Labthink C360M Gravimetric Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Tester
| Brand | Labthink |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | OEM/ODM Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | C360M |
| Price Range | USD 28,000 – 56,000 |
| Test Principle | Gravimetric (ASTM E96 / GB 1037) |
| Test Methods | Gain-in-weight & Loss-in-weight |
| Test Stations | 6 independent chambers |
| Temperature Range | 15–55 °C ±0.2 °C |
| Humidity Range | 10–90 %RH ±1 %RH |
| Sample Diameter | Φ74 mm |
| Max Sample Thickness | ≤3 mm |
| Effective Test Area | 33 cm² |
| Carrier Gas | Compressed air (≥0.6 MPa) |
| Drying System | Core-free long-life desiccant module (20,000 h service life) |
| Humidification | Internal mist-free steam generator |
| Airflow Control | Auto-regulated laminar flow |
| Data Compliance | Optional 21 CFR Part 11, GMP-compliant audit trail, DataShield™ secure export (CSV, PDF, XML) |
Overview
The Labthink C360M Gravimetric Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for quantitative determination of water vapor permeation through flexible barrier materials under controlled environmental conditions. It operates on the gravimetric principle—measuring real-time mass change of sealed test cups containing either desiccant (loss-in-weight mode) or distilled water (gain-in-weight mode)—in strict accordance with ASTM E96, GB/T 1037, ISO 2528, and other internationally recognized standards. The system delivers traceable, reproducible WVTR data across a broad dynamic range—from ultra-high-barrier films (e.g., AlOx-coated PET, SiOx-laminates) to highly permeable substrates such as nonwovens and paperboard—making it indispensable for R&D, QC, and regulatory compliance workflows in packaging-intensive industries including pharmaceuticals, medical devices, food, and personal care.
Key Features
- Six independently controlled test chambers enable parallel evaluation of up to six samples under identical or differentiated environmental profiles—significantly improving throughput without compromising measurement integrity.
- Advanced thermal-fluidic chamber architecture ensures uniform temperature distribution (<±0.2 °C) and laminar airflow across all test positions, minimizing edge effects and enhancing inter-chamber repeatability.
- Integrated core-free desiccant drying module provides uninterrupted operation for >20,000 hours without consumable replacement—reducing maintenance overhead and eliminating downtime associated with cartridge swaps.
- Mist-free internal humidification system delivers stable, condensation-free RH control from 10% to 90% RH (±1% RH), critical for evaluating moisture-sensitive formulations and low-permeability barriers.
- 12-inch Windows 10 touchscreen interface with embedded high-performance industrial processor supports both automated routine testing and advanced manual parameter tuning—including real-time adjustment of airflow velocity, dwell time, and stabilization thresholds.
- DataShield™ secure data management platform enables encrypted local storage, role-based access control, electronic signatures, and configurable audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The C360M accommodates flat, flexible specimens up to 3 mm thick and 74 mm in diameter—including monolayer and multilayer polymer films (e.g., PE, PP, PET, PA, EVOH), metallized foils, coated papers, aluminum laminates, medical-grade Tyvek®, spunbond nonwovens, and pharmaceutical blister lidding materials. Its standardized 33 cm² test area aligns with ASTM, ISO, and Chinese pharmacopoeial specifications (YBB00092003-2015). All hardware and firmware are validated per IQ/OQ protocols; optional GMP qualification packages include installation documentation, operational verification reports, and calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards.
Software & Data Management
The embedded DataShield™ software provides full lifecycle data governance: automatic timestamped logging of environmental parameters (T, RH, airflow), raw mass readings at user-defined intervals, real-time curve visualization, and automatic calculation of WVTR (g/m²·day), WVTR per 100 in²·day, and permeance (g·mm/m²·day·kPa). Export options include CSV (for LIMS integration), PDF (for audit-ready reports), and XML (for ERP synchronization). Optional 21 CFR Part 11 modules support electronic records retention, multi-level user authentication, biometric or token-based e-signatures, and immutable audit logs—including operator actions, parameter changes, and result modifications.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical packaging validation: Quantifying moisture ingress into blister packs, sachets, and cold-form foil structures to ensure drug stability per ICH Q1A(R2) and USP <671>.
- Medical device sterility assurance: Measuring WVTR of Tyvek® pouches, breathable films, and peelable lids used in ISO 11607-compliant packaging systems.
- Food shelf-life modeling: Correlating film WVTR values with accelerated aging studies to predict package integrity under varying climatic conditions (e.g., tropical vs. arid).
- Barrier coating development: Supporting R&D of ALD, PECVD, and vacuum metallization processes by enabling rapid comparative screening of coating efficacy and durability.
- Regulatory submission support: Generating GLP-compliant datasets required for FDA 510(k), CE Marking technical files, and PMDA dossiers.
FAQ
What test standards does the C360M comply with?
ASTM E96 (Procedure A/B), GB/T 1037, ISO 2528, TAPPI T464, DIN 53122-1, ASTM D1653, GB/T 16928, and YBB00092003-2015.
Can the instrument perform both gain-in-weight and loss-in-weight measurements simultaneously?
No—each test chamber operates in one mode per cycle; however, different chambers may be configured for opposing modes within the same run.
Is calibration traceable to national metrology institutes?
Yes—optional factory calibration includes NIST-traceable mass standards and certified environmental sensors, with full documentation provided upon request.
What is the expected service life of the integrated drying module?
Rated for ≥20,000 hours of continuous operation without desiccant replacement or performance degradation.
Does the system support remote monitoring or network integration?
Yes—standard Ethernet and optional Wi-Fi connectivity enable integration with enterprise LIMS, MES, and SCADA platforms via TCP/IP or OPC UA protocols.
