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Mflow Extrusion Plastometer

The modular one Download
Test methods
  • MFR
  • MVR
Test volume
  • Average
Applications
  • Incoming goods inspection
  • Teaching & training
  • Production control
  • F&E
Methods
  • Method A
  • Method B
  • Method C

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
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
Test Methods Test results Level of automation
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

 

Video: Mflow extrusion plastometer

Advantages and features of the Mflow

Advantages and features of the Mflow

Reliable Test Results
Intuitive and workflow oriented touch operation
Saving space when testing with multiple instruments

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.

touchscreen-fo

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.
6-instruments-1pc-aflow-mflow-fo

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

Optional accessories for the Mflow

Pneumatic weight lifting unit
Pneumatic weight lifting unit with cleaning function
Pneumatic weight lifting device with weight selector (pegging function)

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.
Mflow weight pegging feature in detail

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

Alternative extrusion plastometers

More information on melt flow testing

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
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
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

Downloads

Name Type Size Download
  • Product brochure: Extrusion plastometers PDF 3 MB
  • Product information: Mflow extrusion plastometer PDF 127 KB
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