Oscillating Disc Rheometer (ODR)

While maintaining or even increasing the elastic qualities of rubber, vulcanization reduces its plasticity. In the past, the term "vulcanization" was primarily used to describe the reaction between sulphur and rubber, but it is now typically used to describe any process that modifies a material's characteristics, whether it be caused by sulphur or another substance.

Practical vulcanization techniques rely on the transfer of heat from the exterior to the inside of the object being cured. Since compounding adjustments cannot significantly alter the heat conductivity of realistic rubber compounds, increasing temperature is a frequent way to hasten the vulcanization process. The most recent curing or moulding techniques, like injection moulding, the liquid curing medium (LCM) method, and microwave curing, employ higher curing temperatures.

NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR weights 498lbs / 226kg, has the following dimensions: 51.5x22x24.4" / 131x56x62cm, and power: 110V/60Hz or 220V/50Hz 1000 W

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The NG-ODR offers three swing angles: ±0.5°, ±1° and ±2°, with 1° as the standard matching angle.

The swing angle is the arc through which the disc oscillates inside the sealed die cavity. Keeping that arc small keeps the shear strain on the test piece small, so the torque needed to drive the disc follows the stiffness of the compound as it cures.

The arc also affects how early cure is read. Our software reports Ts1, the time for the torque to rise 1 dNm above the minimum torque ML, when the swing angle is 0.5° or 1°. Because torque values depend on the arc, record the angle with every result and keep it the same whenever you compare batches.

If your customer specification names a particular arc, send it with your enquiry and we will confirm the setting before the machine ships.

Yes. ASTM D5289 is listed for the NG-ODR together with ASTM D2084 and ISO 6502, both on this page and in our NG-ODR documentation.

ASTM D5289 measures selected vulcanization characteristics of rubber compounds with rotorless cure meters, and it covers both sealed and unsealed torsion shear designs. The standard notes that the two instrument types may not give the same results, so the instrument type belongs on your report.

The NG-ODR runs the test in a sealed cavity under positive pressure with an oscillating disc embedded in the test piece, which is the arrangement ASTM D2084 is written around. When a customer specification asks for D5289 results from a rotorless die, our Moving Die Rheometer is built for that method.

Send us the exact standard and edition named on your drawing, and we will confirm which of the two rheometers matches it.

The NG-ODR specimen dimension is 5 cm. The test piece is a piece of uncured compound placed in the heated die cavity, so that the oscillating disc is embedded in it once the mold closes.

Exact size and mass vary with compound density, the fill the cavity needs and the test method you follow. What matters most is consistency: prepare every test piece the same way, so that differences on the cure curve come from the compound and not from the sample.

Load the specimen only once the die has reached the set temperature, and remove all rubber residue from the cavity after each test so the next piece goes into a clean die.

If you are moving an existing method onto the NG-ODR, send us your current specimen weight and cure temperature and we will check the setup against it.

In the cure metre test cavity, a test sample of vulcanizable rubber compound is placed, and after a closure action, it is enclosed in a sealed cavity under positive pressure. The cavity is kept at a higher-than-normal vulcanization temperature. After the dies are closed, a biconical disc is completely encased in rubber. The test specimen experiences a shear strain as a result of the disc oscillating via a short rotating amplitude (1° or 3°). As a function of time, the force needed to rotate or oscillate the disc at its greatest amplitude is continually recorded, with force being proportional to the shear modulus (stiffness) of the test specimen at the test temperature.

The test is considered to be finished when the recorded torque reaches its equilibrium or maximum value or when the allotted amount of time has passed.

NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) complies with ASTM D2084 Standard.

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The NG-ODR is built around a closed die cavity. The test piece sits under positive pressure at a controlled temperature while the disc oscillates, and the computer records the torque throughout the cure.

Operation is straightforward. With Auto Run selected, the motor starts and data collection begins as soon as the software detects that the mold has closed, so the operator only loads the compound and closes the die. Results and the vulcanization curve can be printed directly.

The software can correct its PID temperature control parameters itself, and the cabinet has LED lighting so the operator can see into the test area. An oil water separator is fitted on the compressed air supply.

Mechanical parts are made of non-corrosive structural aluminum and stainless steel, and the machine comes on its own mobile platform with a storage cabinet.

The complete list is in the Technical Specifications table on this page. Torque, temperature, swing angle and air figures are answered individually in this FAQ, so here we cover the rest of the sheet.

The dies heat at 120 °C/min. The machine is computer controlled through our NextGen software and communicates with its workstation over a COM port. Power is 110 V/60 Hz or 220 V/50 Hz at 1000 W, and the supply must have protective grounding. If your line voltage runs outside the specified range, fit a voltage regulator ahead of the machine.

