Aflow Extrusion Plastometer – SCS INSTRUMENTS
Test methods
- MFR
- MVR
- Multi-weight tests
Test volume
- High
Applications
- 24/7 operation for QA
- Flexibilty for R&D
Methods
- Method A
- Method B
- Method C
- Method D
Mastering the challenges of melt flow testing with the Aflow
The Aflow is characterized by its high level of automation. Whether simple cleaning and defined pre-compaction at the press of a button, or steplessly adjustable test loads, the Aflow extrusion plastometer adapts to your testing needs:
- The Aflow was specially developed for research and development, shift work with changing operators and production control, where speed, operator-independent testing and a high level of repeatability and reproducibility of test results play an important role.
- The instrument supports worldwide common standards and methods: ISO 1133, ASTM D1238, ASTM D3364, JIS K 7210 for MFR and MVR measurement according to methods A, B, C and D.
The Aflow can be operated as a stand-alone instrument using its modern touch display, or with ZwickRoell’s testXpert testing software via PC.
Aflow extrusion plastometer at a glance
| Standards | ISO 1133, ASTM D1238, ASTM D3364, JIS K 7210 |
| Typical measurement range | Approx. 0.1 g/10 min ... approx. 900 g/10 min |
| Weight levels | 0.325 --- 50 kg |
High level of automation
- Optionally: fully automatic detection of the appropriate test sequence, or 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 the preheating phase by reducing or increasing the test load up to 50 kg
- Automatic start of the measurement
- Instrument-controlled pre-compacting according to force and time specification
- 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 | Test control according to time or displacement intervals Continuous displacement and MVR measurement |
| Method C half-die | Melt density, apparent shear rate, apparent shear stress, apparent viscosity | Detection of bubble inclusions or errors, Automatic calculation of results, Graphical representation of measurement sequences, results and statistics |
| Method D multi-weight test | MFR, MVR, FRR Melt density, apparent shear rate, apparent shear stress, apparent viscosity | Control of the test sequence via parameters specification, Weight sequence optionally increasing or decreasing, Stepless adjustability of the test loads, Free selection of the waiting time after changing the test load |
Videos: Aflow Extrusion Plastometer
Advantages and features of the Aflow
New automated process maximizes test efficiency
This function enables testing of unknown plastic materials without pretests to determine the test parameters.
Time savings and ergonomic operation through optimal test sequence
The pneumatic pre-compaction feature allows the polymer to be defined and evenly pre-compacted at the press of a button—saving time and effort. To further accelerate the test procedure after the test, it is possible to eject the remaining material from the extrusion barrel with a force of up to 80 kg and then clean it with a pneumatic cleaning device at the press of a button.
Quick cleaning and pre-compacting
Aflow's pneumatic cleaning device enables cleaning and pre-compacting to be performed at a preset pressure. The Clean and Pre-compact option allows variable adjustment of the cleaning and pre-compacting pressure, while a switch on the cleaning unit allows one of the two pressure steps to be selected.
Flexibility due to stepless test load up to 50 g
Test loads in Aflow can be adjusted steplessly from 0.325 kg to 50 kg. A multi-stage test can be performed effortlessly to Method D purely by means of presets in the software. This allows several tests with different weight stages to be carried out with a single barrel filling.
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.
Space savings 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. Centralized operation and result storage from a single workstation is efficient and provides a quick overview of all ongoing tests. 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 the melt volume rate 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 preselected
