Two Innovations for Rheometry Portfolio

At the end of March 2025, Anton Paar presented two new products for rheometry: the SmartMelt series - consisting of SmartMelt 92 and SmartMelt 102e – and an innovative electro-tribology setup for MCR rheometers.

SmartMelt: New standards for polymer melt tests
The new SmartMelt series has been developed specifically for the quality control (QC) of polymer melts – i.e. plastics in a molten state, as they occur during processing in injection molding or extrusion, for example. In this state, the flow and deformation properties can be analyzed particularly well.

The SmartMelt systems offer comprehensive rheological characterization and therefore go far beyond simple MFI (Melt Flow Index) tests. MFI tests only provide a single measured value for the flowability of a plastic under fixed conditions. In contrast, SmartMelt creates complete rheological profiles – such as flow curves, frequency sweeps, relaxation or creep behavior – and thus enables a detailed evaluation of material properties.

With industry-leading heating rates, ease of use and comprehensive software integration, the SmartMelt series offers precise and reliable results. It is fully compliant with ASTM D4440, making it suitable for industrial applications.

The tool was developed together with the Anton Paar USA team. The idea was born during a strategy meeting in October 2024 and was implemented in just a few months – with the aim of taking market share from the main competitor in the polymer market. 

Electro-Tribology: New insights for e-mobility and high-voltage applications
With the new Electro-Tribology setup based on the MCR tribometer, Anton Paar now offers the possibility to measure the electrical properties of lubricants under real friction conditions for the first time. This development is aimed particularly at manufacturers of lubricants, additives and bearings as well as producers of electric vehicles. 

The aim is to optimize the conductivity of lubricants in order to prevent charging effects and breakdowns in bearing components. Charging effects are caused by the accumulation of static electricity, for example due to friction or electric fields in the vicinity of components subject to high electrical loads. If the accumulated charge is not dissipated, sudden electrical discharges (breakdowns) can occur, causing material damage in the bearing and significantly shortening its service life.

The Electro-Tribology setup covers a wide temperature range from -40 °C to +200 °C and enables combined tribological and rheological analysis with just one setup. An integrated LCR measuring device, which determines electrical properties such as resistance, capacitance and inductance, is directly integrated into the RheoCompass software and makes data acquisition and evaluation much easier.