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Regarding the support period for the 2000 series and recommendations for overhauls and parts purchases.
The 2000 series (RPA2000, MDR2000, MV2000, etc.) has been on the market for over 30 years. As a result, especially due to the pandemic, the stable supply of parts has become increasingly difficult year by year. In a few years, depending on the parts, there is a possibility that the supply of parts may become challenging. Currently, we are proposing the following: 1) Overhaul of the equipment: Replace only the drive and control parts of the testing machine with new components. 2) Purchase of the following parts: Parts that may become difficult to obtain in the near future.
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Product Information: Premier RPA Stress Relief Test
One of the functions of RPA is the "stress relaxation test" function. Unlike the Mooney viscometer, it allows for stress relaxation tests to be conducted on a single sample after pre-curing, post-curing, and other test conditions. It is known that the relaxation speed and the decrease in torque differ between pre-curing and post-curing. There may also be potential for using it as a reference for tensile testing.
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Regarding the support period for the 2000 series and recommendations for overhauls and parts purchases.
The 2000 series (RPA2000, MDR2000, MV2000, etc.) has been on the market for over 30 years. As a result, especially due to the pandemic, the stable supply of parts has become increasingly difficult year by year. In a few years, depending on the parts, there is a possibility that the supply of parts may become challenging. Therefore, we are currently proposing the following: 1) Overhaul of the equipment: Only the drive and control parts of the testing machine will be replaced with new parts. 2) Purchase of the following parts: Parts that may become difficult to obtain in the near future. Automation modules Main circuit board For more details, please contact our service department.
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(1) Product Information: Premier ESR Rheometer
This is an introduction to rheometers for composite materials, thermosetting resins, thermoplastic resins, etc. The maximum testing temperature is up to 350°C, and the die shape is flat type. <Features> - Very easy to handle: Data reproducibility is ensured regardless of who uses it. Not affected by sample shape. - High measurement torque: Capable of measuring greater torque than other companies' high-precision rheometers. - No need for dedicated sample creation: Testing is possible with liquids, pellets, powders, etc. ⇒ Reduces sample preparation time. *The above sample shapes can also be tested with existing RPA2000, MDR2000, Premier RPA, and Premier MDR. <Stress Control Function> *Effective for materials with unknown physical properties!! - Input "stress value" on the testing condition screen. - The device operates automatically based on the stress. - When torque is low: strain is high - When torque is high: strain is low.
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(1) Test Information: Regarding the lifespan prediction of rubber compounds using RPA.
Rubber can withstand very large deformations without causing permanent deformation or destruction, making it ideal for many applications such as vibration dampers, seals, and structural bearings. As a result, the concept of predicting the service life of compounds has garnered practical and scientific interest. The service life of rubber compounds defines limits and sets parameters for engineering design. The three main engineering tasks in the application of rubber products are to determine service life and remaining service life. Therefore, predicting service life is clearly of high scientific interest, and a comprehensive lifespan prediction model is needed. One of the main challenges in developing service life models is selecting parameters from materials and usage environments. For more details, please visit the following website: https://www.alpha-technologies.com/blog/predicting-the-service-life-of-rubber-compounds-using-an-rpa/
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Regarding additional temperature calibration, data backup, and recommended regular inspections.
1) Regarding temperature calibration addition As a standard, temperature calibration is conducted at 177 degrees. It is optional, but additional temperature calibration for up to 4 points is also possible. Testing is conducted at several different temperatures, and if data reliability is a priority, we strongly recommend considering additional temperature calibration. 2) Regarding data backup Predicting computer failures is extremely difficult. Have you been backing up the data that has been tested so far? If data preservation is necessary, we kindly ask that you perform regular data backups. 3) Regarding recommended regular inspections We offer three types of maintenance contracts based on customer requests. We recommend entering into a maintenance contract for maintaining data reliability, preventing sudden failures, and for regular calibration of detectors. 1) Maintenance contract programs 1. Alpha Care Simple: Annual inspection 2. Alpha Care Select: Biannual inspection (includes torque standard calibration: a great deal!!) 3. Alpha Care Advantage: Quarterly inspection (includes torque standard calibration and film: even better deal!!!)
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Regarding the foam pressure measurement function.
