.
The installation of press machine is not a very difficult job. Magnetic or suction cup feet are provided with the machine for balance and stability.
POWER REQUIREMENT
The power required to heat up the hydraulic press machines is relatively high. This type of machines needs around 900 watts of power to quickly heating up the plates.
Some machine with relatively larger plate requires more than 900 watts of energy for heating the plates. The energy efficient machines in this price range are also available which power below 500 watts.
Conclusion
As we wrap up, we want to brag on rosin some more. Both medical and recreational patients are learning that pure rosin offers a wide variety of benefits. It could be pain relief or relief from other symptoms for some. For others, it could be the full flavor and powerful effects from the concentrate. Regardless, we hope this guide helps you see the benefits to the rosin press a bit more.
The demand for rosin increases steadily each year. It comes as no surprise that many manufacturers are clamoring to stake their claim on rosin production. The age of efficient, affordable presses is here, and they’re coming in the form of a rosin press.
Anyone interested in acquiring a press of their own just needs to be aware that just like any other budding market, the market is flooded with cheap inferior technology. The market is young and just now finding its footing in a new and exciting world. So take care, be careful, and take your time finding the parts or prebuilt press that really fits your needs.
