Aflow Extrusion Plastometer

The fully automatic all-rounder Download

Instrument electronics_from_October_2018_2__FO

Test methods

MFR
MVR
Multi-stage test

Test volume

High

Applications

24/7 operation in QA
Flexible in R&D

Methods

Method A
Method B
Method C
Method D

The All-Rounder

The Aflow is noted for being highly automated: Whether simple cleaning and defined pre-compaction at the press of a button, or infinitely settable test loads, the Aflow extrusion plastometer adapts to your test tasks.

The Aflow was developed specifically for laboratories with high test volumes; this is reflected in its robust design and convenient operation. The instrument supports all established worldwide standards and procedures, including ISO 1133 and ASTM D1238. The Aflow can be used to determine melt mass flow rate (MFR) and melt volume flow rate (MVR) to Methods A, B, C and D.

The Aflow Extrusion Plastometer at a Glance

Fully automated Aflow extrusion plastometer

The extrusion plastometer supports all common standards and procedures for extrusion testing, including ISO 1133 and ASTM D1238 to Methods A, B, C and D.

Advantages & Features

Advantages

Optimum test sequence - time-saving and operator-friendly

The pneumatic pre-compaction feature allows the polymer to be defined and evenly pre-compacted at the press of a button—saving time and effort. To further accelerate the test procedure after the test, it is possible to eject the remaining material from the extrusion barrel with a force of up to 80 kg and then clean it with a pneumatic cleaning device at the press of a button.

Flexibility due to stepless test load up to 50 kg

Test loads in the Aflow can be adjusted steplessly from 0.325 kg to 50 kg. Through presettings in the software, a multi-stage test to Method D can be effortlessly performed. Therefore, several tests with different weight stages can be carried out with a single barrel filling.

Applications

Speed, operator-independence and high test-result reproducibility and repeatability – all these things matter in research and development and in 24-hour operation, as in production control.

A defining feature of Aflow is its high level of automation - easy cleaning and defined pre-compacting at the touch of a button, stepless test-load settings - Aflow adapts to your testing requirements.

Aflow can be operated in stand-alone mode via a modern touch display or on a PC with ZwickRoell testing software.

The basic version of the Aflow extrusion plastometer is designed to perform MFR and MVR tests in accordance with Methods A, B, C and D. This can be done using an automatic extrudate cutter and balance. Tests can be performed in accordance with the following standards:

ISO 1133, ASTM D1238, ASTM D3364, JIS K 7210.

Cleaning

Aflow's pneumatic cleaning device enables cleaning and pre-compacting to be performed at a preset pressure. The Clean and Pre-compact option allows variable adjustment of the cleaning and pre-compacting pressure, while a switch on the cleaning unit allows one of the two pressure steps to be selected.

Intuitive and workflow oriented touch operation

The new standardized operating philosophy allows the operator to move easily between the instrument and the PC.
All test-related settings are grouped logically and are separated from higher-level system settings. The operator is guided through the test configuration step by step. The saved test configuration can be easily exported and transferred to other instruments.
Integrated user management reduces the number of operator input options to a minimum. Users see only what is important to them so they can focus on the task at hand right from the start.
The MVR is shown live in graphic form, in both stand-alone mode and in the ZwickRoell testing software. This allows both melting process and behavior to be followed precisely during measurement.

Space savings when testing with multiple instruments

In labs with multiple instruments, testXpert III makes it possible to configure and control up to six Aflow and/or Mflow extrusion plastometers with one PC. Central operation and the saving of results from a single workplace is rational and affords a quick overview of all tests currently in progress. For a clear overview of operations, we recommend using two monitors.

The benefits of operating an extrusion plastometer with testXpert III are:

Automatic bubble detection that prevents measurement errors caused by air inclusions by detecting them in the plastic melt
Live display of the melt volume rate that follows the progress of melting and the behavior during measurement and graphically or numerically displays the test piston speed when the test starts in cm³ per 10 min. or in g per 10 min. when the melt density is preselected

Technical Overview

The basic version of the Aflow extrusion plastometer is designed to perform MFR and MVR tests to Methods A, B, C and D. They are performed using an automatic extrudate cutter and scale. Tests can be performed to the following standards: ISO 1133, ASTM D1238, ASTM D3364, JIS K 7210.

