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Modular Melt Indexer Available from Tinius Olsen

Model MP600 comes as a basic extrusion plastometer upgradeable for increased automation through accessory packages, including PC control of multiple units.

An advanced melt indexer, which calculates and displays a resin's flow rate, has been introduced by Tinius Olsen, the Willow Grove, PA-based manufacturer of testing machines. The MP600 is supplied as a basic unit whose modularity enables easy expansion with the addition of accessory packages. These packages equip the extrusion plastometer for even greater automated testing, such as control of multiple units from a single PC, plus automatic flow rate measurements using up to three different loads in one test.

Standard equipment with the basic MP600 consists of operating tools, piston rod, and orifices. Weights can be added for Procedure A (manual operation) type tests. In fact, weights and reference thermometers are available for all standard and custom applications. To test fluoroplastic resins and fluorocarbon plastics, corrosion resistant components can be supplied.

The MP600's microprocessor-based controller/timer is operator friendly. It features advanced digital technology, membrane keypad, high visibility 4-line vacuum fluorescent display, serial port, non-volatile memory for storage of calibration data and up to 25 sets of user-programmable test parameters, indicating LEDs, and integral audio alarm. The new melt indexer conforms to ASTM 1238, D3364, ISO 1133, BS 2782, DIN 53735, JIS K7210, and other similar testing methods.

For Procedure B (automatically timed tests), the MP600 can be equipped with an optional PPDT-600 automatic timing switch. It employs a precision optical encoder for piston position measurement to better than 0.025 mm (0.001 in). Among its capabilities are: calculation and display of Capture Time and Flow Rate and Volume Rate for each capture; display of Apparent Shear Stress, Shear Rate, and Viscosity; calculation of melt density using a cut-off weight and built-in subroutine; and automatic selection of piston travel distance.

The optional MWLD-600 motorized weight support, lowering, and lifting device further automates the melt flow test. It features a rotary encoder to allow for precise positioning of the weight support platform and it can be programmed to support a test load at a predetermined height and to automatically lower the weight at the end of the preheat period. The MWLD-600 also features an integrated weight Swing-Away feature that automatically moves the test weight out of the way to prevent it from interfering with the machine cleaning process at the end of each test.

Other options include: an optional flow rate ratio attachment, which allows flow rate determinations to be made using two or three different test loads on one charge of material; and Tinius Olsen's powerful new EP600 test and data acquisition software, for easy testing control from an IBM-compatible PC (packages are available for control of one or up to 10 machines from a single PC).

Founded in 1880, the Tinius Olsen Testing Machine Company, Inc. designs and manufactures testing machines for determining the mechanical properties of metals, plastics, composites, and almost any other material. Major product lines include mechanical and hydraulic powered Universal Testing Machines with tensile and compressive load capacities ranging from under 1 pound to 800,000 pounds, all of which can be provided with a variety of display, control, tooling, and PC-based options for a wide variety of end use applications. Other products include advanced PC/microprocessor-based instruments for testing the mechanical and thermal processing properties of plastics, automated robotic tensile testing systems, impact testers, torsion testers, and a variety of other testing equipment. All of Olsen's products are backed up by a third-party accredited Field Service and Calibration Department.

For more information, contact: Tinius Olsen Testing Machine Co., Inc., 1065 Easton Road, PO Box 1009, Horsham, PA 19044-800919090-0429 USA, (215) 675-7100, Fax (215) 441-0899, info@tiniusolsen.com.

Press Contact: Wayne Hayward
Corporate Marketing Manager
Tinius Olsen Inc, (215) 675-7100
e-mail: whayward@tiniusolsen.com