TOKI SANGYO RE-85 Series Cone-Plate Viscometer (Successor Model: TR-100E)
| Brand | TOKI SANGYO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer Authorization | Authorized Distributor |
| Import Status | Imported |
| Models | RE-85L, RE-85H, RE-85R, RE-85U |
| Viscosity Range | 51.9 – 102,400 mPa·s |
| Instrument Type | Benchtop Rotational Viscometer |
| Operating Environment | Ambient Temperature |
| Sample Volume | 1 mL |
| Key Feature | Auto-Locking Cone-Plate Geometry |
Overview
The TOKI SANGYO RE-85 Series Cone-Plate Viscometer is a precision-engineered benchtop rotational viscometer designed for accurate, repeatable viscosity measurement of low-to-medium viscosity Newtonian and mildly non-Newtonian fluids under controlled shear conditions. Based on the well-established cone-and-plate geometry principle—where a precisely angled conical spindle rotates above a flat, temperature-stabilized plate—the instrument generates a uniform shear rate across the entire sample gap. This configuration ensures high sensitivity to rheological behavior at defined shear rates, making it particularly suitable for quality control laboratories requiring compliance with ASTM D2196, ISO 2555, and JIS K 6893 standards. As the direct predecessor to the TR-100E platform, the RE-85 series maintains mechanical robustness and metrological traceability while delivering consistent performance in ambient-temperature environments without external temperature control.
Key Features
- Auto-locking cone-plate mechanism: Ensures precise, reproducible gap setting (typically 0.02–0.05 mm) without manual calibration or torque adjustment—critical for minimizing operator-induced variability.
- Minimal sample requirement: Validated for reliable measurements using only 1 mL of test fluid, reducing material consumption and enabling analysis of high-value or limited-availability samples.
- Built-in real-time calendar clock: Timestamps all printed reports with date, instrument model identifier (e.g., RE-85H), and measured viscosity value—supporting audit-ready documentation per GLP and internal QA protocols.
- Dual-range sensor architecture: RE-85L (low-torque), RE-85H (high-torque), RE-85R (reversible rotation), and RE-85U (universal configuration) variants accommodate diverse sample rheology without hardware modification.
- Stable rotational drive system: Brushless DC motor with closed-loop speed control delivers rotational speeds from 0.1 to 200 rpm with ±0.2% speed accuracy, ensuring reliable shear rate definition (γ̇ = Ω·R/α, where α is cone angle).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RE-85 series is optimized for homogeneous liquids including polymer solutions, coatings, inks, adhesives, pharmaceutical suspensions, and food emulsions exhibiting shear-thinning or near-Newtonian behavior within its operational range (51.9–102,400 mPa·s). It is not intended for highly thixotropic, particle-laden, or strongly elastic materials that may induce edge fracture or normal stress effects beyond cone-plate assumptions. All models comply with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and meet Japanese Industrial Standard JIS C 0920 for electrical safety. Data output formats are compatible with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via RS-232 interface, supporting traceable data handling in regulated environments subject to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated software workflows.
Software & Data Management
While the RE-85 operates as a standalone instrument with integrated thermal printout functionality, optional PC connectivity enables extended data logging and post-processing. The companion software (sold separately) supports time-sweep, shear-rate ramp, and controlled-stress modes—facilitating basic flow curve generation and yield point estimation. All stored measurements include metadata such as spindle ID, temperature (via optional external probe), rotational speed, torque reading, and calculated viscosity. Audit trails record user login, method selection, and result export events, satisfying GLP documentation expectations for routine QC testing in pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturing facilities.
Applications
- Quality assurance of solvent-based paints and varnishes during batch release testing.
- Viscosity profiling of hydroalcoholic gels and topical formulations in accordance with USP <911>.
- Routine monitoring of ink viscosity in flexographic and gravure printing processes.
- Stability assessment of silicone oil emulsions and lubricant base stocks.
- Educational use in university rheology labs for demonstrating fundamental shear-dependent viscosity relationships.
FAQ
What is the minimum required sample volume for accurate measurement?
1 mL is sufficient for full-gap coverage and valid viscosity calculation under standard cone-plate assumptions.
Can the RE-85 series be used with temperature-controlled plates?
No—the RE-85 is designed for ambient-temperature operation only; temperature regulation requires upgrading to the TR-100E platform or third-party Peltier accessories (not factory-supported).
Is calibration traceable to national standards?
Yes—each unit ships with a NIST-traceable calibration certificate for torque and rotational speed, valid for 12 months under normal usage conditions.
Does the instrument support automatic viscosity unit conversion?
Yes—mPa·s, cP, Pa·s, and kg/m·s units are selectable via front-panel menu, with automatic scaling based on selected spindle and speed combination.
How is data integrity maintained during printout or export?
The built-in calendar function ensures chronological traceability, and all printed outputs include instrument serial number, model designation, and timestamp—enabling unambiguous association with raw test records.
