Alpha Technologies Series 2000 Rebuild Program Extends the Life of Polymer Testing Instruments

Through a new instrument-rebuild program, Alpha Technologies is helping laboratories extend the useful life of existing equipment, restoring repeatability, reproducibility, and reliability lost to the wear and degradation that occurs inevitably after years of service. Four different service programs for Alpha Series 2000 rheometers, viscometers and other instrumentation give customers attractive options to purchasing a new unit.

“Alpha has a reputation for quality and durability that is second to none.  Over the years we have made a number of changes to improve performance, but the core technology remains the same,” notes Tom Millis, Director, Aftermarket Sales & Service.  “However, we know that components do wear, and control wiring and pneumatics can degrade, and eventually you just can’t get the accuracy, reproducibility and reliability you need anymore. Also, a customer’s testing requirements may change over time and they require enhanced capabilities. Through this Series 2000 rebuild program, we can improve performance and add new functionality at a cost that is significantly lower than that of a new machine.”

Depending on the instrument, the upgrades, and the condition of the instrument, costs can be as little as 20% of the price of a new unit. There are four different programs available:

Recondition: A certified service engineer is dispatched to the customer location to service the equipment and replace worn components. Parts are shipped from the factory as assemblies to ensure quality and minimize downtime. Assemblies that typically require service include die assemblies, central shaft, drive motor, AC power module, front door, temperature control system, pneumatics and draft shield. Work can be included as part of an ongoing AlphaCare Calibration and Preventive Maintenance Program or can be scheduled in phases to reduce downtime and defer costs.

Rebuild: Upgrading a machine can improve reliability of test data, safety, reduce setup time and scrap, accelerate changeovers, minimize cost per run and increase flexibility. The unit is shipped to the Alpha factory for inspection and a quotation based on its condition. This is a particularly good option when re-commissioning equipment that has been out of service for an extended period of time. Typical services performed include rebuilding platens and installing new dies, installing new wiring, bearings, seals and gaskets, pneumatics, electronics and cosmetic refurbishing. Software and automation upgrades can also be completed. When work is finished, the unit is reassembled and thoroughly tested, calibrated and certified.

Convert: When an instrument was purchased originally for one purpose but now requires additional features, it often can be converted to a different Alpha Technologies model. For example, a current ODR2000 Oscillating Disk Rheometer can be converted to a MDR2000 Moving Die Rheometer or even an MV2000 Mooney Viscometer.

Exchange: This fourth Series 2000 Service Program exchanges an existing instrument for another unit that already has been rebuilt, eliminating both lead time and downtime. Installation and commissioning are performed by a professional Alpha

Technologies service engineer.

“Whichever program you choose,” concludes Millis, “you can be sure the work will be done to the same standards as a new instrument, including ISO17025/A2LA accredited calibration. We use genuine Alpha Technologies replacement parts, which are the same parts that new instruments are built with and we provide a one-year warranty on replacement parts and 90-day warranty on labor.”