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Dropping / Softening Point Apparatus
Automatic Dropping Point and Softening Point
A dropping point system is an analytical instrument used to determine the dropping points and softening points of substances such as greases, pitch, polymers, and more. The dropping point is the temperature at which the first drop of molten substance precipitates. The softening point is the temperature at which the molten substance flows a defined distance. With the dropping point system by METTLER TOLEDO, both the dropping point and softening point are obtained fully automatically.
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Advantages of the Dropping / Softening Point Apparatus
Simple, Efficient and Trustworthy
METTLER TOLEDO's Excellence Dropping Point Systems offer many ways to optimize and simplify your dropping and softening point analysis so that you complete measurements faster for higher throughput. Watch the video and learn more about our outstanding dropping point instruments.
Unmatched Measurement Principle
With the visual camera observation and digital image analysis, highly accurate dropping and softening point temperatures are obtained fully automatically. High-resolution videos of the measurement can conveniently be replayed.
Compliance with Industry Specific Standards
With the Excellence Dropping Point Systems, full compliance with national and international standards is ensured so you don't need to worry your measurements will pass audit. Standard compliant cups and measurement methods provide comparable results.
Measurements Made Easy
With simple operating routines and an intuitive touchscreen user interface, measurements can be performed quickly and easily. Just one click is needed to start the analysis, and the instrument does the rest.
Fast and Accurate Sample Preparation
Sample preparation can be time-consuming. Our innovative sample preparation tools enable a simple, quick and precise sampling process. Disposable cups and glassware eliminate the need for tedious cleaning.
User Management for Safe and Easy Operation
Instrument settings can be personalized with shortcuts and the selected operator language. The user management system allows different levels of access to be defined, protecting critical data.
Five-Star Support – Wherever You Are
You can count on us. Our Service Technicians and application experts are ready to support you to ensure maximum uptime, quality results and efficiency.
Useful Related Links
Certified Reference Standards
Ensure accurate dropping point measurements using certified reference substances to verify the instrument's accuracy over the specified temperature range. Read more
Good Melting and Dropping Point Practice
Good Melting and Dropping Point Practice is a 5-step program to improve your measuring process. It covers the entire lifecycle of your investment and helps to improve quality while reducing risks and costs. Read more
Dropping Point Standards and Norms
Consult the detailed list of relevant national and international standards and norms for dropping and softening point determination. Read more
Dropping Point Service
In addition to preventive maintenance procedures, Installation Qualification and Operating Qualification packages are available, ensuring compliance with quality systems such as GMP and GLP. Read more
Dropping Point Applications
Our comprehensive application notes support you in performing accurate dropping point measurements. They cover the following topics: sample preparation, method parameters, and results analysis. Read more
Dropping Point Publications
Consult our publications on the following topics: fundamentals of melting point, applications, instrumentation, compliance with national and international standards, etc. Read more
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FAQs
What is a digital dropping point apparatus?
A digital melting dropping instrument uses a furnace and video camera to automatically detect the drop point and softening point event. This measurement is done digitally, reducing operator influence considerably. Two samples can be measured simultaneously with a temperature accuracy down to 0.2 °C and short heating and cooling times. The layout of the furnace and the video image analysis respectively allow two samples to be measured simultaneously. METTLER TOLEDO Excellence Dropping Point Systems DP70 and DP90 work both as automated dropping point apparatuses and automated softening point apparatuses.
Click here to learn everything you need to know about softening and dropping point measurements
How does a digital dropping point apparatus work?
A METTLER TOLEDO dropping point system is represented in the schematic diagram below.
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This system is a combination of a furnace and a video camera.
The dropping point and softening point are determined by heating the sample. The furnace is used to control the temperature during an analysis. Temperature control and recording is ensured by a digital platinum sensor.
In the Dropping Point Excellence Systems from METTLER TOLEDO, a white-balanced LED light shines on the test assembly, which consists of the cup and holder inside the furnace. The reflection image is recorded by a video camera.
For the automated dropping point determination, the entire drop point test is video-recorded and image analysis is used to detect the first drop that escapes the sample cup when it passes through a virtual white rectangle located underneath the cup orifice. While detecting this, the furnace temperature is measured and recorded at a resolution of 0.1 °C.
For the automated softening point determination, the leading edge of the softened sample is marked with a stepping line in the video. Once the stepping line has passed a virtual line that is located 19 mm below the cup orifice, the corresponding furnace temperature is measured and recorded at a resolution of 0.1 °C.
Can a METTLER TOLEDO dropping point apparatus help me comply with ASTM, AOCS, IP, ISO, and similar regulations?
The METTLER TOLEDO dropping point instruments fully comply with the following standards for dropping point and softening point determination:
- ASTM D3104 for automatic softening point determination of pitches
- ASTM D3461 for automatic softening point determination of bitumen, pitch, and asphalt
- ASTM D3954 for automatic dropping point tests of waxes
- ASTM D6090 for automatic softening point determination of resins
- AOCS Cc 18-80 for automatic dropping point detection of edible fats and edible oils
- European Pharmacopeia Ph.Eur. 2.2.17 for drop point
- IP 396 for automatic dropping point detection of lubricating grease
- ISO 4625 for softening point determination of paints and varnishes
- DIN EN 51920 for softening point determination of carbonaceous material
International standards ASTM D3104, ASTM D3461, ASTM D3954, ASTM D6090, and AOCS Cc 18-80 are specifically based on automatic dropping point and softening point determinations made on METTLER TOLEDO instruments.