Aflow

Please note:
requires dry, oiled air

Type	Aflow extrusion plastometer (230 V)	Aflow extrusion plastometer (110 V)
Item No.	1043954	1043955
Test load	0.325 ... 50 (step by step or stepless)	0.325 ... 50 (step by step or stepless)	kg
Compressed air, oiled, dry	5 ... 10	5 ... 10	bar
Dimensions:
Height	1021	1021	mm
Width	580	580	mm
Depth	596	596	mm
Weight, approx.	114	114	kg
Test temperature	+50 ... +450	+50 ... +450	°C
Display	Capacitive touch display	Capacitive touch display
Resolution of the temperature display	< 0.001	<0.001	K
Number of savable parameter sets	> 100	> 100
Interfaces	Ethernet port to connect a PC 2 x USB port to connect a printer or USB stick RS-232 port for raw data export, data output: serial number, specimen number, number of extrudates, density (user specifications) density at test temperature, overall weight of the extrudates, MFR average value, MVR average value, MFR and MVR individual values RS-232 port for connecting the analytical scale (from the ZwickRoell product range)
Temperature accuracy in the range of 0 ... 75 mm above the die, in the temperature range of 50 °C ... 450 °C	< 0.3¹	< 0.3¹	K
Time measurement:
Error limit (Method A)	±0.02 (with automated extrudate cutter)	±0.02 (with automated extrudate cutter)	s
Error limit (Method B)	±0.01	±0.01	s
Travel measurement:
Error limit (Method B)	±0.02 mm (ISO 1133) / ±0.4% of 6.25 mm (ASTM D1238)	±0.02 mm (ISO 1133) / ±0.4% of 6.25 mm (ASTM D1238)
Resolution	< 0.0005	< 0.0005	mm
Piston speed, max.	2000²	2000²	mm/min
Multi-instrument operation on one PC:
Available main memory, min.	1.54	1.54	GB
Clock frequency	3	3	GHz
Connectible Aflow extrusion plastometer per PC	6	6
Included in the scope of delivery:	Ethernet cable Cleaning accessories (cleaning piston, cleaning brush, cleaning pads (500 pieces)) for barrel Test granulate and filling chute for granulate
Power input specifications
Power supply	220 to 240 V, 1L/PE/N	100 to 127 V, 1L/PE/N
Power consumption (full load), approx.	0.6	0.6	kVA
Power frequency	50/60	50/60	Hz

Spatial and temporal, to ISO 1133-2
To ensure proper force control, the piston speed cannot exceed 75% of this value

At least one piston must be selected, in accordance with the materials to be tested. Various plastics (e.g. PTFE and PFA) which contain fluorine release hydrofluoric acid, which attacks the extrusion barrel material. For these plastics pistons made of a special steel alloy are used. These pistons have only limited suitability for filled plastics. For these the wear-resistant version is recommended. For tests to ISO 1133-1997, a piston with non-rounded edges (sharp-edged) is required.

Test material	Standard	Properties	Item No.
Plastic, fluorine-free	ISO 1133	Wear-resistant	032298
Plastic, containing fluorine	ISO 1133	Acid-resistant	032299
Plastic, not containing fluorine	ISO 1133-1997	Sharp edged, wear-resistant	032300
Plastic, not containing fluorine	ASTM D1238	Wear-resistant	1015333

An extrusion barrel must be chosen to suit the materials to be tested. Different plastics containing fluoride, such as PTFE and PFA, release hydrofluoric acid, which corrodes the material of the extrusion barrel. For these types of plastics, extrusion barrels made from a special type of steel alloy are used.

Test material	Diameter, inner [mm]	Hole	Properties	Item No.
Plastic, not containing fluorine	9.55	Finely honed	Wear-resistant	050888
Plastic, containing fluorine / not containing fluorine	9.55	Finely honed	Acid-resistant, wear-resistant	1069372