While natural rubber is not a new material, new technologies in RPA or Rubber Process Analyzers continue to evolve through ongoing research and development. By using the latest in RPA rubber analysis can be lower cost, more effective and even faster to provide quality data to monitor quality and throughout the manufacturing process.
The same benefits in using an RPA can be found when working with synthetic rubber compounds. The ability to test for the specific type of sample will be critical to providing the greatest flexibility with the equipment.
Options to Consider
There are several different models, makes and sizes of RPA rubber analyzers, that are available from a range of different companies. Each company offers variations in the basic and optional equipment design and operating protocols.
By choosing the manufacturer that is incorporating the latest in technology and research in their designs, the more effective the rubber process analyzers will be for today as well as into the future. The design should be compact, offer the temperature range you will need and also have the procedure capacity that your facility will require.
In general, most of the top brands of RPA rubber analyzers will be able to complete several different types of tests. This can include the plasticity of vulcanization, the speed at which vulcanization occurs as well as being able to study and measure the elasticity and viscosity of the tested rubber material.
Software Systems
In addition to the controls on the rubber process analyzer, it will also be critical to consider the software integrated into the equipment. This should be a software program that offers a database, the ability to quickly set parameters for various testing requirements as well as the ability to measure and record the data throughout the testing process.