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Rubber Process Analyzer RPA 8000

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ASTM D6204, ASTM D5289, ASTM D6601, ISO 6502

Qualitest rubber process analyzer RPA8000 is an advanced dynamic mechanical rheological test instrument. The RPA8000 is designed to measure dynamic mechanical rheological characteristics of polymers and rubber compounds before during and after cure

The RPA 8000 has many advantages over traditional rubber test methods due to the ability to test under conditions of variable strain frequency and temperature which reveal important differences in rheological, rheometric and dynamic viscoelastic properties. The versatility of this instrument allows for polymers and compounds to be comprehensively characterized, especially in terms of intrinsic material properties, processability characteristics and end product performance.

Specifications of Rubber Process Analyzer RPA 8000
Standards	Complies with ASTM D6204, ASTM D5289, ASTM D6601, ISO 6502
Temperature	Microprocessor controlled, ambient to 230°C (446°F)
Oscillation Strain	±0.14 to ±1256% (±0.01° to ±90° of arc)
Oscillation Frequency	0.0016 to 33Hz (0.1 to 2000rpm)
Torque Range	0.001 to 225dN-m (0-200lb-in)
Units of measure	Torque: S’, S” (N-m, dN-m, lb-in, kg-cm) Shear Modulus: G’, G”, G* (Pa, MPa, psi) Temp: °C, °F Frequency: cpm, Hz, rad/s Strain: °arc, % Optional calculated results: ŋ’, ŋ”, ŋ, j’, j”, j tanδ
Electrical	100/110/120/130VAC ±10%, 50/60±3Hz, 15amp single p 200/220/240/260VAC ±10%, 50/60±3Hz, 7.5amp single p
Dimensions (WxDxH)	70x80x130cm (28x32x53in.)
Weight	280kg (620lb)
Automation	Optional 100 sample auto loader available to automatically load and unload samples

The optional auto loading fixture further improves the productivity of the RPA8000. This option allows for up to 100 samples to be measured without operator interference. The auto loading fixture consists of a rotary tray staging system, sample loading arm, film transport system and controller. (use the two auto loading images for this text these needs to be fairly small)

Main application:

Incoming polymer characterization
Incoming raw material test
Master batch testing
Final compound testing
Cured compound testing

Application	Variable	Benefit
Polymer	Strain	Molecular weight distribution
	Frequency	Ageing
	Stress Relaxation	Consistent processing
Mixing	Strain	Dispersion
		Optimize cycle times
		Improved efficiency
		Reduced Scrap
Calandering/ Extrusion	Strain	Gauge control / Die swell
Injection Molding	Strain	Mold flow
	Frequency	Mold fill
		Shear thinning
Cure	Temp	Optimized cycle times
		Minimized cycle times
		Maximum throughput
Post Cure	Temp	Damping
	Strain	Rolling resistance
	Frequency	Heat build up
	Stress relaxation

Variable Strain:

Strain is applied via the oscillating lower die, under full computer control. The strain angle can be precisely varied between 0.05° and 90° in 0.01° increments. Torque modulus and viscosity are measured at pre determined frequency and temperature.

Variable Frequency:

The oscillation frequency of the applied strain cam be varied with great accuracy between 0.03Hz and 33Hz. Torque, modulus and viscosity are measured at pre determined strain and temperature.

Variable Temperature:

During a test, the temperature can be varied between 20°C and 230°C with great precision. Torque, modulus and viscosity are measured under pre determined frequency and strain.

Stress Relaxation

Modulus and torque are measured vs. time after a sample has been subjected to a pre-programmed strain.