INSTRUMENTS.

Durometer

The Model 306L ASTM Type A durometer measures hardness of rubber, elastomers and other rubber-like materials, including polychloroprene, polyurethane, silicone, vinyl and butyl. Soft plastics and similar materials fall into this same range. The Model 306L is said to meet or exceed current ASTM D2240 specifications. Hardness is one of the most significant physical properties of elastomeric compounds, according to the company. Hardness is said to reflect all, or in part, such other qualities as resilience, durability, uniformity, tensile strength and abrasion resistance. The instrument features a low glare aluminum serialized dial with bold, easy to read numbers. The durometer has a maximum hold hand, which stops at the peak reading. A carrying case and test block are also included with the instrument. (Pacific Transducer, 2301 Federal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064-1482)

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Laser sensors

PH non-contact laser-based sensors for displacement and thickness measurements feature a built-in processor which is said to eliminate the need for external controllers. The visible laser spot in combination with low output power simplifies setup and provides safer operation, according to the company. The sensors have RS232 and analog interfaces for interconnection to PLCs or computers. The fully digital sensors utilize two-dimensional CCDs as image detectors. (Precimeter, 41 Sequin Dr., Glastonbury, CT 06033)

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Angle meters

The No. 10T10 wettability analyzer is a contact angle meter designed to measure adhesion wetting of liquids to solid surfaces or adhesion tension, as well as testing the wetting or non-wetting of a liquid against a substrate. The No. 10T10 contact angle meter is said to be ideal for use in R&D labs, as well as on a production line. This model is a benchtop optical device that uses projection screen image coupled with a protractor device to obtain the reading. (Kernco Instruments, 420 Kenazo Ave., El Paso, TX 79927)

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Temperature pyrometer

The Acu-Probe compact temperature pyrometer is said to be the smallest, most rugged pyrometer for industrial temperature measurement applications. It features a powder coated chemical resistant metal case, rocker switch for momentary or continuous on use and a 1/2" tall LCD with tempered glass display window. Temperature measurement ranges are from -280 [degrees] to +2,000 [degrees] F with [+ or -] 1 [degrees] accuracy, according to the company. (Electronic Development Labs, 244 Oakland Dr., Danville, VA 24540)

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Ultrasonic level sensors

A durable, compact, heavy-duty and economical single rod vibrating level sensor in various configurations using ultrasonic piezo-ceramic technology for optimum performance, reliability and accuracy in measuring carbon black or any type of powdery or granular material under temperatures ranging from -40 [degrees] F (-40 [degrees] C) to 320 [degrees] F (160 [degrees] C) has been introduced. The sensor is mounted vertically or horizontally. (HiTech Technologies, PO. Box 535, Newtown, PA 18940-0535)

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Portable durometers

The Model 71A10 "A" scale durometer with "A" scale range of 0-100 is designed to measure the penetration hardness of rubber, elastomers and other robber-like substances, such as polychloroprene, silicone, vinyl and butyl. It may also be used for soft plastics. The Model 71A11 is designed to measure the hardness of foam, sponge robber and similar materials. Both models come with test block and carrying case. These durometers can be used either with a test stand or as hand-held testers. These durometers come standard with an ancillary hand for indicating peak readings. (Kernco Instruments, 420 Kenazo Ave., El Paso, TX 79927-7339)

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Torque rheometer 

The PL2200 Plasti-Corder Digi-System is a modular design digital torque rheometer that is said to utilize the latest technological advancements in digital electronics. The system is complemented with the company's Winext and Winmix Windows-based polymer processing evaluation software to determine the processing and rheological properties of various polymers and fillers. The system is said to be perfect for testing thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and plastifiable materials. The drive unit is available in 5 hp or 7.5 hp and can accommodate any of the company's interchangeable mixer/measuring heads, single screw extruders and twin screw extruders to automatically test processability and simulate production processes such as mixing, kneading, extruding, masticating, calendering and grinding. The instrument is said to be ideally suited for determining material viscosity, processability and static parameters such as intrinsic viscosity, melt flow index and gel time. (C. W. Brabender Instruments, 50 E. Wesley St., South Hackensack, NJ 07606)

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Precision thermometer

Precision wall thermometers feature an accuracy of [+ or -] 1 [degrees] F for the Model 815F, and [+ or -] 1/2 [degrees] C for the Model 815C. These instruments are serialized and can be certified using standards traceable to the NIST. (Pacific Transducer, 2301 Federal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064-1482)

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Hose measurement

The Lotis QC-20 is a laser-based, non-contact hose measurement system. It simultaneously measures inside diameter, outside diameter and wall thickness variation. It is specifically designed to measure a hose's compliant surface where accurate and repeatable contact measurements are difficult to obtain, according to the company. The QC-20 is designed for both inprocess gauging and final parts inspection. Users can validate production processes by comparing actual measurements to user-defined measurement tolerances. Parts are identified as passed or failed, depending on measurement results. Part measurements are also accumulated in a database for statistical process control requirements. The QC-20 comes complete with a PC compatible support computer and software. Standard hose sizes and measurement parameters are entered into the computer and stored. During operation, a hose part number is keyed in by the operator. The system automatically configures itself to accurately position and measure that particular hose. Batch measurements require a single setup. A foot switch triggered by the operator initiates the measurement cycle. (Quest Integrated, 21414 68th Ave., S., Kent, WA 98032)

