The following test methods are used:
High-pressure capillary viscometry
We determine viscosity depending on shear rate and temperature, wall slip behavior, and pressure dependence.
- Determination of the shear viscosity of polymer melts
- Maximum extrusion force of 20 kN
- Piston speed of 0.00005–20 mm/s
- Temperature range of 60–400 °C
- Channel length 285 mm, channel diameter 15 mm
- Optional single-channel or dual-channel design
- Round and slotted capillaries in various geometries
PVT testing
PVT testing allows us to investigate the behavior of polymers at different temperatures and pressures. PVT data is crucial in injection molding simulation in order to avoid significant modification costs in IM tooling.
- Pressure range up to 2500 bar
- Temperatures up to 500°C and cooling rates up to 30 K/min
- Choice of isobaric or isothermal measurements
Melt index test
We perform a quick assessment of flowability in accordance with ISO 1133 MFR/MVR testing.
- Determination of the melt mass flow rate or melt volume flow rate
- Temperature range 60 - 390 °C
- Load weights 2.16 to 21.6 kg
- Capillary d=2.095 mm, l=8 mm
Rotational rheometry
The modular rotational rheometer is specifically designed for the rheological characterization of materials. It is primarily used in research and development, but also in quality control to analyze the flow and deformation behavior of liquids, pastes, gels, melts, or suspensio.
Angular resolution |
(nrad) 12 |
Depth (metric) |
600 mm |
Frequency range |
0.000001 to 100 Hz |
Motor |
Drag cup |
Normal force |
(N): 0.01 to 50
Normal force resolution (N): 0.001 |
Temperature range (metric) |
-150°C to +600°C |
Rheotens measurement
We measure the extensional properties of polymer melts. The extensibility of polymer melts is a key processing parameter, as it has a significant influence on shaping, particularly in process engineering applications such as extrusion, blow molding, and film production.
- Investigation of the stretchability of polymer melts and determination of the extensional viscosity
- Infinitely adjustable speed of up to 1900 mm/s with a maximum acceleration of 3200 mm/s2
- Force measuring range from 0 to 2 N with a resolution of 0.001 N
Online rheometer
The online capillary rheometer is used for continuous measurement of rheological parameters (e.g., MFR/MVR, viscosity function, flow exponent) directly in the polymer manufacturing process. The measuring head is mounted on the extruder, enabling real-time monitoring. The dynamic measuring range with shear rates of 1:1000 allows operation at constant speed (shear rate) or constant pressure (shear stress).
ISO 11443 |
Plastics — Determination of the fluidity of plastics using capillary and slit-die rheometers |
Main standard for high-pressure capillary rheometers. Includes methods for measuring apparent viscosity, shear stress, shear rate, wall slip, etc. |
ASTM D3835 |
Standard Test Method for Determination of Properties of Polymeric Materials by Means of a Capillary Rheometer |
US equivalent to ISO 11443. Provides instructions for performing rheological tests on plastic melts. |
ISO 3219-1 |
Rheology — Part 1: General terms and definitions for rotational and capillary rheometry |
Basic definitions of rheological terms, including those used in capillary and rotational rheometers. |
DIN 54811 |
Plastics – Determination of the viscosity of melts using a capillary rheometer |
German standard, strongly based on ISO 11443, but partially adapted to national requirements. |
ISO 6721-10 |
Plastics — Determination of dynamic mechanical properties — Part 10: Complex shear viscosity using a parallel-plate rheometer. |
Used for supplementary characterization at low shear rates – not specific to HPCR, but often relevant in combination. |
Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS
