SUNS MTM1000 Melt Flow Rate Tester

Overview

The SUNS MTM1000 Melt Flow Rate Tester is a precision-engineered instrument designed for the standardized determination of melt mass flow rate (MFR) and melt volume flow rate (MVR) of thermoplastic polymers under defined temperature and load conditions. It operates on the principle of extrusion plastometry—measuring the mass or volume of polymer melt extruded through a standardized capillary die (2.095 mm nominal diameter) over a fixed time interval (typically 10 minutes), in accordance with ASTM D1238, ISO 1133-1/-2, GB/T 3682, and related national verification regulations (JJG 878-2005, JB/T 5456-2005). The system is calibrated and validated for use in quality control laboratories, R&D facilities, and production environments where regulatory traceability, inter-laboratory reproducibility, and long-term stability are critical requirements.

Key Features

• Robust modular frame construction: Precision-machined aluminum alloy base and upright assembly enable stable operation, simplified maintenance, and consistent thermal isolation between heating zone and mechanical components.
• High-stability thermal system: A dual-zone PID-controlled heating block ensures uniform axial temperature distribution (≤0.5 °C variation across barrel length) and rapid post-load recovery (≤4 minutes to re-attain setpoint after sample loading).
• Thermally optimized core components: Barrel and piston are fabricated from low-coefficient-of-thermal-expansion, high-hardness alloy steel, subjected to nitriding surface treatment to resist deformation, oxidation, and wear at sustained temperatures up to 450 °C.
• Non-contact displacement sensing: A lever-type optical encoder—free of springs, friction, or hysteresis—provides linear, drift-free measurement of piston travel with sub-millimeter resolution, eliminating mechanical loading artifacts that compromise MVR accuracy.
• Programmable auto-cutting mechanism: Micro-stepper motor-driven cutter allows precise timing intervals (2–1000 s), manual jog operation, and on-demand single cuts—supporting both gravimetric (MFR) and volumetric (MVR) test protocols without operator intervention.
• Dedicated microprocessor controller: Integrated firmware enables full-cycle automation—including temperature ramping, dwell stabilization, timer initiation, cut triggering, data logging, and result calculation—with optional thermal printout via built-in mini-thermal printer.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MTM1000 accommodates standard thermoplastic resins including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), ABS, PET, and engineering thermoplastics requiring elevated test temperatures (up to 450 °C). Its geometry conforms strictly to ISO 1133 Annex A specifications: 9.550 mm barrel ID, 2.095 mm die ID, and L/D ratio ≥30. Calibration and verification follow JJG 878-2005 metrological verification procedures; routine performance checks align with ISO/IEC 17025 internal quality assurance protocols. All critical parameters—including temperature uniformity, load accuracy (≤±0.5%), and repeatability (≤2% RSD on PE reference material)—are documented and traceable to national standards.

Software & Data Management

While the MTM1000 operates via embedded real-time controller (no PC dependency), its firmware supports GLP-compliant data integrity features: timestamped test records, user-defined test IDs, automatic calculation of MFR (g/10 min) and MVR (cm³/10 min), and direct thermal printing of results with operator name, date, temperature, load, and cut intervals. For laboratories implementing electronic record systems, raw timer and weight inputs can be manually transcribed into LIMS or validated spreadsheet templates compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements (when paired with appropriate audit-trail-enabled software layers).

Applications

• Quality conformance testing of incoming polymer pellets against supplier MFR specifications (e.g., PE HD5002, PP H180MO).
• Process development support for extrusion, injection molding, and blow molding operations—correlating MFR shifts with molecular weight distribution changes.
• Stability assessment of recycled polymer streams exposed to thermal degradation during multiple processing cycles.
• Regulatory submission support for medical-grade thermoplastics (ISO 10993-12) and food-contact materials (FDA 21 CFR §177).
• Educational use in polymer science laboratories for teaching rheological fundamentals and standardized test methodology per ISO/ASTM frameworks.

FAQ

What standards does the MTM1000 comply with?
It fully satisfies GB/T 3682-2000, ISO 1133-1:2011, ASTM D1238-13, JJG 878-2005, and JB/T 5456-2005 for MFR/MVR determination.
Can the instrument measure both MFR and MVR simultaneously?
Yes—using the non-contact optical encoder for piston displacement and timed gravimetric cutting, it calculates both values from a single test run.
Is external calibration required before first use?
The unit ships pre-calibrated; however, users must perform initial verification using certified reference materials (e.g., NIST-traceable PE standards) and document results per ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Barrel and die cleaning after each test series; annual verification of temperature uniformity and load cell accuracy by authorized service personnel.
Does the MTM1000 support automated data export to Excel or LIMS?
No native USB/RS232 interface is provided; however, printed reports may be digitized and imported into validated data management systems under controlled SOPs.