Rheometer Series
MCRxx2
www.anton-paar.com
MCR History: Evolution to Revolution
Time
UDS
1995
2
MCR xx0
1999
MCR xx1
2004
MCR xx2
2011
Time Line Anton Paar Rheometer at
Customer Side
UDS
MCR500
MCR301
3
History: Evolution of Anton Paar
Rheometers
MCR xx0
1999
2004
MCR xx1
2011
MCR xx2
UDS 200
1995
Innovations
- First EC-Motor Rheometer
- Fully digital instrument (DSP
Technology)
- Graphite air bearing
- Patented normal force sensor
- Quick-fitting coupling
Introduction of the modular
concept
7 Temperature control systems
4 Special Accessories
4
Innovations
- Direct Strain Oscillation (DSO)
- Introduction of torque mapping
- Patented Peltier Hood (H-PTD)
- Patented Cylinder Temp. control
- First Magneto- and Electrorheological devices
- First Immobilisation cell
- Automatc Sample Changer (ASC)
Improvements
- Improved EC Motor technology
(min. torque: 20 nNm)
- State of the art DSP-Technologie
- Air bearing and normal force
improvements
Extension of the modular concept
11 Temperature control systems
11 Special Accessories
Innovations
- ToolmasterTM
- TruGapTM
- LAN Interface
- CTD450 with Digi Eye
- First Rheo-SALS System
- First Interfacial Rheology System
- First Tribologie System
- High Throughput Rheometer HTR
Improvements
- Improved EC Motor technology
(min. torque: 10 nNm)
- Temperature stabilisation of air
bearing and normal force sensor
- Space-saving instrument concept
and innovative design
Extension of the modular concept
12 Temperature control systems
16 Special Accessories
The Slogan for the MCR Series:
Your Future-Proof Rheometer
What does this slogan mean?
New high-end rheometer platform
employing state of the art technology for all
today´s and future applications
Continuous firmware development ensures
performance improvements and new
functions over the life time of the MCR xx2.
The accessories for the former MCR as well
as all new accessories can be used in the
new MCR rheometer series.
… and now the technical details
5
The Future Proof Rheometer
What is new in the MCRxx2?
The new MCR xx2 features a totally new electronics and mechanical design and relies
on the further improved core components such as EC-motor, air bearing and normal
force sensor.
Development targets
1)
Fill the foot steps of the MCRxx1 (Release Status)
First step ensures MCRxx1 performance on the MCRxx2 platform and some unique new
additional features.
Since there were constantly small improvements in the MCRxx1 the last specifications
were to conservative. Therefore the MCRxx2 specifications are better compared to the
MCR xx1 specs.
2)
6
New platform which can grow with further needs from customers.
Instrument Shape of MCR xx2 Series
MCR Series with 4 instruments:
MCR 52
(ball bearing)
MCR 102
(air bearing)
MCR 302
(air bearing)
MCR 502
(air bearing)
MCR 52, 102, 302 look similar
MCR 502
 higher frame
 larger flange
7
MCRxx2 - EC-Motor, Motor Controller,
Electronics
Innovations of MCR xx2
 TruRateTM (new)
 TruStrainTM (new)
 TruGapTM and CTD boards included
 Digital current sources
 T-ReadyTM (new)
 New faster electronics
8
Characteristics of the EC-Motor
 Known and constant magnetic field
Fast and accurate control routines
 Instantaneous availability of the
magnetic field and the torque, i.e. no
time lag due to induction
Extremely fast response times.
Controlling of very small speeds at small
torques. Oscillation at higher frequencies
 No induction needed: No eddy currents. No heat production on the
rotor- No change in motor characteristics. High torques for long times
possible (300 mNm).
 Linear relationship between the electro-magnetic torque and the
stator current( M  I): Only one motor constant for calibration
 Almost no dependence on the type of geometry, i.e. no
difference between small low inertia and large high inertia
geometries.
9
Air Bearing / Normal Force
Air bearings
 Axial bearing centers the shaft
 Radial bearing holds the rotating part
 Constant high quality (less variation) of air
bearings due to improved manufacturing process
 MCR502: Temperature stabilisation of the air
bearing increases the lifetime of motor
adjustments and reduces drifts in normal force.
Normal Force Measurement
Patented normal force sensor in the air bearing measures
the natural deflection of rotor when measuring system is
pushed or pulled by an electrical capacity method.
Benefits:
 Large NF range with high resolution
 NF measurements in fast transient measurements
 Measurement in the air bearing NF available for all
environmental systems and accessories
 NF is no extra option or accessory
10
Radial Bearing
Normal
Force
Sensor
Axial
Bearing
Performance MCR xx2
Normal Force, TruRateTM, SRM2490
4
6
10
CSRTest, TruRateTM
CP25-4, P-PTD200, 25°C
Shear rate:
0.001 to 100
Measurement point
duration.
100 to 1 s (log)
Averaging:
Automatic
1
10
10
N
Pa
m Pa·s
0
10
3
10
5
10
-1
10
SRM 2490 Flow curve
2
N1
10

