Introduction
An automatic softening point tester is an instrument used to measure the softening point of the bitumen, the asphalt, the resins, and the other materials by the ring and ball method, with the automatic operation, and it is used in the petroleum, the road, the polymer, and the quality control industries. The ring and ball method measures the softening point by the heating of the sample in the rings, with the steel balls placed on the sample, and the softening point is the temperature at which the sample softens and the balls fall through, following the standard test methods, such as the ASTM D36 and the ISO 4625; the automatic softening point tester consists of a heating bath, the test rings and the balls, a temperature control and a measurement system, an automatic detection system, and the display, and it provides the softening point, with the automatic operation; the automatic softening point tester is used for the measurement of the softening point of the bitumen, the asphalt, the resins, and the waxes, for the quality control, for the classification, and for many other applications, and it is an essential instrument for the softening point testing. Automatic softening point testers are used in the petroleum industry, in the road industry, in the polymer industry, in the quality control, and for many other applications. With their automatic operation, automatic softening point testers are essential for the softening point measurement.
Automatic Softening Point Tester LSPT-T2010
Automatic softening point tester is a bench top microprocessor controlled analytical unit that determines the softening point of two samples at once. Operated via touch panel it uses bal...
Standards
ISO 4625-1:2004-Binders for paints and varnishes-Determination of softening point-Ring-and-ball method
Complies with the above standards, but is not limited to them.
Features
1. Automatic softening point tester for determining softening point of bitumen and resins.
2. Ring and ball apparatus with automatic temperature control and detection.
3. Suitable for asphalt, bitumen, coal tar pitch, resins and similar materials.
4. Precision heating bath with standardized heating rate for reproducible results.
5. Includes test rings, balls, bath, temperature sensor and automatic detection system.
FAQ
Q1: What testing scenarios is this tester mainly applied to?
A: The automatic softening point tester is used in asphalt and bitumen laboratories, road construction quality control, roofing material manufacturing, resin production, coal tar processing and research institutions to determine the softening point of bitumen, asphalt, coal tar pitch, resins and similar thermoplastic materials using the ring and ball method. It supports asphalt binder grading and quality control, road construction material acceptance testing, roofing and waterproofing material specification verification, resin characterization, and product development. The softening point indicates the temperature at which the material softens under specified conditions, providing a measure of temperature susceptibility and consistency. It is essential for asphalt laboratories, road construction quality control, bitumen producers, roofing material manufacturers and resin producers requiring standardized softening point determination for product grading, quality control, specification compliance and material characterization in construction, paving and polymer industries.
Q2: What standards does the tester comply with?
A: The test method follows ASTM D36 for softening point of bitumen, ASTM E28 for resins, EN 1427 for bitumen, and the corresponding GB/T 4507 method. The instrument complies with relevant laboratory safety standards. Ring dimensions, ball weight and heating rate should follow the standard specification.
Q3: What is the warranty period for the whole machine and key components?
A: The heating bath, controller and detection system are covered by a 12-month warranty. The test rings, balls and thermometer are consumables or accessories. Damage from improper use or unauthorized repair is excluded.
Q4: Is this device difficult to operate? Is professional training required?
A: Operation requires trained laboratory personnel familiar with bitumen testing and softening point procedure. We provide an operation manual and remote guidance. Proper sample preparation, ring filling, heating rate control and result reading are important for accurate results.
Q5: What is the typical lead-time for order delivery?
A: Standard models require 7-30 working days. In-stock units can ship within 3-7 working days. Custom configurations or large built-to-order systems may require additional time, and we confirm the exact schedule before order confirmation.
Q6: Is regular calibration required? What is the recommended calibration cycle?
A: Temperature calibration against a reference thermometer recommended every 6-12 months. Heating rate verification periodically. Test ring dimensions and ball weight verified per standard. Full method verification with a reference sample recommended for accredited laboratories.
Q7: Are supporting consumables universal?
A: Test rings, balls and thermometers are available from laboratory suppliers, though dimensions should match the standard method. Long-term consumable cost is low.
Q8: Can I customize parameters or supporting accessories?
A: Customization includes automation level, bath type, number of test positions and detection method. Additional rings and accessories can be ordered separately. Custom orders extend delivery lead-time.
Q9: Does the purchase include on-site installation and commissioning service?
A: Standard delivery includes the tester and accessories with an operation manual. Remote commissioning guidance is provided. On-site service is not included for standard orders.
Q10: What types of samples are compatible with this equipment?
A: The tester measures softening point of bitumen, asphalt, coal tar pitch, resins and similar thermoplastic materials within the method range. Very hard or very soft materials may require modified procedures. Samples should be properly prepared and free of contaminants. Users should follow proper sample preparation including heating and pouring, ensure clean test rings, control heating rate per the standard, and use appropriate bath medium (water or glycerin) based on expected softening point temperature. The ring and ball assembly should be properly assembled per the standard method.
Tips: For more details, quotes and customized solutions, please contact us anytime. We’re always ready to serve you professionally.