INTRODUCTION

The rubber specimen is placed in a closed cavity at a set temperature. The cavity consists of an upper die and a lower die, in which the lower die is driven by a direct-drive servo motor system to perform small reciprocating rotational oscillations. This generates a sinusoidal torsional strain on the specimen and a sinusoidal torque dependent on the stiffness (shear modulus) of the rubber compound. The variation of the torque envelope, defined as amplitude, over time is recorded. The increase in stiffness of the rubber specimen corresponds to the vulcanization process, and the rise in torque is recorded until it reaches equilibrium or a maximum value within a specified time.

An optional automatic kit is available for high-volume rubber sample testing. The testing process is highly automated: the operator only needs to place the specimens on the tray, and the robotic arm automatically loads the samples to be tested, performs tests automatically in accordance with the set test methods, and unloads the samples automatically after testing. This meets the user’s requirements for improving testing efficiency, reducing labor intensity, saving production costs, and eliminating human errors.

1. Drive System

The analyzer adopts a direct-drive servo motor system rigidly connected to the lower mold cavity, which eliminates data deviations caused by cumulative errors, deformation and wear inherent in conventional drive structures consisting of motors, cam eccentric mechanisms, connecting rods and gearboxes. This design greatly improves the accuracy of oscillation frequency and oscillation angle (shear strain), with a data repeatability difference coefficient ≤ 3%. Equipped with independent high-strength wear-resistant bearings, it effectively resists local bearing wear, greatly prolongs the service life of bearings, and enables easy disassembly and assembly with low maintenance costs.

2. Temperature Control System

Adopting DC heating and PID temperature control technology coupled with high-grade 4-wire platinum resistance temperature measurement, the system features small temperature fluctuation and fast response. The heating rate is no less than 1ºC/s, the cooling rate is no less than 0.6ºC/s, the temperature control accuracy is within ±0.2ºC, the temperature recovery time is less than 30 seconds, and the overshoot is less than 0.3ºC.

3. Torque Measurement System

Equipped with a high-grade torque sensor with an accuracy of ±0.01dNm, the system features high sensitivity to detect subtle changes in rubber compounds accurately.

4. Real-Time Monitoring System

A 7-inch color LCD screen is adopted to monitor the test process in real time and display test data and equipment status, including temperature, torque, frequency, data points, error prompts and fault alarms.

5. Torque Calibration

A compression-type torque calibrator is used for torque recalibration, which is convenient and efficient, eliminating cumbersome installation procedures.

6. System Software

The independently developed Zimeng quality control dedicated software features an intuitive human-machine interface, real-time data and curve display, control standard establishment, and optional barcode input function. It enables centralized data management, storage and transmission.

7. Functional Expansion Options

• Pressure Kit: Allows simultaneous testing of vulcanization characteristics and pressure changes of foamed rubber;
• Automatic Test Kit: Realizes fully automated single-machine testing for high-volume sample detection;
• Barcode Input Kit: Enables quick and easy entry of rubber compound information to facilitate intelligent and informatized testing.

8. Customizable Data Points

Users can select data points according to actual demands to test the comprehensive characteristics of rubber compounds, including:

Category	Subcategory	Parameter Type	Symbols
Torque and Curve	Elastic Torque (S’)	Torque Value	ML, MH
	Viscous Torque (S”)	Scorch Time	ts₁, ts₂
	Loss Tangent (tanDelta)	Cure Time	TC10, TC50, TC90, RTT97

9. Network Connectivity

Supports TCP/IP protocol for stable data transmission and management, facilitating centralized data collection, storage, processing and transmission.

Standard Vulcanization Test

Under the preset shear strain of ±7% (lower cavity oscillation arc angle ±0.5°) or ±14% (lower cavity oscillation arc angle ±1.0°), oscillation frequency of 1.67Hz and isothermal vulcanizable conditions, the changes of rubber compound torque (S’, S”) and hysteresis loss (tanδ) over time are tested. The vulcanization characteristics at a specific shear rate of 0.73 s⁻¹ are obtained in a single test, in compliance with international standards such as ASTM D5289.

Item	Specification	Item	Specification
International Standard	ASTM D5289, etc.	Torque Measurement	Torque sensor, mounted on the upper cavity
Test Cavity	Sealed double-conical cavity	Cavity Gap	0.45mm ±0.05mm (adjustable)
Cavity Closing Force	≥ 8.0kN	Oscillation Frequency	1.67Hz ±0.1Hz
Oscillation Angle (computer-set)	±0.5°±0.03° or ±1.0°±0.03°	Shear Strain (computer-set)	±7%±0.42% or ±14%±0.42%
Torque Range	0.01~200.00 dNm (accuracy: 0.5% of reading)	Sample Volume	≈ 4.5cm³ (sample compound must fill the cavity completely)
Temperature Control Range	Room temperature ~ 200.00°C ±0.3°C	Temperature Detection	4-PT100
Drive System	Servo direct drive	Test Method	Vulcanization test
Measurement Units	Torque: dNm, in-lb, kg-cm	Air Supply Requirement	≥ 0.6MPa clean air
	Temperature: °C, °F; Frequency: Hz, cpm	Power Supply Requirement	220 V±5%, 50Hz, 10A single-phase, well-grounded
	Time: min or sec	Package Dimensions	L: 80cm, W: 80cm, H: 165cm
	Pressure: bar, kg/cm³ (optional)	Weight	Gross: 255kg, Net: 230kg