HUDSON, Ohio—With the release of its new X-Series testing instruments and Alpha Automated Test Cell, Alpha Technologies is helping to bring testing closer to the mixing process. Both the X-Series and ATC feature patent-pending technology and were designed for use on the production floor.
The X-series offers the same reproducibility, repeatability and test sensitivity as the firm's flagship Premier technologies, Alpha said in a news release. The company's Enterprise software also allows the X-Series and the Premier line to communicate back and forth from the lab or office to the production floor.
“The X-Series is designed with test configuration interoperability with QC and/or R&D labs,” Kevin Yang, Alpha's vice president of global sales and marketing, said in a statement. “The X-Series will optimize the time to test, maximize the flexibility in testing strategies, and minimize testing downtime. Our engineers have designed a scalable solution that delivers actionable data right on the production floor.”
The X-Series comprises the MDR-X and RPA-X instrument modules as well as the X-Dock test station, which relies on Alpha's Enterprise data management solution through an IPC touch screen user interface.
The X-Dock, Alpha claims, “will automatically recognize and configure the test station to perform the intended rheological testing as each instrument module connects.” The auto identification feature allows for the use of multiple X-Series rheometers interchangably with the same X-Dock.
“All X-Series test modules are compatible and interchangeable with the Alpha ATC,” Alpha said. “This provides plants with the option to configure production floor batch release testing with either an Alpha ATC system and/or X-Series products.”
The ATC is designed to minimize the human interaction with the sample as it goes through the testing process. Alpha also claims the ATC improves throughput, reduces waste and increases the speed of the testing results.