The Premier RPA rubber processing analysis device and the Premier MDR vulcanization testing machine are equipped with pressure measurement as standard. (Note: The older models RPA2000 and MDR2000 cannot measure unless the optional pressure measurement function has been added.) - Simultaneous measurement of foaming pressure while conducting vulcanization tests - Data on the rate of increase in foaming pressure can also be obtained - Can be used for considerations of temperature, formulation, and processes
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Product Information 1: Premier MDR Vulcanization Tester
Compared to the conventional machine (MDR2000), sensitivity and reproducibility have further improved, and the optional strain change kit can be easily modified by the customer. <Overview Specifications and Features> - Temperature Range: Room Temperature to 230°C - Strain: ±0.5° (±7%) *Options: ±0.2° (±2.8%), ±1.0° (±14%), ±3.0° (±42%) - Frequency: 1.67Hz (100cpm) - Features: - High sensitivity and high reproducibility: Achieved through strict temperature control - Equipped with foam pressure measurement function (previous model was optional) - Automatic pass/fail judgment can be set Customers can create their own pass/fail criteria, and automatic judgment will be made after testing. This eliminates the need to check individual data (values), reducing the burden on testers. Figure 3: Example of Pass/Fail Judgment of Test Results - Sample Automatic Transport Options: 5, 10, 36, 224 samples *Automatic sample transport improves testing efficiency and productivity.
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Premier RPA Sub-Zero (-25℃ compatible) low-temperature viscoelastic testing machine
As an addition to the existing Premier RPA product line, we have launched Premier RPA Sub-Zero TechnologyTM. It allows for low-temperature (below 0°C) testing of unvulcanized rubber using the same methods as the previous Premier RPA. This enables testing of vulcanization properties, rolling resistance, wet performance, and more, all with a single device. Additionally, since it does not require the use of liquid nitrogen, running costs can be significantly reduced. <Features> - Customers using RPA will find it easy to handle as it operates in the same way as before. * Temperature sweep tests, strain sweep tests, etc., are possible. - No need to create samples for dynamic viscoelasticity testing ⇒ Time savings. - Automatic sample transport can be installed ⇒ Improved work efficiency. - No need for liquid nitrogen ⇒ Reduced running costs and enhanced safety.
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New and used item for sale: Premier MV Mooney Viscometer
Please contact us for prices and specifications!! - Variable speed, equipped with stress relaxation testing function - Mooney value: maximum 200 Mooney * A demo test is also available for your purchase consideration.
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Product Information: Premier ESR Rheometer
Unlike other rheometers, this one is "easy to use," "does not require precise sample preparation," and is a "durable rheometer." It can be used for composite materials, thermosetting resins, etc., with a maximum testing temperature of up to 350°C, and the die shape is flat type. <Features> - Very easy to handle: Data reproducibility is ensured regardless of who conducts the test. It is not affected by sample shape and can withstand rough handling without breaking. - High measurement torque: Capable of measuring larger torque than other companies' high-precision rheometers. - No need for dedicated sample preparation: Testing is possible with liquids, pellets, powders, etc. ⇒ Reduction in sample preparation time <Synthetic Curve (Master Curve)> - Master curve for polystyrene resin - Measurable with a single rheometer. - Plotted from frequency dispersion tests at 90 to 230°C. <Rubber and Resin: No restrictions on material types> - Measurement is possible for rubber, epoxy resins, thermosetting resins, thermoplastics, etc. - Due to the measurement of larger samples, there is minimal deviation from the actual manufacturing equipment.
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Premier MDR+ Introduction: Sulfur Testing Machine with DMA Functionality
In implementing quality control, the sulfur testing machine alone is insufficient, and the rubber processing analysis device (RPA) is multifunctional and expensive, which has led to the recent customer demand for the commercialization of "Premier MDR+." This device is capable of conducting four types of tests based on ASTM standards. We would appreciate it if you could contact us for more details.
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Modification of existing equipment for room temperature compatibility.
It is possible to enhance the cooling function of existing equipment. This can be achieved by installing a jet cooler onto the cooling hose line of the existing die. The cooling temperature can be lowered to between 15°C and 20°C (depending on the temperature of the supplied air).
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Product Information 1: Premier MV Mooney Viscometer
Compared to the conventional machine (MV2000), the new model features a standard stress relaxation test and a variable rotor speed. A comparison of specifications with the MV2000 is shown in Figure 1, which can be used for your consideration of an upgrade. <Introduction of Possible Tests> 1) Tests using the variable rotor speed function - Rotational speed: 0.1 to 20 cpm - Detects differences in raw materials with the same Mooney value at 2 cpm 2) Stress relaxation test - Detects differences in processability of raw materials with the same Mooney value
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Sample cutter (punch type)
This time, we would like to introduce our sample cutter. We assume that customers with a high number of tests are struggling significantly with cutting samples. Our company sells a punch-type sample cutter as shown in the diagram. Feature 1: Safe and quick sample cutting When using scissors to cut samples, prolonged use of the same task can lead to decreased grip strength and concerns about injuries. However, by using this machine, you can improve work efficiency and enhance safety measures. Feature 2: Improved reproducibility of data It cuts sample quantities uniformly. Therefore, it also addresses data variability issues. *There are two types available: one for RPA/MDR and one for Mooney viscometers. We would be grateful if you could contact us when considering a purchase.
