Brabender 350 Series Plastograph Mixer
| Origin | Germany |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | 350 / 350E / 350S |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The Brabender 350 Series Plastograph Mixer is a precision-engineered torque rheometer system designed for laboratory-scale compounding, process simulation, and material characterization of thermoplastics, elastomers, rubber compounds, and filled polymer systems. Operating on the principle of controlled shear deformation within a sealed, temperature-regulated mixing chamber, the system measures real-time torque, temperature, and energy consumption to quantify viscoelastic behavior, melt viscosity, dispersion quality, and thermal stability during dynamic mixing. Its robust twin-rotor geometry—configured in intermeshing or non-intermeshing arrangements—enables reproducible shear history under defined rotational speed, temperature profile, and fill level. The 350 Series serves as both a preparative tool for generating representative test specimens (e.g., sheets, plaques, or compression-molded discs) and an analytical platform for quantitative process development aligned with industrial extrusion, calendering, or injection molding conditions.
Key Features
- Adjustable mixing chamber volume: 370–440 cm³, optimized for statistically representative sample generation and scalable process correlation
- Dual heating/cooling options: Liquid-based thermal control (oil/water circulation) or electrically heated chambers with forced-air cooling, supporting rapid thermal transitions
- Precise temperature regulation: ±0.5 °C stability across the full operating range up to 300 °C, verified per ASTM D3418 and ISO 6721-10
- Computer-integrated control architecture: Full sequence programming via Brabender WinRheo software, enabling automated execution of multi-step protocols
- Modular rotor configurations: Standard rotors for general-purpose compounding; specialized geometries for high-shear dispersion or low-viscosity liquid blending
- Ergonomic access design: Hinged upper housing and horizontal chamber partition (350S variant) allow complete material evacuation without scraping or residual retention
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 350 Series accommodates a broad spectrum of polymeric and composite feedstocks—including SBR, NR, EPDM, PVC, PP, PE, TPU, and highly filled formulations containing carbon black, silica, calcium carbonate, or flame retardants. Its closed-system operation ensures operator safety and environmental containment during volatile or dust-generating processes. All hardware and firmware comply with CE marking requirements (2014/30/EU EMC Directive, 2014/35/EU LVD), and software functionality supports audit-ready data integrity in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when configured with electronic signatures and secure user roles. Routine calibration traceability follows ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines through documented torque sensor verification and temperature probe validation.
Software & Data Management
Brabender WinRheo software provides a validated Windows-based interface for method creation, real-time monitoring, and post-acquisition analysis. Users define up to 20 sequential mixing steps—each programmable for duration, target temperature, rotor speed (0.1–200 rpm), and torque limit—with automatic logging of torque (N·m), chamber temperature (°C), energy input (W·h), and elapsed time at 100-ms resolution. Raw datasets export in CSV or proprietary .BRD format, compatible with third-party statistical tools (e.g., JMP, MATLAB). Built-in analysis modules support Bitumen Integration Time (BIT), scorch delay calculation, fusion time determination, and Payne effect quantification—critical for rubber formulation optimization and QC release testing.
Applications
- Rubber compound development: Cure kinetics assessment, filler dispersion efficiency, and scorch safety margin evaluation
- Thermoplastic processing simulation: Melt flow index correlation, thermal degradation onset detection, and plasticizer migration studies
- Quality control of incoming raw materials: Consistency screening of polymer resins, masterbatches, and functional additives
- Regulatory compliance testing: ASTM D1646 (Mooney viscosity), ISO 289 (shear rate-dependent viscosity), and DIN 53520 (plasticity number)
- Academic research: Structure–property relationships in nanocomposites, biopolymer blends, and reactive extrusion precursors
FAQ
What distinguishes the 350S variant from the standard 350/350E model?
The 350S features a horizontally split mixing chamber with pivot-mounted upper and lower housings, enabling gravity-assisted, residue-free discharge—particularly advantageous for high-viscosity elastomer compounds and rapid turnaround between trials.
Can the system be integrated into a GLP-compliant laboratory workflow?
Yes. When deployed with WinRheo’s optional 21 CFR Part 11 module, it supports role-based access control, electronic signatures, audit trails, and immutable data archiving—fully aligning with Good Laboratory Practice documentation standards.
Is calibration certification available for torque and temperature sensors?
Brabender provides factory calibration certificates traceable to national metrology institutes (e.g., PTB, NIST); on-site recalibration services are offered annually or per ISO/IEC 17025 internal QA schedules.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Lubrication of drive gearboxes every 500 operating hours; rotor surface inspection and chamber seal replacement every 2,000 hours or after processing abrasive fillers; full thermal system validation semiannually.
Does the system support custom rotor geometries for specialized applications?
Yes. Brabender offers application-specific rotor sets—including high-torque kneading elements, low-shear dispersing profiles, and corrosion-resistant alloys—for use with aggressive chemicals or conductive composites.
