- MFR
- MVR
- Multi-stage test
- High
- 24/7 operation in QA
- Flexible in R&D
- 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.
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 | 625 | 625 | 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 |
| ||
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 |
Displacement 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 | |
Scope of delivery |
| ||
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
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 | 625 | 625 | 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 |
| ||
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 |
Displacement 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 | |
Scope of delivery |
| ||
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 |
Extrudate cutter and die plug
The manual extrudate cutter is recommended for cutting intervals greater than one minute. For short cutting intervals use of the automatic extrudate cutter is recommended in order to obtain precisely timed cuts. The die plug prevents premature flow of the material when testing plastics with high flow rates (> 10 cm3/10 min. at a load of 0.375 kg). When using the die plug, you must use the extrudate cutter in order to eject the die plug automatically when the test begins.