Anton Paar introduces the third generation of Modular Compact Rheometers. More versatile than ever, the new MCR series offers one thing first and foremost: An open range of possibilities. This is how Anton Paar defines future-proof rheometry: Whichever new application opens up, MCR users can rely on the fact that they are always covered. Whether in routine quality control or high-end research & development, the speed and precision of the systems’ dynamic EC motor and numerous features are always readily available for convenient operation and reliable results.
Modular…
Rheological requirements are always in flux, much like the flow and deformation behavior of the materials the technology is used to investigate. Building on their intrinsic modular design, the new generation of MCR dynamic shear rheometers is now even further ahead of latest testing applications: The instruments are efficiently and comfortably adapted to meet any testing requirement.
The new intuitive software and patented features like ToolmasterTM, an automatic tool recognition and configuration system, make sure of smooth modular operation: Changing a cone-plate for a concentric-cylinder measuring system is just as easy as integrating a new temperature device or extending MCR rheometers’ testing capabilities with a wide range of application-specific accessories.
Automatic tool recognition and configuration:
ToolmasterTM Anyone who has ever operated a rheometer knows that a modular rheo-setup is only useful if its measuring systems and environmental systems are easily and swiftly exchanged. With MCR, this exchange basically organizes itself, in a very short time – as the patented ToolmasterTM (US Patent 7,275,419) feature does all the work, recognizing and configuring all systems as soon as these are connected to the rheometer.
Modular temperature control from -150 °C to 1000 °C
Anton Paar offers a wide range of modular temperature devices tailored to specific rheological requirements –- from -150 °C to 1000 °C, from low-viscosity liquids to highly elastic solids, from traditional shear rheology to DMTA analysis. All devices are easily exchanged and ensure virtually gradient-free temperature control. Patented technological highlights like the truly Peltier-controlled hood (H-PTD) and the Peltier temperature device for concentric-cylinder systems (C-PTD) expand users’ measurement options and ensure temperature accuracy.
Build on your rheometer: Application-specific accessories
The vast range of application-specific MCR accessories comprises the largest number of custom-tailored solutions available on the market. MCR users can choose to obtain additional structure information, set additional parameters or employ their rheometer's functionality for further material characterization. MCR rheometers are ready for everything: Tests under pressure, during UV curing, in a magnetic or electric field; tests combined with structure analysis – with the Rheo-Microscope, in Rheo-SALS, Rheo-SAXS or Rheo-SANS applications; extended material characterization using an MCR rheometer – such as extensional rheology, DMTA analysis, tribology and much, much more.
…Compact…
The space-saving MCR rheometers are built for practice, with all components incorporated into one simply installed unit that easily fits on a standard laboratory table.
“Compact” use of the operators' time is also guaranteed: The patented TruGapTM system for automatic gap control, the T-ReadyTM feature for controlling the actual sample temperature, and of course the speed and precision of the synchronous EC motor itself – these and other MCR characteristics ensure efficient rheological operation.
Permanent control of the measuring gap: TruGapTM
The MCRs' patented TruGapTM system (US Patent 6,499,336) fully replaces complicated gap-setting procedures: Based on a magnetic induction principle, TruGapTM directly measures and precisely adjusts the measuring gap to the desired position independently of the temperature and thermal expansion. One single zero-gap setting suffices – flawless documentation and complete traceability of the actual gap is guaranteed.
Time-saving temperature certainty: T-ReadyTM
To provide essential information about sample temperature equilibration, the MCR series’ new T-ReadyTM feature precisely determines when the desired sample temperature has been reached. Unnecessary waiting times before tests are eliminated: T-ReadyTM gives a green light or automatically starts the test as soon as the sample has reached the required temperature.
…Rheometer.
The third generation of MCR rheometers features well-known, further refined, and brand-new technological highlights. The air-bearing-supported, synchronous EC motor, the dynamic TruRateTM sample-adaptive motor controller, the patented normal force sensor integrated in the air bearing, the Piezo Axial Actuator, TruStrainTM real-time position control, improved electronics and numerous other features add to the MCR series’ world-renowned peak performance.
The key to accuracy: The EC motor technology
The air-bearing-supported synchronous EC motor (also called DC motor) is the key component of the MCR series’ dynamism and precision.
Whether users perform zero-shear viscosity determinations of low-viscosity polymers or measure highly viscous magneto rheological fluids at high shear rates and strains: The EC (Electrically Commutated) motor ensures accuracy across a vast viscosity range.
The established air bearing technology - with a radial and axial air bearing supporting the motor - is safe against external influences and therefore applicable without further electronic control. Continuously optimized for rigidity, drift stability and robustness, this technology together with torque scanning further improved in the new MCR generation enables low-torque measurements down to a minimum of 2 nNm.
The high sensitivity and increased sampling rate of the patented normal force sensor (US Patent 6,167,752) integrated in the air bearing enables normal force measurements during transient and steady-state tests as well as static normal force measurements optionally used for DMTA, tack or penetration tests. The advantage of the sensor’s particular location: Normal force measurements are available for all temperature devices and application-specific accessories.
Intelligent control
The MCR's TruRateTM sample-adaptive controller intelligently adapts to the sample conditions at hand. Without prior information on the sample and without any pre-testing, sample strains, shear rates or stresses are precisely controlled. The desired settings are achieved in minimum time; no additional software selections are required.
With the MCR rheometers’ TruStrainTM real-time position control, the “guessing game” commonly required for performing strain-controlled oscillatory tests with CS rheometers becomes a thing of the past. TruStrainTM employs a new approach: Instead of amplitude control, it employs real-time position control based on the Direct Strain Oscillation (DSO) method. This ensures more efficiency and drift-free measurements at smallest torques and strains.
In short, the new generation of MCR rheometers provides an even higher level of precision in an even wider range of rheological testing applications. MCR users can look forward to their future applications…
For further information please contact
Ms. Hermine Knapp,
Tel: +43 316-257 1350,
E-mail: [email protected]