Plan for a flat, stable floor in a ventilated room, away from strong vibration and electromagnetic interference, and leave at least 40 cm (15.7 in) clear at the rear, left and right for service access.

If your lab needs more than one curemeter, our rubber rheology and cure testing range covers the other rheometers we supply.

The NG-ODR displays temperature to 0.01 °C. Both the upper and lower die are heated to the set test temperature, and the live readings appear in the data area of the software next to torque and time.

The display unit can be switched between Celsius and Fahrenheit. When you change it, the curve coordinates and the result data update to match, so reports stay in the unit your customer expects.

Fine resolution helps most during heat-up. At first start, let the system reach the set temperature and stabilize for at least 15 minutes before testing, and keep it in Manual mode until then if your unit has a Manual/Automatic selector.

Resolution is how finely the reading is shown. The accuracy of the temperature control is a separate figure, covered in its own answer in this FAQ.

NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) has the following functionality:

• Your curves, drawings, and results can be stored in a database for printing at any time.
• Provides the option to export test results in Excel format.
• Numerous analytical features are available, including statistics, deviation setting, standard curve setup, and CPK statistical computations.
• Curve comparison and local zoom are features of the interface.
• It includes options for choosing any vulcanization time, choosing a range, and screen capture.
• Your earlier test data can be reanalyzed, and the reports can be expanded or changed to meet the needs of the user.
• Data retrieval is made simple by the existence of several data sequences.

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By monitoring the applied moment of rubber to the oscillating dye body, this machine is intended to obtain the characteristic curve and characteristic parameters of rubber vulcanization. The results are quite stable when using the NG-ODR rotor-free vulcameter. The information and diagrams can be consulted for development, research, and product quality.

NG-ODR precisely and promptly describes the curing and processing characteristics of rubber compounds that have been vulcanised. It operates on a very basic idea. Under positive pressure and while being kept at a predetermined high temperature, a test piece of rubber compound is kept inside a sealed test cavity. A Rotor (oscillating disc) that is placed in the test component oscillates via a limited rotary amplitude that is determined. The test piece experiences a shear strain as a result of this motion. Depending on the stiffness (shear modulus) of the rubber compound a torque is required to oscillate the disc.

NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) is computer controlled.

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Every NG-ODR ships with the consumables and tooling it needs to start testing: 10 sealing rings, 2 heating plates, 3 copies of high temperature paper, a hexagonal wrench set, a desktop PC and a printer.

The desktop PC is the dedicated workstation for the rheometer software and connects to the machine through its communication cable. Do not unplug that cable while the system is powered, because doing so can damage the control electronics or the computer interface.

The one item not included is the air compressor, so plan a clean, dry compressed air supply on site before installation.

Sealing rings and high temperature paper are consumables, so it is worth adding spares to your quotation request from the start.

An elastomer that has been strengthened by the biochemical process of vulcanization is known as vulcanized rubber. A curing agent, typically sulphur, is mixed with the milky latex from the rubber tree and heated under pressure.

Rubber and sulphur are chemically combined during vulcanization. The sulphur atoms join lengthy chains of rubber molecules when under high pressure and heat. This lessens the stickiness of the rubber while increasing its strength and durability. Additionally, it enables the rubber to maintain its flexibility across a much larger temperature range, making vulcanized rubber significantly more beneficial for a variety of applications.

Rubber becomes more durable, resilient, and heat resistant by vulcanization, making it more useful for industrial applications and some products. Vulcan, the Roman deity of fire and metalworking, is the source of the word "vulcanized."

NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) is designed to get the characteristic curve and characteristic parameters of rubber vulcanization by measuring the applied moment of rubber to the oscillating dye body.

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When a rubber compound is vulcanized, its properties change, and the vulcanization characteristics can be discovered by observing how the qualities vary with temperature and time. The tools known as curemeters are used to apply cyclic stress or strain to a test piece and measure the resulting strain or force in order to identify the features of vulcanization. The test is typically conducted at a predetermined constant temperature, with the stiffness measurement being continually recorded as a function of time.

The rubber becomes more rigid as the vulcanization process continues. When the observed stiffness reaches a plateau or a maximum and then starts to fall, vulcanization is complete. The loss of stiffness in the latter instance is brought on by reversion. When the observed stiffness keeps increasing (marching-modulus cure), vulcanization is regarded as complete after a certain time.

NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) complies with ISO 6502 standard.

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Rubber and a functional group undergo vulcanization, a chemical process that is typically triggered by heat. As a result, the product is more durable, elastic, resilient, and resistant to solvent action and temperature fluctuations than the original polymer was.

