TA Instruments – Rheology – Rubber Rheometers
Virtually every aspect of a rubber material’s processing and performance characteristics is influenced by its rheological properties. TA Instruments provides a complete range of rotorless shear rheometers and curemeters to help you optimize processing, curing, and application performance.
All TA Instruments rubber rheometers are manufactured to exacting mechanical standards and with the latest measurement technology for the most accurate, reliable, and reproducible data available. Available automation systems allow for maximum unattended laboratory productivity in all test environments. Relevant ASTM, DIN, and ISO standards are easily met, as are demands for advanced testing, making these instruments the ideal choice for quality control, analytical, and research needs.
Available Models
Technical Specification
| Frequency | 0.1 to 2.0 Hz (6 to 120 cpm) |
| Amplitude | ±0.1 to ±7° arc (continuous) |
| Strain | ±1.47 % to ±100 % |
| Torque | 0.0001 to 25 Nm |
| Temperature | Ambient to 230 °C |
| Maximum Ramp Rate | 80 °C/min (1.33 °C/s) |
| Die Type | Sealed bicone, 0.48 mm gap |
| Sample Volume | 4.5 cm3 |
| Platen Sealing Pressure | 4.5 bar |
The RPA flex, Rubber Process Analyzer, is the new standard in rotorless oscillating shear curemeters. In addition to the standard tests of cure at fixed strain and frequency, the RPA flex can be configured to include variable strain, frequency, advanced LAOS testing, and sample pressure measurement.
The RPA flex features a wide range torque transducer and variable sealing pressure and sample pressure sensor options. Employing sealed biconical dies, the RPA flex meets all relevant ASTM, ISO, and DIN standards for rubber and elastomer characterization. The unique design includes an ultra-rigid test frame, variable direct drive motor, precision temperature control with optional cooling, available Autosampler, and powerful Scarabaeus Control and Analysis Software, making it the ideal platform for QC or R&D environments.
Technical Specification
| Frequency | 0.001 To 50 Hz (0.06 To 3,000 cpm) |
| Amplitude | ±0.005 to ±360° arc (continuous) |
| Strain | ±0.07 % to ±5000 % |
| Torque | 0.0001 to 25 N.m |
| Temperature | Ambient to 230 °C |
| Maximum Ramp Rate | 80 °C/min (1.33 °C/s) |
| Die Type | Sealed bicone, 0.48 mm gap |
| Sample Volume | 4.5 cm3 |
| Platen Sealing Pressure | 2 to 8 bar Adjustable |
| Sample Pressure | Optional: 0 to 8,500 kPa |
The TA Instruments RPA elite rubber process analyzer (RPA) is the most advanced rotorless oscillating shear rheometer dedicated to the complete characterization of polymers, rubber and rubber compounds at all stages of manufacture.
The RPA elite provides invaluable viscoelastic data on materials that are uncured, through the curing process, and in situ cured materials. The ultra-rigid test frame, high-resolution variable direct drive motor, ultra-stiff wide-range torque transducer, and precision temperature control provide the most precise and accurate torque, viscosity and viscoelastic properties of elastomers over the widest ranges of testing conditions.
The fully flexible architecture of the RPA elite enables advanced testing capabilities beyond any other rubber rheometer including: complete post cure viscoelastic characterization, fully programmable sealing pressure, large amplitude oscillatory shear (LAOS) and arbitrary waveform deformations.
Density testing is made simple with the TA Instruments fully Automated Density Tester. This fully programmable, automated system measures the density of cured rubber materials using the finite difference (buoyancy) method. Active measurement of the fluid temperature increases accuracy by accounting for small changes in the density of the immersion fluid with temperature.
The Automated Hardness Tester streamlines the measurement of Shore A hardness for cured rubber materials. This fully programmable, automated system measures the hardness of cured rubber materials according to all international standards for Shore A hardness. Each measurement involves the determination of a user-defined number of single point Shore A values. The individual readings, mean and median of this set are reported for each sample.
Sample preparation for RPA, MDR, and Mooney instruments is made safe and simple with the VS volumetric sample cutter. This dual-action pneumatic system allows for the preparation of uncured rubber specimens of a user-defined volume. Preparing samples in this well-controlled fashion reduces operational variability, greatly improving overall experimental precision.
The VS comes standard with a closing pressure of 6 bar. The sample is first compressed to the user-prescribed thickness, then cut to the die diameter. The closing pressure, and sample volume are user adjustable. Two handed operation and lateral guards guarantee safe operation at all times.
Key Features
Rubber Rheometers
- High resolution variable direct drive motor for absolute strain control
- Proprietary high stiffness, wide torque range transducer with high sensitivity for noise free data
- Extremely rigid test frame for accurate compliance free data
- Upgradeable to the widest range of tests and testing conditions
- Fully programmable variable testing parameters (strain, frequency, temperature, and closing pressure)
- Available autosampler for unattended operation
- Pneumatic locking cylinders with adjustable platen closing force and pressure sensor
- User calibration and user replaceable seals
Rubber Rheometer Automation
TA instruments provides innovative material characterization instruments that are widely used for research, analysis, and quality control in the evaluation…
