MFR200 Microprocessor Melt Flow System

Automated Melt Flow Testing for Thermoplastic Materials

The Ray-Ran MFR200 Microprocessor Melt Flow Indexer is an advanced laboratory instrument designed to accurately measure the melt flow characteristics of thermoplastic materials in accordance with ASTM D1238, ISO 1133 and other international standards.

Featuring automated sample cutting, microprocessor control, dual-zone heating and intuitive touchscreen operation, the MFR200 delivers reliable and repeatable Melt Flow Index (MFI/MFR) results for plastics manufacturers, polymer compounders, research laboratories and quality control environments.

Reliable Polymer Flow Characterisation

Melt Flow Index testing is a widely used quality control method for evaluating the flow behaviour and consistency of thermoplastic materials. Accurate MFI data helps manufacturers:

• Verify raw material consistency
• Detect batch-to-batch variation
• Optimise extrusion and injection moulding processes
• Reduce production waste and rework
• Confirm material compliance with supplier and internal specifications

The MFR200 provides fast and repeatable results, helping laboratories maintain confidence in polymer performance and production quality.

Automated Melt Flow Testing Process

During testing, molten polymer is extruded through a precision die under controlled temperature and pressure conditions using a calibrated dead weight system.

The extruded material is automatically cut using the integrated rotary Auto Cut Device, eliminating manual cutting variation and improving repeatability. The cut samples are weighed and entered into the system, allowing the microprocessor to automatically calculate the Melt Flow Index value.

The system can also perform density at melt temperature testing, providing additional insight into polymer behaviour.

Precision Temperature Control

The MFR200 incorporates advanced dual-zone heating technology to maintain accurate temperature distribution throughout the barrel.

A high-precision PT100 platinum resistance sensor and integrated temperature controller provide exceptional stability and control, with temperature accuracy of ±0.1°C and resolution of ±0.01°C.

This ensures consistent test conditions and reliable results in demanding laboratory and production environments.

Easy Operation with Intelligent Control

The MFR200 features a user-friendly 4-inch colour touchscreen interface with microprocessor control, allowing operators to quickly configure and monitor testing parameters.

Key functions include:

• Temperature set point and actual temperature display
• Number of cuts
• Cut interval timing
• Automatic MFI calculation
• Mean or individual sample weight entry
• Density at melt temperature calculation
• Energy-saving ECO mode

The intuitive interface simplifies testing procedures, reduces operator variability and improves laboratory efficiency.

Advanced Data Management and Reporting

The MFR200 is supplied with Ray-Ran Techni-Test 2™ software, providing comprehensive data capture, analysis and reporting capabilities.

Users can:

• View results in graphical and tabular formats
• Generate and save test reports
• Export CSV files for Microsoft Excel analysis
• Recall previous test results
• Improve traceability across testing programs

USB and Ethernet connectivity are included as standard, allowing easy transfer of results and integration into laboratory workflows.

Built for Long-Term Reliability

The MFR200 is designed for demanding polymer testing environments and includes durable components for accurate long-term performance.

Standard equipment includes:

• Replaceable hardened steel cylinder liner
• Hardened steel piston
• Tungsten carbide test die
• 2.16 kg standard test weight
• Automatic cutting system
• Filling and cleaning tools

For corrosive materials such as PVC and fluoropolymers, optional Hastelloy components are available to improve equipment durability and reduce maintenance requirements.

Flexible Testing Options

The MFR200 can be configured with optional accessories to meet a wide range of international testing requirements.

Available options include:

• Pneumatic weight loader
• Additional test weights from 1 kg to 21.6 kg
• Hastelloy cylinder, liner and die assembly
• Custom testing accessories

Features & Benefits

• Accurate Melt Flow Index (MFI/MFR) testing system
• Complies with ASTM D1238 and ISO 1133 standards
• Automated sample cutting for improved repeatability
• Dedicated microprocessor control
• 4-inch colour touchscreen interface
• Dual-zone heating system
• Temperature accuracy ±0.1°C
• Temperature resolution ±0.01°C
• Temperature range: ambient to 500°C
• Automatic MFI calculation
• Density at melt temperature measurement capability
• Techni-Test 2™ software included
• USB and Ethernet connectivity
• ECO energy-saving mode
• Replaceable cylinder liner design
• Tungsten carbide test die supplied
• 2.16 kg test weight supplied as standard
• CE Declaration of Conformity
• Traceable calibration certificate
• 1-year return-to-base warranty

Specifications

Applications

The Ray-Ran MFR200 Melt Flow Indexer is ideal for:

• Plastics manufacturing
• Polymer compounding
• Injection moulding quality control
• Extrusion process monitoring
• Packaging materials testing
• Automotive polymer testing
• Medical device materials
• Research and development laboratories
• University and technical laboratories

Standards Compliance

The Ray-Ran MFR200 performs Melt Flow Index testing in accordance with:

• ASTM D1238 – Standard Test Method for Melt Flow Rates of Thermoplastics
• ISO 1133 – Determination of the Melt Mass-Flow Rate (MFR) and Melt Volume-Flow Rate (MVR)

Technical Support

Hylec Controls provides technical support, installation assistance, operator guidance, calibration support and ongoing service to help laboratories achieve accurate, repeatable melt flow testing results throughout the life of the equipment.