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Read MorePremier RPA – Rubber Process Analyzer
Measure compounds before, during and after cure in a single test.
From the scientists and engineers with the most experience in Rubber Process Analysis… because we’re the ones who developed the first RPA instrument.
Some people think that more rubber and polymer companies buy Premier® RPA because Alpha Technologies is the proven, field-tested, industry leader. And while that’s true, a great reputation only gets you so far. The main reason Alpha is the choice of QA and R&D labs is their quality, reliability and dependability. These instruments are on your job all day, every day.
Premier RPA has been engineered for continuous production in both lab and factory-floor environments. It delivers consistent, repeatable data batch after batch after batch. And that kind of repeatability means your data is consistently reproducible over the many instruments located in your plants around the world. Your data doesn’t shift just because your time zone does.
That’s why Alpha is trusted by more top tier rubber and polymer manufacturers than any other brand.
I tell people that the Premier MDR gives you a high-resolution photograph of your compound. The Premier RPA gives you the movie.”
– Richard Hanzlik, Alpha Technologies Application Engineer
How to Compare Premier RPA with all the others.
Stiffer seals with low friction to prevent slippage and leakage and ensure no loss of signal. Plus, they last longer.
Separate user interfaces – Workbench for instrument management and Online Manager for data analysis. Gives you true multi-tasking. Unlike others there’s no waiting for the test to finish before being able to review data.
Oversampling captures better signal to noise for more data points per second than anybody else. Premier’s Extended Dynamic Range (EDR) is especially important at low strains where you have a really small signal. EDR gives you the resolution you need. Others tend to offer a lot of noise.
Easy calibration for customers who want to do it themselves when they change seals. So you can get your instrument back in precise calibration without resorting to fudge factors. (See below)
Torque standards you can trust. Premier RPA torque standards make sure your instrument is accurately calibrated. Others use cheaper torque standards that have an unacceptable margin of error and need fudge factors to make them come out “right.”
Get more value from your Premier RPA
Options that expand the capabilities of your Premier RPA.
Precision Dynamic Modulus (PDM) measures the die gap throughout the test. Our PDM package includes a die-gap sensor, a controllable pressure regulator and Premier seal plates that increase pressure. PDM improves both your repeatability and reproducibility by ensuring good surface contact while measuring the actual die gap as the specimen expands and contracts with temperature changes.
Easy Automation. Our 3-side open enclosure makes it easy to add multiple automation options to support low to high volume production demands. Our compact, lightweight sample delivery system delivers the most reliable sample transfer system in the industry.
Measurement of high-temperature materials utilizing optional custom dies and housing that extend temperature range to 350ºC.
Measure the harmonics of torque curves using Large Amplitude Oscillatory Sheer (LAOS) to provide LCB index. Do a deeper dive into long-chain polymer branching for better understanding of the processing qualities of your elastomeric material.
Sub-Zero Technology™. Predict tire performance characteristics at temperatures down to -25ºC and significantly reduce in-process testing time. Premier RPA with Sub-Zero Technology eliminates the need (and the time) for a Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA).
Standard Premier Features
Faster. Better Control. Better Resolution.
Custom Electronics that are matched to the instrument. Better control. Better resolution. Other RPAs use off-the-shelf PLCs to save money, but can’t fine-tune their electronics to their instrument – often overshoot set points then spend valuable time stabilizing. 
Efficient Die Cooling
Efficient die cooling that gets your instrument ready for the next test. Why wait 20 minutes for dies to cool down when Premier instruments take about 6 minutes. (And our instruments are smart enough to know when the instrument reaches the right temperature. Others, not so much.)
Custom Designed Heating Control System
Because they are designed specifically for Premier instruments, our heating control system ramps up heating cycles faster and maintains control for more accurate cure times and more efficient production. 
Dynamic Symmetry and Smart Alignment
More accurate measurements. No loss of signal thanks to Premier’s Smart Alignment and Dynamic Symmetry. On-target, parallel die closing, high stiffness and constant closing force. 
Lighter. Stronger. Stiffer.
Work smarter not harder with lighter, cast aluminum frames. Not only are Premier frames light, but incredibly stiff for less variability. What’s more, Premier instruments incorporate frame compliance into the calibration for better data. 
Control with a Personal Touch
Our incredibly intuitive user interface comes to you through a large, bright, touch screen panel that lets you navigate to the view you want or the information you need, fast and easy. Applications
Isothermal Curing at Variable Strain
Non-Isothermal Cure
Strain Sweep for Payne Effect
Advanced Cure Kinetics
Isothermal Curing at Variable Strain
Test variable oscillation angles for measurements within the ideal strain amplitude.
Non-Isothermal Cure
Test variable oscillation angles for measurements within the ideal strain amplitude.
Strain Sweep for Payne Effect
Test variable oscillation angles for measurements within the ideal strain amplitude.
Advanced Cure Kinetics
Test variable oscillation angles for measurements within the ideal strain amplitude.
Specifications
| Frequency: | 0.1 to 3000 cpm (0.0016 to 50 Hz) |
| Temperature Range: | Ambient to 446°F (230°C) |
| Max Ramp Rate: | 1.8°F/s (1°C/s) |
| Max Cool Rate: | 0.9°F/s (0.5°C/s) |
| Strain: | ±0.07% to ±1255% (±0.005 to ±90 degrees) |
| Measured Data: | Torque, temperature, frequency, strain, pressure, and angle |
| Calculated Data: | G’, G”, G*, J’, J”, J*, S’, S”, S*, tanδ, η’, η”, and η* |
| Testing Standards: | Meets ASTM D5289, D6048, D6204, D6601, D7050, D7605, and D8059 |
| Reports and Export Files: | Numerous formats including text and Microsoft Excel © files |
| Electrical: | 100/110/120/130 VAC ±10%, 60 ±3 Hz, 20 amp single phase 200/220/240/160 VAC ±10%, 50 ±3 Hz, 10 amp single phase |
| Air Pressure: | 80 psi (5.6 kg/cm 550 kPa) minimum |
| Dimensions: | W: 22 in (56 cm), D: 25 in (64 cm), H: 45 in (122 cm) |
| Weight: | Net 346 lb (157 kg), gross 547 lb (248 kg) |
Accessories
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