Chemical vulcanization involves heating rubber at 140–160 °C with sulphur, an accelerator, and an activator. Longer rubber molecules are cross-linked during the process to improve elasticity, resilience, tensile strength, viscosity, hardness, and weather resistance.

Rubber is reduced in size by vulcanization without changing or deforming its shape. Additionally, it keeps its shape, guarding against further deformation of the rubber.

Using the most common vulcanizing agent to vulcanize the rubber Rubber that is not saturated begins to cross-link when sulphur is added. Sulphur, as a vulcanizing agent, does not, however, work quickly. Chemical reactions involving rubber and hydrocarbons frequently include double bonds or C==C, and each cross-linking requires 40–55 sulphur atoms without an accelerator.

The torque range of NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) is 0 - 20nm

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The curing and processing characteristics of vulcanized rubber compounds are precisely and promptly described by NG-ODR. It operates on a fairly straightforward idea. A test piece of rubber compound is kept at a predetermined elevated temperature and enclosed in a sealed test cavity under positive pressure. The test item contains an embedded Rotor (oscillating disc) that oscillates through a narrow range of rotary amplitudes. The test piece experiences a shear strain as a result of this action, and the torque (force) necessary to cause the disc to oscillate depends on the stiffness (shear modulus) of the rubber compound.

Rubber is created through a series of activities that entail the addition of value-adding material through chemical reactivity, irreversible physical feature modification, and flow. Extrusion, calendaring, vulcanization, and breaking down the polymer through mastication on a mill are the processes that are crucially important during chemical modification in tyre production.

The lead time for NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) is 2-5 Months Depending on when the PO is placed.

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The disc in the NG-ODR oscillates at 100 r/min, that is, 100 full oscillation cycles every minute, and the frequency stays fixed for the whole test.

A fixed frequency and a fixed arc are what make the cure curve readable. With both held constant, any change in the torque reading comes from the compound itself as it moves from soft, uncured material to a crosslinked solid.

Frequency, temperature and arc together define the test condition, so keep all three the same when you compare batches or compare results with another lab. For guidance on curemeter test conditions, see our page on ISO 6502, the guide to the use of curemeters.

A number of procedures are used for vulcanizing rubbers. The most popular method of treating natural rubber with sulphur was the only one to which the phrase originally applied. It has expanded to now include several methods for hardening other (synthetic) rubbers. Examples include the room-temperature vulcanization of silicone rubber and the use of metal oxides to vulcanize chloroprene rubber (neoprene).

The term "vulcanization" and "curing" are occasionally used synonymously in this context. Vulcanization is the process of curing elastomers. It functions by creating cross-links between polymer chain segments, increasing the material's rigidity and endurance, as well as altering its mechanical and electrical properties. Similar to the curing of other thermosetting polymers, vulcanization is typically irreversible.

Rubber hoses, shoe bottoms, toys, erasers, conveyor belts, vibration mounts/dampers, insulating materials, tyres, and bowling balls are just a few examples of the many applications for vulcanized materials. Most rubber products are vulcanized, which greatly increases their strength, durability, and longevity.

The air pressure of NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) is 65psi (4.6 bar) - Not including air compressor

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Rubber that has been vulcanized is substantially stronger than regular rubber. Since it can handle more strain and stress, many manufacturing companies choose it.

Rubber that has been vulcanized is also more elastic than unvulcanized rubber. Many individuals believe that flexibility and strength are related. However, just because something is sturdy doesn't automatically rule out the possibility of it being elastic. Rubber that has been vulcanized is durable and stretchy. It may be stretched further without permanently deforming, thanks to its improved flexibility.

Traditional rubber is often less resistant to abrasion than vulcanized rubber. Damage from scraping is what is meant by abrasion. Rubber that has been vulcanized is stronger and harder than unvulcanized rubber, which makes abrasion damage less likely.

When the rubber reaches a temperature of between 300 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it is taken out of the heating chamber and left to cool.

The temperature range of NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) is Room Temperature to 22°C - 200°C.

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Any sort of rubber that has been made harder by using heat and sulphur is vulcanized rubber. It is created by a curing process in which heat and sulphur cause the rubber's elastomers to harden. New cross-links are formed in the rubber as a result of exposure to heat and sulphur, making it stronger and more elastic overall.

A multi-step vulcanization method is used to create vulcanized rubber. The rubber is first immersed in a sulphur and additive-filled solution. Sulphur is the main component that promotes vulcanization. However, it is combined with additional chemicals. Both colour-enhancing pigments and a process accelerator may be included in the bath.

