Moving die rheometer features robust design and simple operation.

The company's Production MDR (moving die rheometer), featured in a six-page, four-color brochure, has been designed to move batch release testing from the laboratory to the production floor. This is said to eliminate the time delay usually associated with testing in a remotely located laboratory, improving efficiency and saving time and money, according to the literature.

The Production MDR consists of the proven mechanical and electronic systems from the industry standard rheometer, the MDR 2000. This is housed in a hardened metal cabinet, built to withstand the harsh environment and abuse of the production line. The electronics are positioned in a sealed housing to minimize dust and carbon black infiltration.

The controls consist of a start button and a series of status lights, giving the operator a pass/fail indication for each sample tested.

The basic package includes a computer, printer and Eclipse production software, which stores test data in a local database. The optional remote package allows the PC to be located away from the production area. The bar code reader is used to identify batch number and select test temperature and time.

The system is supplied with an automatic sample removal system. Two rolls of film are mounted on the outside of the instrument case and the film is fed between the dies. Samples are placed between the two films in the die cavity.

At the end of the test, the film is automatically advanced, removing the tested sample and moving fresh film between the dies, ready for the next sample. As well as aiding sample removal, the film also reduces die contamination and extends seal life.

Alpha Technologies

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