MELT FLOW INDEX TESTER (AUTOMATIC)

No.120-SAS
MELT FLOW INDEX TESTER (AUTOMATIC)

Overview of MELT FLOW INDEX TESTER (AUTOMATIC)

This is an automatic melt flow index tester designed to measure the “Melt Flow Rate (MFR),” which serves as an indicator of fluidity during the molding process of thermoplastics. The fluidity is evaluated by charging and melting the resin inside a preheated cylinder, applying a constant load, and measuring the amount (mass or volume) of the resin extruded from the bottom die. This tester automates the entire process – from running the test to the troublesome task of cleaning the cylinder – as a single full cycle. This significantly reduces the operator’s workload and enables more consistent and stable testing.

Operation Video

Features

Automatic Melt Flow Testing for One Cycle

Automatic Melt Flow Testing for One Cycle

Reduces human error
Simply set the sample-filled sample cup in the standby area, set up the test conditions, and the melt flow testing will be done automatically. This helps reduce human error related to test procedures and cleaning, improving the reproducibility of test results. We recommend this model for applications where test reproducibility is a must, even if daily test frequency is low. A “3-sample capacity” model that allows three consecutive tests is also available.

Simple, Yet Robust

Automatic mechanism with over 20 years of operational durability

The full automatic and automatic models utilize a robot arm mechanism, offering an overwhelmingly simple and space-saving design compared to similar products on the market. The mechanism, consisting of a robot arm and arm chuck, performs testing and cleaning with only rotational and vertical movements, minimizing complex actions and reducing error risks. Additionally, the core cylinder of the testing process is fixed in place, enhancing both safety and durability. Due to its simple design, the product is highly durable, and many units continue to operate reliably for over 20 years.

Simple, Yet Robust
Yasuda Seiki’s Unique Sample Cup

Yasuda Seiki’s Unique Sample Cup

Accommodates various sample shapes and material properties

The specially developed sample cup used in the automatic and full automatic models allows for direct sample loading into the cylinder. It can handle a variety of sample shapes, including pellets, granules, flakes, sheets, and strips. Additionally, it can accommodate difficult-to-measure powdery samples. The standard sample cup is coated with Teflon on the inner wall, improving its sliding properties for easy loading. For gummy samples, there is an option to replace the inner lining with a Teflon tube.

MVR Graphing During Testing

Applicable for validating measurement data

In melt flow testing, air bubbles mixed into the molten resin during extrusion can cause variability in flow characteristics and affect test results. Yasuda Seiki has developed software that records MVR changes over time along with the test results, using a high-resolution rotary encoder to precisely track piston movement during testing. If air bubbles (entrapped air) are present, this appears as an anomaly in the MVR graph, allowing operators to assess the validity of test results post-test.

MVR Graphing During Testing
High-Performance Procedure A Cutter & Automatic Weighing Device

High-Performance Procedure A Cutter & Automatic Weighing Device

Automates sample cutting and mass measurement

This option automates everything from sample cutting to mass input and MFR calculation of procedure A testing. Yasuda Seiki’s uniquely designed Procedure A Cutter can handle a variety of resin types. After cutting, the sample is cooled by air blow, and the weighing device measures the cut sample’s mass, transfers the measurement value to the software and automatically calculates the MFR value.

Powerful Extrusion Mechanism

Extrudes residual material with a 30kW motor output

For high-viscosity materials with a low flow rate, extruding residual samples after testing can be the most labor-intensive task in MFR testing. The vertical-axis motor, a design shared between the automatic and full automatic models, ensures complete extrusion of residual material, even with low flow rates-viscosity materials. This feature enables safe and effective residual material removal and cylinder cleaning after measurement.

Powerful Extrusion Mechanism
Excellent Running Cost Efficiency

Excellent Running Cost Efficiency

Low running-cost operation with only gauze being a primary consumable

Under standard testing conditions, the only consumable needed to run the tester is gauze rolls for cleaning the cylinder and test piston, keeping running costs low.
*In the long term, parts such as the die and piston may require replacement depending on wear.

Specification

Reference StandardsJIS K 6719-1/2, K 6921-2, K 6922-2, K 6923-1, K 6924-1, K 6926-2, K 7210-1, ISO 1133-1, ASTM D1238
Number of Test Samples1 or 3 cups of samples
DieDiameter ø2.095 ± 0.005 mm, length 8.000 ± 0.025 mm
Piston HeadDiameter ø9.474 ± 0.007 mm, length 6.35 ± 0.10 mm
CylinderInner diameter ø9.550 ± 0.007 mm, length 160 mm
TemperatureMax. 300℃ (Option 400℃)
Initial Load0.325 kgf
Test Load1.20 – 21.60 kgf
Test MethodProcedure A: manual sample cutting (Option: automatic sample cutter)
Procedure B: automatic
Cylinder ChargingAutomatic
LoadingAutomatic
Weight ReplacementManual (Option: automatic)
Cylinder CleaningAutomatic (solvent can also be used in the automatic cleaning cycle)
Die CleaningAutomatic
Piston CleaningManual (Option: Automatic)
Cleaning Rod CleaningManual (Option: automatic)
Gauze Supply and RemovalManual
Data ProcessingProcedure A: manual (Option: automatic)
Procedure B: automatic
Procedure B Piston Travel MeasurementRotary encoder
PC SoftwareAvailable for Windows
AccessoriesCleaning rods (for die and cylinder), cup for cleaning solvent, sample cup for powder samples, sample cup holder, funnel, go/no go gauge, wastebasket, gauze, air blow gun
Power SourceAC 200V 1-phase 10 A 50/60 Hz
Air Source0.5 MPa or above
Dimensions and Weight(Approx.)1 sample:W675×D645×H1,370 mm, 200 kg
3 samples:W675×D725×H1,370 mm, 220 kg

Options of MELT FLOW INDEX TESTER (AUTOMATIC)

Automatic Weight Loading Device

In melt flow testing, test loads over 10 kg are required depending on the material, and manually changing the weights can be both burdensome and hazardous. The Automatic Weight Loading Device automates load changes, reducing the physical strain and risk for operators. Additionally, it automatically switches loads based on registered test conditions, allowing continuous testing of samples under different test parameters.

High-Performance Procedure A Cutter & Automatic Weighing Device

High-Performance Procedure A Cutter & Automatic Weighing Device

This option automates everything from sample cutting to mass input and MFR calculation of procedure A testing. Yasuda Seiki’s uniquely designed Procedure A Cutter can handle a variety of resin types. After cutting, the sample is cooled by air blow, and the weighing device measures the cut sample’s mass, transfers the measurement value to the software and automatically calculates the MFR value.

3-Sample Capacity

While the standard model performs one complete test cycle automatically, this option enables up to three consecutive test cycles. This is recommended for those aiming to further improve efficiency, reduce human error, and utilize the time spent on the testing process.

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