The rubber is then shaped in the manner desired. Moulding vulcanized rubber is difficult. Instead, because of its strength and flexibility, it is challenging to mould. As a result, the rubber is moulded after being immersed in a sulphur and additive bath.

NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR) temperature accuracy is within ±0.3°C.

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The rheometer measures the vulcanization strength required for the test specimen's deformation. The term "rheometer curve" refers to the strength's shift over time. These curves aid in assessing the rubber compound's quality.

These are the testing curves and results for NextGen’s Oscillating / Automatic Disc Rheometer (ODR):

• ML - Minimum torque (dNm) - Measures value of the vulcanization characteristic (viscosity) of the unvulcanised test sample
• MH - Maximum torque (dNm) - Measures value of the shear modulus or rigidity of the fully vulcanized test sample. This includes the maximum torque of the flat curve and titration curve as well as the maximum torque when the flat and titration curves don't appear within the given time.
• Ts1 (Minimum) - Time in which the torque is increased to ML + 1dNm when the swing angle is 0.5° or 1°
• Ts2 (Minimum) - Time in which the torque is increased to ML + 2dNm when the swing angle is 3°
• Ts10 (Minimum) - Time in which the torque is increased to ML + 10(MH-ML)/100dNm
• Ts30 (Minimum) - Time in which the torque is increased to ML + 30(MH-ML)/100dNm
• Ts60 (Minimum) - Time in which the torque is increased to ML + 60(MH-ML)/100dNm
• Ts90 (Minimum) - Time in which the torque is increased to ML + 90(MH-ML)/100dNm, reflecting the optimum vulcanization of your testing specimen

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For Torque characteristics, the MI (Initial torque), ML (Minimum Torque) and MH (Maximum Torque) can be ready from the Cure Curve. Time values are indicated as ts2 (Induction time), ts5 (scorch time), tc50 (optimum cure time) and tc90 (optimum cure time). Finally, the derived values consist of the curing rate "CR", the Thermoplasticity (Tp=MI-ML) as well as the Reversion time "RT".

The Cure Curve is the measure of Torque Vs Cure Time and is a clear indication of all the rubbers vulcanization characteristics. The Cure Curve, or Rheograph, is separated into three phases. Phase 1 provides a good indication of the processing behavior of the compound. Phase 2 provides the technician with information on the curing characteristics. Phase 3 supplies information on the physical traits and properties of the rubber compound.

A test piece of uncured compound is placed in a sealed test cavity, held under positive pressure and kept at the specified test temperature, chosen to match the standard you test to. The oscillating disc is embedded in the test piece.

The disc then oscillates through a small specified arc. That motion applies a shear strain to the rubber, and the torque needed to drive the disc depends on the stiffness, or shear modulus, of the compound at that moment.

As the compound vulcanizes, crosslinks form, stiffness rises and so does the torque. Plotting torque against time gives the cure curve, from which the software reads the minimum and maximum torque and the cure times. This is the oscillating disk method described in ASTM D2084.

The test ends when the set time is reached: the mold opens automatically, and the result is ready to save, print or report.

Vulcanization characteristics describe how a rubber compound cures under heat: how long it stays workable before cure starts, how fast it cures once it starts, and how stiff it is when the cure is complete.

On the NG-ODR these show up as the shape of the cure curve, which the software turns into torque values and cure times for each batch.

Knowing them ties lab data to the plant. The time before cure starts tells you how much processing safety a batch has in mixing, extrusion or molding; the cure time drives press cycles; and the final stiffness is a quick check that the formulation went in as intended.

For quality control, the software compares each result against acceptance limits, entered as minimum and maximum values or built from a stored reference test with a tolerance percentage, so an off-spec batch is flagged before it reaches production. Talk to our team if you want help setting those limits for your compounds.

The Rheometer is used to evaluate test batches and ensure consistency. Since materials are mixed in batches, there can be variations which need to be controller and limited to ensure a consistent product being produced. By testing material from different batches, production environments can set acceptable upper and lower control limits, ranges, the mean and standard deviation with reference to Rheological parameters. With this information, future batches can then be tested and easily fit within set Pass/Fail criteria.

The Rheometer allows for the curing characteristics of the Rubber Compound to be evaluated while also monitoring the processing characteristics and the physical properties of the test specimen. The "Cure Curve" provided after the test is the diagnostic of the compounds vulcanization and processing character.

The testing results of the Oscillating Disk Rheometer can be used for quality control in rubber manufacturing plants, for research and development on raw rubber compounded in an evaluation formulation and for analyzing raw materials in the preparation of rubber compounds.