Vicat Dry

The Oil-Free Measurement Principle

Vicat Dry instruments are designed to determine the Vicat softening temperature (VST) and are primarily used in research and development, goods inwards checks and production monitoring. The oil-free measurement principle ensures clean, odor-free working conditions. The test sequence is completely automatic. Different versions of the instrument are available, with two or six testing stations according to requirements.

Advantages & Features

Advantages

no fiddling with weights - loading is performed automatically
convenient PC control
instrument cools down quickly, assisted by a cryostat with closed coolant circuit
easy displacement calibration using gage-blocks
space-saving
small specimens are easy to handle
rapid re-cooling enables significant increase in throughput compared with oil Vicat tests

Applications

Determination of Vicat softening temperature (VST)

of thermoplastics as per ISO 306

Functions, elements and interfaces

built-in microprocessor-controlled electronics for temperature control and measured-value acquisition
fully automatic test-sequence
automatically controlled compressed-air re-cooling
connection for fluid cooling
safety thermostat
low heating of housing
safety switch prevents crush risk
serial interface for connecting a PC for test-control and data acquisition via ZwickRoell Roell testing software
integrated compensation for heat expansion
integrated weight sets, 10N and 50N

Automatic test sequence

Once the heating block has reached the starting temperature, the specimens are positioned in the measuring stations, the instrument is closed pneumatically and the test weight specified in the standards is automatically applied.

On completion of preheating under the influence of force, the displacement signals are zeroed (program-controlled) and warming of the heating block at the preset rate is started. As soon as the required penetration is attained at all stations, the heating is switched off and the test is ended.

Re-cooling is started automatically; the specimens can afterwards be removed.

Re-cooling the heat-transfer fluid

The instruments are equipped with compressed-air cooling as standard. If sufficiently cool compressed air is not available, the instruments can be cooled with water.

Technical Overview

Description	Value
General technical data for Vicat Dry
Display accuracy at 250 °C	±0.5	°C
Spatial temperature gradient	±0.2	°C
Temperature measurement resolution	0.1	°C
Temperature sensor	2x measurement of heating-block temperature, 1 additional specimen-adjacent sensor per measuring station
Heating rate	50, 120 or freely adjustable	K/h
Displacement measurement with inductive LVDT measuring transducers
Displacement measurement range, approx.	2.5	mm
Display accuracy	±0.01	mm
Re-cooling times (dependent on temperature-conditioning medium):
with water, from 200°C to 25°C at water temperature of 12°C, approx.	15	min.
with air, from 200°C to approx. 35°C, approx.	25	min.
Connection:
mains voltage	230/240	P
mains supply frequency	50/60	Hz
power rating	550	W
compressed-air supply¹	6 to 10	bar
water supply, max.²	10	bar
PC interfaces required	RS232 interface
Scope of delivery	weights and needles included in delivery
Specimen data
VST specimen dimensions, max.	10 x 6.5 x 10	mm

Compressed-air supply required for compressed-air cooling
Water supply required for water-cooling

Type	Vicat 2-300 Dry	Vicat 6-300 Dry
Item No.	326068	325987
Measuring stations, equipped	2	6
Dimensions
Height	610	750	mm
Width	400	400	mm
Depth	750	680	mm
Weight without accessories, approx.	62	90	kg