JIS-Z2502 Powder Flow Funnel with Integrated Sensor – TSUTSUI Rikagaku (Tutui Chemical)

Overview

The JIS-Z2502 Powder Flow Funnel with Integrated Sensor is a precision-engineered flow measurement system designed and manufactured by TSUTSUI Rikagaku (Tutui Chemical), Japan, and distributed globally under the TAMASAKI brand. It implements the standardized gravity-driven orifice flow method specified in JIS Z 2502:2018 — “Testing methods for flowability of metal powders” — which defines procedures for determining the time required for a fixed mass of powder to discharge through a calibrated stainless-steel funnel under controlled conditions. This apparatus is not a general-purpose hopper but a metrologically traceable, sensor-augmented test station engineered for high reproducibility in quality control environments where powder rheology directly impacts deposition fidelity in printed electronics and thin-film metallization processes. Its design eliminates manual stopwatch dependency by embedding a photodetector-based sensor at the funnel outlet, enabling automatic start/stop timing synchronized with powder front passage. The system supports routine validation of powder batch consistency prior to screen printing, inkjet deposition, or aerosol jet printing of conductive traces on semiconductor substrates.

Key Features

• Full compliance with JIS Z 2502:2018 — including dimensional tolerances for the conical funnel (60° apex angle, 8 mm orifice diameter, 100 mm height), standardized base plate geometry, and calibration protocols.
• Integrated optical sensor module positioned at the orifice exit plane, delivering precise event-triggered timing without operator intervention or parallax error.
• Digital timer with 0.01-second resolution and documented accuracy of ±0.005% + 20 ms — traceable to national time standards and suitable for GLP-compliant documentation.
• Stainless-steel construction (SUS316L funnel body) ensures corrosion resistance, non-reactivity with reactive metal powders (e.g., Al, Cu, Ag nano-pastes), and long-term dimensional stability.
• Compact benchtop footprint (approx. 250 × 250 × 400 mm) and low power requirement (10 VA) enable seamless integration into cleanroom-adjacent QC labs and pilot-line print development stations.
• Designed for repeatable sample loading: includes standardized 50 g powder cup (JIS-specified mass tolerance ±0.1 g) and vibration-free manual dispensing protocol to minimize pre-compaction artifacts.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

This funnel system is validated for use with free-flowing and marginally cohesive metal powders within the particle size range of 1–100 µm — including spherical atomized stainless steel, nickel, copper, silver, and aluminum alloys commonly employed in printed electronics pastes. It is not intended for highly agglomerated, hygroscopic, or polymeric powders outside JIS Z 2502 scope. All mechanical dimensions and operational parameters conform strictly to JIS Z 2502 Annex A (verification requirements) and are compatible with cross-referenced international equivalents such as ISO 4490:2018 and ASTM B213. Data generated meets audit requirements for ISO 9001:2015 clause 8.5.1 (control of production) and supports evidence-based process capability assessments per IATF 16949 for automotive electronics suppliers.

Software & Data Management

The unit operates as a standalone hardware timer with no embedded firmware or proprietary software. Timing data is output via LED display only; however, its sensor output signal (TTL-level pulse on flow initiation and termination) is accessible via rear-panel BNC connectors, enabling direct integration with external DAQ systems (e.g., National Instruments USB-6009), LIMS platforms, or custom Python/Matlab acquisition scripts. Timestamped measurements can be logged with full metadata (operator ID, batch number, ambient RH/T) to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements when paired with validated third-party software. Audit trails, user access controls, and electronic signatures must be implemented at the host system level.

Applications

• Pre-process qualification of conductive metal pastes used in roll-to-roll gravure and flexographic printing of RFID antennas.
• Routine QC of spherical Ag/Cu nanopowders prior to aerosol jet printing of interconnects on SiC power modules.
• Comparative flow testing across powder lots to detect sintering-induced agglomeration or surfactant degradation in paste formulations.
• Correlation studies between JIS Z 2502 flow time and screen print resolution limits (e.g., minimum line width, edge acuity) in semiconductor packaging applications.
• Supporting DOE activities for optimizing binder burnout profiles in thick-film ceramic substrates via controlled powder packing density assessment.

FAQ

Does this funnel comply with ISO or ASTM equivalents?
Yes — JIS Z 2502:2018 is technically harmonized with ISO 4490:2018 and ASTM B213-17; dimensional and procedural alignment allows direct cross-referencing in multi-standard manufacturing environments.
Can it be used for non-metallic powders such as ceramics or polymers?
No — JIS Z 2502 explicitly applies to metallic powders. For ceramic or polymer powders, ISO 4490 or ASTM D1895 should be referenced, requiring different funnel geometries and calibration protocols.
Is calibration certification included with shipment?
A factory verification report confirming orifice diameter (8.00 ± 0.02 mm), cone angle (60.0 ± 0.5°), and timer accuracy is provided. NIST-traceable recalibration services are available through authorized TAMASAKI service centers.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term measurement integrity?
Daily visual inspection of orifice for particle adhesion; monthly cleaning with ethanol and lint-free swabs; annual dimensional verification using certified gauge pins and optical comparator.
Is the sensor module replaceable or field-serviceable?
Yes — the optical sensor assembly is modular and supplied with spare LED/detector pairs. Replacement requires no tools and takes <2 minutes; alignment is factory-fixed and does not require realignment post-swap.