Auto-Trim Accessory
Manufacturer: TA Instruments – a division of Waters Corporation
Description
The Auto-Trim Accessory is an automated attachment for the DHR rheometer designed to simplify polymer melt rheology testing. It automates the sample heating, conditioning, gap adjustment, and trimming processes that are typically performed manually. The accessory allows an operator to load a sample, initiate a pre-programmed test method, and have the instrument run to completion without intervention. This eliminates the need to open the furnace during a test, which helps maintain a stable temperature up to 325 °C and preserves an inert environment. It is suitable for testing polymer samples in the form of pellets, disks, and flakes. According to the manufacturer, this automation can increase operator walk-away time by approximately 80%, reduce new user training time significantly, and improve data consistency by minimizing operator influence. The accessory is compatible with various rheological measurements, including Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) and extensional viscosity, through SmartSwap technology. An optional camera can provide before-and-after trimming images for process verification.
Specifications
| Item | Auto-Trim Accessory |
| Company | TA Instruments – a division of Waters Corporation |
| Quantity | EA |
| Temperature Range | 325 °C |
| Sample Format | Pellets, disks, and flakes |