Mflow extrusion plastometer

Mflow at a glance Video Advantages & features Optional accessories Technical data Request a quotation

Mflow applications

As your test volume increases, so does the need for a higher level of automation (when compared to the Cflow).

The basic version of the Mflow extrusion plastometer is designed for MFR measurements according to method A.
It features a modular design, and use of the piston displacement transducer expands the Mflow’s capabilities to include MVR determination according to method B, as well as automatic, field-dependent parameterization.
These extrusion plastometers are typically used for quality assurance and incoming goods inspections.
Tests can be performed according to standards ISO 1133 (methods A and B), ASTM D1238 (methods A, B and C), ASTM D3364 and JIS K 7210.

The Mflow can be operated as a stand-alone instrument via a modern touch display, or with ZwickRoell’s testing software using a PC.

Mflow extrusion plastometer at a glance
Test Methods	Test results	Level of automation
Standards		ISO 1133, ASTM D1238, ASTM D3364, JIS K 7210
Typical measurement range		Min: approx. 0.1 g/10 min ... max: approx. 2000 g/10 min
Weight levels		0.325 ... 21.6 kg
Medium level of automation Control of the preheating phase via set value specification MFR, MVR, plus automatic detection of the correct test parameters (APC function), or definition of the test sequences based on test parameters Automatic load application Control of preheating phase by removing weights Automatic start of the measurement Instrument-controlled pre-compacting Instrument-supported purging of residual material and cleaning
Method A	MFR in g/10 min	Motorized cutting of extrudate at constant time or displacement intervals Manual weighing of extrudate on analytical balance Automatic calculation of result Graphical representation
Method B	MVR in cm³/10 min Melt density Apparent shear rate Apparent shear stress Apparent viscosity	Test control according to time or displacement intervals Continuous displacement and MVR measurement Detection of bubble inclusions or errors Automatic calculation of results Graphical representation of measurement sequences, results and statistics
Method C half-die

Advantages and features of the Mflow

Reliable Test Results

A precision piston transducer ensures accurate measurement of piston stroke when determining MVR. The contact point is very close to the piston, minimizing possible angle errors from the outset. The accuracy with which the flow rate is determined in Method B depends on the synchronization of the time-travel data pairs and on the accuracy of the time determination. As both measured quantities (time and travel) are available in digital form from the outset, there is no need for analog to digital conversion. This also eliminates synchronization errors. Quartz accurate time measurement also enables measurement of materials with high flow-rates.

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.

Saving space 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 melt volume rates (MVR) 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 specified.

Optional accessories for the Mflow

Pneumatic weight lifting unit

Depending on the plastic being tested, the Mflow can be fitted with different test weights.
To facilitate the test task for the operator, the weights can be raised and lowered with a pneumatic weight-lifting device with no physical effort required.
The weights can also be automatically lifted after reaching the preheat position. This minimizes any premature flow of the plastic granulate during the preheating period.

Pneumatic weight lifting unit with cleaning function

This unit includes the pneumatic weight lifting device and an integrated device for compacting the plastic material as well as for cleaning the extrusion barrel.
With use of an adjustable pneumatic valve, the pressure on the plastic material can be defined. Compacting occurs pneumatically up to a defined position, prior to the test.
The cleaning piston is required for cleaning. This allows cleaning of the extrusion barrel to be carried out with the press of a button.

Pneumatic weight lifting device with weight selector (pegging function)

This unit consists of the pneumatic weight lifting device and an integrated weight selector.

All test weights (1.2 kg; 2.16 kg; 3.8 kg; 5 kg; 8.7 kg; 10 kg; 12.5 kg; 20 kg; 21.6 kg) are integrated in this device. If test weights are changed often, we recommend using the weight selector (pegging device). The weight selector also presents a great option to safely store your weights.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about these test method or products for melt flow testing, please contact us.

Our experts are here to help you.