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Premier RPA Rubber Processing Analysis Device
Introducing the Premier RPA rubber processing analysis device. Compared to the conventional model (RPA2000), the optional specifications of the RPA2000 have been upgraded to standard specifications in the Premier RPA. When updating to the Premier RPA, tests that were previously impossible will now be possible. Attached is a comparison of specifications with the RPA2000, which you can use for your consideration of the update. <Introduction to tests possible with RPA> 1) Temperature dispersion test: A function that cannot be performed with a vulcanization testing machine. - Testing can be conducted while increasing or decreasing the temperature. - Data on the temperature-dependent changes in Tan δ (light green in the right diagram) can be obtained. 2) Pain effect test (ASTM D80529) (strain dispersion test): This checks the state of the mixing. - Differences in the state of mixing can be evaluated with uncured samples. - There is a possibility of omitting other tests.
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Recommended regular inspections
If it has been more than two years since the installation of the device or since the last inspection, we recommend a regular inspection. In the regular inspection, in addition to checking the equipment, we will also clean the die, the area around the die, and the upper part of the motor (a place where rubber debris tends to accumulate). In particular, if you are using the RPA2000 or Premier RPA and have been testing with significant strain, rubber debris is likely to accumulate on the upper part of the motor. If regular cleaning is not performed, it can lead to malfunctions, so we recommend inspections for customers who have not had one.
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Product Information: Premier ESR Rheometer
This is an introduction to rheometers for composite materials, thermosetting resins, thermoplastic resins, etc. The maximum test temperature is up to 350°C, and the die shape is flat type. <Features> - Very easy to handle: Data reproducibility is ensured regardless of who uses it. Not affected by sample shape. - High measurement torque: Capable of measuring larger torque than other companies' high-precision rheometers. - No need for dedicated sample preparation: Testing is possible with liquids, pellets, powders, etc. ⇒ Reduces sample preparation time. <Synthetic Curve (Master Curve)> - Master curve for polystyrene resin. - Measurable with a single rheometer. - From the glass region to the flow region. - Plotted from frequency dispersion tests at 90 to 230°C. <Rubber and Resin: No restrictions on material types> - Measurement is possible for rubber, epoxy resins, thermosetting resins, thermoplastic resins, etc. - Measuring larger samples results in less deviation from actual manufacturing equipment.
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Product Information: Mobile X-Series (Dustproof and Waterproof)
<Product Line> 1. RPA-X (equivalent functionality to Premier RPA) 2. MDR-X (equivalent functionality to Premier MDR) 3. X-Dock RPA-X or MDR-X can be used by docking it to the X-Dock. <Features> - Dustproof and waterproof measures Can be installed near the kneader, allowing for immediate testing of the kneaded rubber. - Mutual utilization between production sites and research and development Easily movable with wheels, making it simple to relocate during testing machine inspections. - 24-hour testing available If a spare RPA-X or MDR-X is available, it can be swapped for use.
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Product Information: Enterprise Software (for test condition setting, test result display and analysis, etc.)
This software is designed for setting test conditions, displaying and analyzing test results for testing equipment from Alpha Technologies. It allows for the management of test conditions and results for various testing machines. <Features> - When using multiple types of testing machines, operations such as setting test conditions and displaying test results can be performed with a single software application. ⇒ No need to learn how to use different software for each testing machine. ⇒ Quick learning of usage. - Japanese display support: Customers can change the language display settings. - Data output function: Data can be output in formats such as Excel and PDF. Automatic destination specification is also possible. - Data overlay: Graphs of multiple samples tested under the same conditions can be overlaid. ⇒ Easier to identify defective samples. - Automatic test result judgment function: Input criteria for test results in advance, and automatic judgment is made based on those values. ⇒ No need to check numerical values for each item for every test. ⇒ Reduces the workload for the test operator. - Functionality via "Remote View": Data viewing, saving, and test condition creation can be done from another computer in a different location. ⇒ No need to go to the location of the testing machine. Data from other factories can be viewed.
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Product Information 1: Premier ESR Rheometer
Introducing a rheometer for composite materials, thermosetting resins, and thermoplastic resins. <Features> - Very easy to handle: Data reproducibility is ensured regardless of who uses it. It is not affected by the sample shape. - No need for dedicated sample preparation: Testing is possible with liquids, pellets, powders, etc. ⇒ Reduces sample preparation time. - Measurement of Tg and Tm: It is possible to measure the glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting point (Tm) of the resin. At the same time, the elastic modulus in both solid and liquid states can also be measured. Samples can be in pellet form.