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Universal testing machines

S-Series benchtop universal testing machines are available for determining tension, compression, flexural, shear and other mechanical and physical properties of nearly every material. The compact benchtops are said to incorporate advanced technology which improves power, flexibility and ease of use. They are available in five models which provide capacities from 5kN (1,125 lbf.) to 100 kN (22,500 lbf.) and can test robber, plastics, textiles and a range of other materials. A ragged built-in control unit features a large, easy to read backlit liquid crystal display and alpha numeric keypad, according to the company. Functions include a digital display of force and displacement of any instant throughout the test, a realtime autoranging graphic display, storage and retrieval of test parameters, manual crosshead control, dedicated function keys for fast access and numerous other benefits, according to the company. (Tinius Olsen Testing Machine, PO. Box 429, Willow Grove, PA 19090-0429)

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Single point sensor

A CCD-based single-point sensor is designed for tight and demanding industrial measurement applications requiring high accuracy and desiring a high frequency rate for measuring distance, thickness or material deformation, positioning and profiling, according to the company. The SPR-04 single point sensor uses optical triangulation principles to deliver resolution as fine as .001 in. (25 [micro]m) at rates up to 1,200 measurements per second. The SPR-04's small size and short measurement range of two to eight inches (50 to 200 mm) allows for tight and exact industrial measurement applications without sacrificing accuracy, according to the company. The sensor is equipped with automatic power control of the laser. (LMI Selcom, 21666 Melrose Ave., Southfield, MI 48075)

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Displacement sensors

Laser-based displacement sensors are available from the company with optical averaging of target surface roughness. The AU sensors utilize an elliptical laser spot to optically average the roughness of the target surface. The company's patented technology is said to enable measurement of a wide range of targets made of various materials and shifting colors without the need for recalibration. The AU sensor is said to offer resolution in the sub-micron range. The PC-based controller is said to offer high flexibility through a customizable, graphical user-interface and the modularized sensor interconnection. The configuration of multi-sensor systems or adding sensors to an existing system is very cost effective relative to alternative solutions, according to the company. Three AU sensors are offered for different needs. (Precimeter, 41 Sequin Dr., Glastonbury, CT 06033)

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Shore A hardness tester

The H17A Shore A hardness tester, with recently upgraded operating software, is said to provide a number of operator benefits, including simplified instrument motion to reduce cycle time and increase operational efficiency; test time adjustable to 0.1 sec., allowing greater testing accuracy when required for specific materials; averaging of results, in addition to median of three and five results on H17A/3 and H17A/4 models; and DIN Shore A version available, ensuring that all international variants of the Shore A tests can be performed with the H17A in standard or special form, i.e., ASTM, JIS, DIN and BS. The instrument is part of the Cogenix range of hardness testers which includes bench mounted and handheld models reading in both IRHD and Shore A scales. The H 17A can test a wide variety of samples from test blocks to o-rings using the range of interchangeable sample tables which includes an adjustable holder to take rings from 1 to 6 mm core diameter, as well as v-grooved, oversized and matrix tables. Four versions of the H17A are offered. (H.W. Wallace & Co., Ltd., 172 St. James's Rd., Croydon, England CR9 2HR)

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Temperature sensors

Miniature infrared temperature sensors are available at a fraction of the cost of standard infrared sensors and with the advantage over thermocouples of non-contact operation, according to the company. M50 Series Infracouples feature integrated microelectronics and offer a choice of J or K thermocouple outputs, or linear or non-linear voltage outputs. They are said to be completely compatible with existing recorders and controllers. The M50 Series Infracouples, which operate in a temperature range of 0-575 [degrees] F, are said to be ideal for measuring the temperature of moving or contact-sensitive materials or products, particularly when measurements are required at multiple locations. (Kernco Instruments, 420 Kenazo Ave., El Paso, TX 79927)

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Moisture measurement

This manufacturer of advanced moisture-measurement instrumentation offers the Transmet dewpoint transmitter. Transmet is said to be a versatile, lightweight, ragged instrument intended for process-point measurements of moisture in air or other compressed gases. With a dewpoint range from -100 to +20 [degrees] C and typical accuracy of [+ or -] 1 [degrees] C, Transmet is said to establish a new standard of versatility and accuracy. Features include a Nema 4 housing, temperature compensation, 0-20 or 4-20 mA analog dewpoint output or RS232/RS485 digital communications of both dewpoint and sensor temperature, according to the company. (Kahn Instruments, 885 Wells Rd., Wethersfield, CT 06109)

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Temperature recorder

The RH/Temp 101 is a miniature battery operated, stand-alone device used to automatically record temperature, humidity and time. Its real time clock enables all data to be time and date stamped. Its reading rate can range from one every 15 seconds to one every 24 hours. Its small size is said to allow it to fit almost anywhere. Data retrieval is simple, according to the company. (Pacific Transducer, 2301 Federal Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90064)

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Heat flow meters

All Fox heat flow meter thermal conductivity measurement instruments are said to meet or exceed ASTM C518 and ISO 8301 standards and provide extremely precise readings, .6mV resolution on integrating high output heat flux transducers, 0.001" (0.025 mm) precision in thickness measurement, and 0.01 [degrees] C temperature control and resolution, according to the company. Each of these individual measurements is said to be an order of magnitude more accurate than any other currently used in thermal conductivity measurement. They combine to provide the most accurate results of any heat flow meter instrument, according to the manufacturer. A temperature range of -20 [degrees] C to 100 [degrees] C is reached through state-of-the-art electronic heating/cooling plates. (LaserComp, 134 Water St., Bldg. 3, Wakefield, MA 01880)

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