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Mflow technical data

Type	Mflow extrusion plastometer (230 V)	Mflow extrusion plastometer (110 V)
Item No.	1043951	1043953
Test load	0.325 ... 21.6	0.325 ... 21.6	kg
Compressed air, oiled, dry(option for pneumatic weight lifting unit)	6 ... 10	6 ... 10	bar
Dimensions
Height	510	510	mm
Width	360	360	mm
Depth	419	419	mm
Weight, approx.	43	43	kg
Test temperature	+50 ... +450	+50 ... +450	°C
Display	Capacitive touch display	Capacitive touch display
Resolution of the temperature display	<0.1	<0.1	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
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	<0.005	<0.005	mm
Multi-instrument operation on one PC:
Available main memory, min.	1.54	1.54	GB
Clock frequency	3	3	GHz
Connectible Mflow extrusion plastometer per PC	6	6
Scope of delivery	Ethernet cable Test weight for the load stages 325 g and 2.16 kg Filler funnel Cleaning accessories (cleaning piston, cleaning brush, cleaning pads (500 pieces)) for barrel Test granulate and filling chute for granulate	Ethernet cable Weights for load stages 325 g and 2.16 kg Filler funnel 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
Leakage current, approx.	0.4	0.4	mA
Power frequency	50/60	50/60	Hz

Spatial and temporal, to ISO 1133-2

Type	Mflow extrusion plastometer (230 V)	Mflow extrusion plastometer (110 V)
Item No.	1043951	1043953
Test load	0.325 ... 21.6	0.325 ... 21.6	kg
Compressed air, oiled, dry(option for pneumatic weight lifting unit)	6 ... 10	6 ... 10	bar
Dimensions
Height	510	510	mm
Width	360	360	mm
Depth	419	419	mm
Weight, approx.	43	43	kg
Test temperature	+50 ... +450	+50 ... +450	°C
Display	Capacitive touch display	Capacitive touch display
Resolution of the temperature display	<0.1	<0.1	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
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	<0.005	<0.005	mm
Multi-instrument operation on one PC:
Available main memory, min.	1.54	1.54	GB
Clock frequency	3	3	GHz
Connectible Mflow extrusion plastometer per PC	6	6
Scope of delivery	Ethernet cable Test weight for the load stages 325 g and 2.16 kg Filler funnel Cleaning accessories (cleaning piston, cleaning brush, cleaning pads (500 pieces)) for barrel Test granulate and filling chute for granulate	Ethernet cable Weights for load stages 325 g and 2.16 kg Filler funnel 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
Leakage current, approx.	0.4	0.4	mA
Power frequency	50/60	50/60	Hz

Spatial and temporal, to ISO 1133-2

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.

Description	ArticleNumber
Extrudate cutters
Extrudate cutter, manually operated	087032
Extrudate cutter, automatic operation, automatic control via time interval or manually via push-button, including replacement blades (4x)	087035

Depending on the plastic being used, the Cflow and the Mflow can be fitted with the following test weights. These cannot be used for the pneumatic weight lifting unit with pegging.

Test load [kg]	Required for this	Item No.
5	-	001380
5/10	-	001381
5/10/15/21.6	-	001443
1	-	001385
1.05	-	001386
1.2	-	001387
3.8	-	001459
12.5	Test weights with test loads 5/10 kg (Item No. 001381)	001389
(ASTM D3364) 20	Test weights with test load 5/10/15/21.6 kg (Item No. 001443)	008077

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]	Properties	Item No.
Plastic, not containing fluorine	9.55	Wear-resistant	087025
Plastic, containing fluorine / not containing fluorine	9.55	Acid-resistant, wear-resistant	1069371

Alternative extrusion plastometers

More information on melt flow testing

Determination of melt flow rate to ASTM D1238 on thermoplastics and ASTM D3364 on PVC compounds

MFR/ MVR plastics

ASTM D1238, ASTM D3364

Determination of melt mass-flow rate (MFR), melt volume-flow rate (MVR), flow rate ratio (FRR)

to MFR/ MVR plastics

ISO 1133-1 and ISO 1133-2: Melt flow index testing plastics MFR / MFI & MVR

Melt flow index test plastics

ISO 1133-1, ISO 1133-2

Determination of melt mass-flow rate (MFR or MFI), melt volume-flow rate (MVR)

to Melt flow index test plastics

MVR test plastics, MFR test plastics and additional characteristic values of the melt flow test

Determination of MFR & MVR

MFR and MVR tests and other characteristic values of melt flow tests on plastics

Overview of the melt flow test incl. definition of the test methods for MFR and MVR tests and determined characteristic values, comparison between the test methods and standards ISO 1133, ASTM D1238 and ASTM D3364.

to Determination of MFR & MVR