The Future of Thermoset Testing: A Look at the Latest...
Read MorePremier ESR – Encapsulated Sample Rheometer
Encapsulated Sample Rheometer. Characterize composite materials and resins in a single test.
Measuring the next frontier of high-performance materials. We’re on the leading edge.
Alpha’s Premier ESR® is designed for the next wave of high-performance materials. Industries that have discovered the benefits of using the Premier ESR include:
- Thermoplastics
- Thermoplastic Elastomers
- Thermosets
- Electronic Circuit Boards
- Aircraft
- Composites
- Universities
Premier ESR is capable of testing a wide range of samples including resins, powder, pellets, liquids and prepregs.
Premier ESR measures cure properties using isothermal or nonisothermal temperature programs. This enables precise characterization of materials by comparing results from different formulations, batches, or different levels of aging.
Because ESR-cured samples are made from the same material (prepreg) as your finished part, the testing can precisely mimic the same temperature program as your process in real time. That means that testing in tandem with production during long cure cycles can help ensure complete cure in more efficient times. What’s more, the retainable coupon from the ESR can be used for more testing including DMA, TMA and Proof of Cure State in Part.
We spent a great deal of time asking our colleagues in the composites and resin industries what they needed to better measure their cured materials. Then we went to work to create the Premier ESR. A lot of the new ideas and features that are part of this instrument are from our own scientists and engineers. But a lot of the thinking also came from our customers.”
– Dung Nguyen, Electrical Engineer
How to Compare Premier ESR with all the others.
Actually, that’s harder to do, than you might think. While a number of companies offer expensive, technically complex and test-time prohibitive DMA instruments, it took Alpha Technologies to introduce the Premier ESR. Alpha’s Premier ESR meets the ASTM D7750. It provides a cost-effective method to cure composite materials under any cure cycle necessary. In addition, the ESR is capable of measuring gel, cure and final physical properties from those conditions.
(By the way, for a little light reading enjoyment check out “Improving the Measurement of Prepreg Viscosity, Gel and Cure Using an Encapsulated Specimen Rheometer,” by Alpha’s rheology fellow H. Pawlowski, and available through SAMPE North America’s 2017 Conference in Seattle.)
That said, Premier ESR comes with a number of standard features that are important to consider when you are considering the purchase of an ESR.
Precision Encapsulated Sample Geometry – The pressurization of the sample holds the sample in place. That, in turn allows measurement of unidirectional laminates as well as optimization of cure profiles
Test Under True Isothermal Conditions – Important for determining the state of cure and optimum viscosity, as many reactions are highly exothermal and require precise temperature control.
Separate Touchscreen User Interfaces – Workbench for instrument management and Online Manager for data analysis. Our custom electronics give you true multi-tasking. Unlike sluggish PLCs used by others, there’s no waiting for the test to finish before being able to review data.
Soft Close Operation – Premier ESR controls the pressure of platens coming together to maintain sample positioning.
Custom Designed Flat Dies – Replaces Premier RPA’s biconical dies. Our flat dies are essential for testing very hard materials.
K-Factor Calibration – Extends the range to higher modulus values by accounting for compliance in the transducer. Allows the measurement of very high modulus materials after curing.
Patented O-ring – Gives a constant resin-fiber ratio and improves repeatability.
Patented Limited Slip Die Option –Specifically designed for thermoplastic testing
Meets ASTM D7750 – Introduced in 2013, the standard defines measurement of cure and cure times based on viscoelastic properties, applicable to resins and prepregs.
High Temperature Testing – Premier ESR expands the range of testing from our standard 230ºC up to 350ºC .
In addition to expanded range of testing from 30ºC to 350ºC, Premier ESR’s range of test conditions includes:
- Torque – from 0.005º (O.o7%) to 90º (1256%)
- Frequency – 0.0016 Hz to 50 Hz
- Time – 0.1 minute to 9999.99 minutes
标准主要功能
更快. 更好的控制. 更好的分辨率.
与仪器匹配的定制电子设备。 更好的控制。更好的分辨率。其他 RPA 使用现成的可编程逻辑控制器 (PLC) 来节省资金，但无法根据仪器微调其电子设备 – 通常会超出设定点，然后花费宝贵的时间来稳定。
优质的模具冷却
高效的模具冷却使您的仪器为下一次测试做好准备。 为什么模具冷却需要等待 20 分钟，而 Premier 仪器大约需要 6 分钟。（我们的仪器足够智能，可以知道仪器何时达到正确的温度。其他仪器则不然。）
定制设计的加热控制系统.
因为它们是专门为 Premier 仪器设计的， 所以我们的加热控制系统可以更快地提高加热周期，并保持对更精确的固化时间和更高效生产的控制。
动态对称和智能对齐
更精确的测量。 得益于 Premier 的智能对齐和动态对称，不会有信号损失。准靶、平行合模、高刚度和恒定的合模力。
铸铝框架
使用更轻的铸铝框架，让您可以更聪明地工作，而不是更辛苦地工作。 Premier 框架不仅重量轻，而且非常坚固，不易变形。此外，Premier 仪器将框架合规性纳入校准中，以获得更好的数据。
便捷触摸屏
我们通过一个大而明亮的触摸屏为您提供极其直观的用户界面，让您可以快速轻松地导航到您想要的视图或您需要的信息。
收纳抽屉
好吧……这是一桩小事。但是质量保证 (QA) 和研发 (R&D) 技术人员喜欢有办法保持工作空间整洁。
Applications
Cure with a Temperature Ramp
Dynamic Viscosity vs. Time and Temperature
Effect of a Fiber on a Resin Cure
High Temperature Cure
Glass Transition Temperature
Cure with a Temperature Ramp
Test variable oscillation angles for measurements within the ideal strain amplitude.
Dynamic Viscosity vs. Time and Temperature
Test variable oscillation angles for measurements within the ideal strain amplitude.
Effect of a Fiber on a Resin Cure
Test variable oscillation angles for measurements within the ideal strain amplitude.
High Temperature Cure
Test variable oscillation angles for measurements within the ideal strain amplitude.
Glass Transition Temperature
Test variable oscillation angles for measurements within the ideal strain amplitude.
Specifications
| Heating Rate: | 0.36 °F/min. (0.20 °C/min.) to 90 °F/min. (50°C/min.) |
| Max Cooling Rate: | 54 °F/min. (30 °C/min.) |
| Measurements: | Torque (S’, S”, S*), Tan(Delta), Dynamic Viscosity (η’, η”, η*), Shear Modulus (G’, G”, G*), Temperature (°C or °F), Strain (degrees, %, fractional strain), Frequency (cpm, Hz, radians/ sec), Pressure (kPa, psi) |
| Electrical: | 100/110/120/130 VAC ±10%, 60 ±3 Hz, 20 amp single phase 200/220/240/260 VAC ±10%, 50 ±3 Hz, 10amp single phase |
| Air Pressure: | 80 psi (5.6 kg/cm) 2551 kPa minimum |
| Dimensions: | W: 22 in (56 cm), H: 48 in (122 cm), D: 25 in (64cm) |
| Weight: | Net 346 lb (157 kg), gross 616 lb (280 kg) |
| Sample Cavity: | 3.5 ccm |
| Sample Dimensions: | 41 mm in Diameter, 2.6 mm Nominal Thickness |
| Temperature Range: | Ambient to 662°F (350°C) |
Accessories
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