Dropping Point Apparatus - Softening Point Tester - RT-300°C - 0.2-5.0°C/min Heating

The Master Science Dropping Point Apparatus determines the dropping point and softening point of amorphous and highly polymerised materials using photoelectric detection and a programmed heating ramp. The method follows the principle of ASTM D3461.

It is widely used for quality testing of tar, asphalt, paraffin, resins, rosin, fats, lubricants, petroleum jelly, pharmaceutical ointments, suppositories and edible greases.

Technical Specifications

Specifications of the Master Science Dropping Point Apparatus:

• Brand: Master Science
• Model Number: MSMTP-DP1SWISS
• SKU: MSMTP-DP1SWISS
• Temperature Range: Ambient to 300 °C
• Display Resolution: 0.1 °C
• Heating Rates: 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.0 °C/min
• Furnace Accuracy: ±0.5 °C up to 200 °C; ±1 °C above 200 °C
• Detection: Photoelectric, automatic
• Sample Cup: ID 9.9 mm, bottom radius 4.6 ±0.1 mm
• Orifice Sizes: 2.80 mm (dropping point); 6.35 mm (softening point); 5.00 mm (optional)
• Balls: Lead ball 3 mm, 3.2 ±0.1 g (ASTM); steel ball options
• Display: LCD
• Package Size: 740 × 390 × 300 mm
• Gross Weight: 12.6 kg

Key Benefits

• Objective endpoints: photoelectric detection records the exact drop or softening temperature.
• Method flexibility: eight heating rates and interchangeable cups suit dropping and softening tests.
• One instrument for many materials: the Master Science Dropping Point Apparatus covers asphalt, waxes, resins, greases and ointments.
• Stable heating: programmed temperature control gives repeatable ramps.
• Clear readout: LCD display with 0.1 °C resolution.

For crystalline melting points, see the Master Science digital melting point apparatus.

Product Features

Measurement

• Dropping point and softening point
• Photoelectric automatic detection
• Ambient to 300 °C

Heating

• Programmed linear ramps 0.2 to 5.0 °C/min
• Furnace accuracy ±0.5 °C to 200 °C

Accessories

• Cups with 2.80, 6.35 and 5.00 mm orifices
• Lead or steel balls

Applications

The Master Science Dropping Point Apparatus is used for:

• Asphalt and bitumen softening point
• Paraffin wax and petroleum jelly
• Resins and rosin
• Lubricating greases
• Ointments, suppositories and edible fats

Common Laboratory Problems and How This Apparatus Helps

How the Master Science Dropping Point Apparatus improves softening point testing:

• Visual ring-and-ball readings vary: photoelectric detection is objective.
• Uneven heating: programmed ramps keep conditions repeatable.
• Different equipment for each test: one unit performs dropping and softening tests.
• Slow manual observation: automatic detection frees the operator.
• Record keeping: digital display shows precise values.