DSM Xplore developed a twin screw compounder with a capacity of just a few grams of material. This microcompounder, which is the smallest in the world, is a unique asset for the development of new material compounds. A full-pledged material processing machine on a laboratory bench or in a fume cupboard! The micro-compounder can process batchvolumes up to 15 ml. As an option our compounder houses the unique Vari-BatchTM concept, which gives you the opportunity to select your batchvolume, via multiple recirculation channels, from 3 ml, 7 ml up to 15 ml. In the past, testing and evaluating of new materials or formulations was not possible due to lack of sufficient synthesized material or too expensive additives. Our micro-compounder offers a solution to these issues. Even more, when it is used in combination with our laboratory injection moulding machine. The core of this laboratory compounder is formed by a divisible fluid tight mixing compartment containing two detachable, conical mixing screws. Both the screws and the housing are specially treated to minimize wear and to make them resistant against chemicals. Chemical resistance and hardness of the barrel is essential to maintain it’s original geometry which enables to generate reproducible data over the years. The main drive is continually digitally variable and allows for axial force measurement which controls constant die pressure for film and fiber applications, hence through-put control. The processing temperature can be controlled in 6 separate heating zones which enable to process with a temperature gradient or directly via an additional meltthermocouple. Residence time can be varied via recirculation of the melt. Mixing and dispersion are superb preventing agglomeration; shear can be set by RPM or axial force control. In addition screw flank barrel gap is also adjustable. Other standard features are air and water cooling, N2 purge, integrated touch screen control, axial force measurement (determination of viscosity). Dedicated software enables you to control the instrument parameters and to acquire data to analyse a processing cycle/run.
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