Lamy Rheology RM100+ PLUS Direct-Drive Rotational Viscometer

Overview

The Lamy Rheology RM100+ PLUS is a high-precision, direct-drive rotational viscometer engineered for rigorous routine and research-grade viscosity characterization of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids. Operating on the Couette principle—where torque exerted on a rotating spindle immersed in a sample is measured under controlled shear rate—this instrument delivers traceable, reproducible data across an exceptionally broad dynamic range (1–540 × 10⁶ mPa·s). Its spring-free, motor-driven architecture eliminates mechanical hysteresis and long-term drift associated with torsion-wire systems, ensuring metrological stability over extended service life. Designed and manufactured in France, the RM100+ PLUS complies with international standard test methods including ASTM D2196, ISO 2555 (for polymer solutions), ISO 3219 (rotational viscometry), and DIN 53019. It serves as the core measurement module within a modular platform that integrates seamlessly with the RM200 rheometer and EvA MS-R Peltier-controlled sample station—enabling full temperature-resolved flow curve acquisition, thixotropy assessment, and time-dependent structural recovery analysis.

Key Features

• Direct-drive brushless DC motor with closed-loop speed control: delivers consistent rotational accuracy from 0.3 to 1500 rpm without speed drop at high torque loads—critical for characterizing highly viscous or yield-stress materials.
• Integrated Pt100 Class A temperature probe (IEC 60751): embedded in all spindles and measurement systems, enabling real-time thermal compensation and compliance with ISO/ASTM temperature reporting requirements.
• 7-inch industrial-grade capacitive touchscreen (RM100+ TOUCH variant): supports intuitive method programming, multi-step protocols (e.g., ramp-and-hold, timed shear), on-device data review, and secure user authentication via 4-digit PIN.
• Bayonet-mount spindle interface (ISO 8502-1 compliant): ensures rapid, repeatable, and mechanically robust attachment of coaxial cylinder (CC), cone-plate (CP), or vane geometries—eliminating alignment errors and reducing setup variability.
• Dual-output digital interface: native RS-232 and USB 2.0 ports support bidirectional communication with Visco RM and Rheomatic software suites; optional 4–20 mA analog output enables integration into PLC-based process monitoring environments.
• No annual recalibration or spring replacement required: torque transduction is achieved via strain-gauge-based load cell technology with factory-certified linearity (±0.2% FS repeatability, ±1% FS accuracy).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RM100+ PLUS accommodates a wide spectrum of sample forms—including gels, pastes, suspensions, emulsions, molten polymers, and high-solids dispersions—via interchangeable measurement systems (MB-2/MB-3 coaxial cylinders, MV series vanes, CP cones). When paired with the EvA MS-R Peltier thermal station (temperature range 17–45 °C, stability ±0.2 °C), it meets GLP/GMP documentation requirements for temperature-controlled QC testing. All hardware and firmware conform to IEC 61000-6-2/6-4 (EMC immunity/emission) and carry CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Data integrity is preserved through audit-trail-enabled software (Visco RM v4.2+), supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when deployed with electronic signatures and role-based access controls.

Software & Data Management

Visco RM (for RM100+ and RM200) provides comprehensive instrument control, automated protocol execution, and ISO-compliant report generation—including viscosity vs. shear rate curves, thixotropic loop analysis, and time-sweep quantification (structural breakdown/recovery indices). Rheomatic-T enables passive data logging from RM200 units, while Rheomatic-P supports active remote operation and real-time parameter adjustment. Raw data export is supported in CSV, XLSX, and universal .RHEO formats. All software modules implement encrypted local storage, configurable data retention policies, and timestamped metadata (operator ID, calibration status, environmental conditions). Optional network licensing allows centralized deployment across laboratory intranets with centralized license management.

Applications

This viscometer system is routinely deployed in quality control laboratories and R&D facilities across regulated and industrial sectors. In pharmaceutical manufacturing, it validates viscosity of topical gels (USP ), ophthalmic solutions, and injectable suspensions under temperature-controlled conditions. Cosmetic formulators use it to quantify shear-thinning behavior of creams and conditioners per ISO 18423. Paint and ink manufacturers rely on its high-torque capability to assess sag resistance and leveling performance per ASTM D4400. Polymer compounders employ it for melt viscosity profiling of thermoplastics (ISO 11443), while food scientists apply it to characterize starch pastes, chocolate mass, and dairy concentrates across defined thermal ramps. Academic rheologists utilize the RM200’s built-in shear-rate control mode for rapid flow curve acquisition without PC dependency.

FAQ

Does the RM100+ PLUS require periodic mechanical recalibration?
No. The torque sensing system uses a solid-state load cell with factory-maintained calibration traceable to NIST standards. Only annual verification using certified reference oils (e.g., Cannon N47/N1000) is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines.
Can the system measure yield stress?
Yes—when configured with vane spindles (MV series) and operated in controlled-stress mode via Rheomatic-P software, it determines static and dynamic yield values per ASTM D8065 and ISO 3219 Annex B.
Is the EvA MS-R compatible with non-Lamy temperature baths?
The EvA MS-R is designed exclusively for integration with RM100+/RM200 controllers via proprietary digital bus. Third-party baths may be connected only via analog 4–20 mA setpoint interface, without feedback or synchronization.
What validation documentation is provided?
Each unit ships with a Factory Calibration Certificate (traceable to LNE, France), EU Declaration of Conformity, and IQ/OQ templates aligned with ASTM E2500 and Annex 11.
How is data security managed during remote operation?
All network-connected operations use TLS 1.2 encryption; user sessions enforce timeout lockout, password complexity rules, and immutable audit logs recording every command, parameter change, and file export event.