FN

-2
10
4
10
1
10
Min Normal Force:
10
0.0028 N
0
10
3
10
-4
-3
-2
10 10 10
-1
0
1
2
10 10 101/s
10
Spec values:
Normal Force Range: 0.005 to 50 N
11
-3
10
3
FN
N1
Normal Force Sensor MCR52
High normal forces when occurring during gap loading
of highly viscous samples can potentially damage the
mechanical bearing of the MCR150/51 because the
bearing is not designed for high axial load and there is
no sensor which recognizes such an event
Normal Force sensor MCR52
The MCR52 employs a normal force sensor which
recognises potentially dangerous events for the ball
bearing and stops the actual movement.
12
Performance MCR xx2
TruRateTM, Water Measurement
CSR Test, TruRateTM
CP50-1, P-PTD200, 25°C
Measurement point duration
10 to 100s
Averaging:
80% of the measuring point duration
5
2
10
mPa·s
nNm
4
1.6
10
1.4
3
1.2

10
H2O 25°C
1
M
2
0.8
10
M
0.6
1
0.4
10
0.2
0
0
-1
10
0
10
1
10
2
10
10
1/s
3
10
.
Shear Rate 
Flow curve water: Within 10% deviation down to 15 nNm
13

Performance MCR xx2
TruRateTM, SRM 2490
CSD Test,
TruRateTM
CP25-4, P-PTD200,
25°C
Strain: 100 %
Measurement point
duration.
0.001 to 10 s (log)
Averaging:
Automatic
5
100
10
Pa
%
3
102
%
101.5
10
2
10
10
101
1
10
100.5
0
10

-1


SRM
100 2490 Step Strain

99.5
10
99
1
10
-3
10
-4
10
98.5
98
-2
10
-1
10
Time t
s
-5
0.1
-3
10
-2
10
-1
0
10
10
Time t
1
10
2
10
3
10 s 10
Desired Strain reached within 40 ms.
14

-2
Further available controller
 Accurate
 Fast
 Heavy load
 Manual
0
10
Performance MCR xx2
TruRateTM, Step Rate SRM 2490
2
11
10
Step Rate 1s-1
1/s

9
.

8
Step Rate 3s-1
7
6
 Pa·s
5
35 ms at 3,5,10 s-1
15 ms at
1
10
-3
10
-2
10
-1
0
10
10
Time t
1s-1
1
10

.
.


4
Step Rate 5s-1
3

2
10
.

2
1
Pa·s²
Step Rate 10s-1
1
10
0
2
10 s 10
3
 Desired shear rates reached within 15 to 35 ms
 Viscosity curves overlaying
 First Normal Stress coefficient perfectly overlaying
15
CSR Test, TruRateTM
CP25-4, P-PTD200, 25°C
Shear Rate:
1,3,5,10 s-1
Measurement point
duration.
0.001 to 10 s (log)
Averaging:
Automatic

.

1
0
10
-1
10
-1
10
0
1
10
10
Time t
2
10
s
3
10
TruStrainTM
 LAOS has become more popular in the last two years, which allowed us
to improved and show the performance of the DSO controller.
 The name DSO is not protected, competition has therefore also
introduced „Direct Strain“ names just for simple amplitude control in
oscillation.
 To differentiate real time position control from the amplitude control and
to underline the improvements of this controller over the last years a new
name for former „Direct Strain Oscillation“ is introduced with the MCR xx2:
TruStrainTM
16
Strain Control in Oscillation: Amplitude
Control vs. Real Time Position Control
TruStrainTM
Amplitude Control (Controlled Shear Deformation - CSD)
 t   0  sin   t
 t
 t   0  sin   t  
Strain [%]
1
0
 t  2
 0   0 ,desired
ideal
instrument
-1
 sinusoidal stress input
Real Time Position Control (Former Direct Strain Oscillation - DSO) 
Now TruStrainTM (Rheol. Acta, 41, 356-361 (2002))
 t  t
 t  t   desired t  t
17
Strain [%]
 t
 t
1
0
-1
ideal
instrument
 sinusoidal strain input
Strain in Oscillation: TruStrainTM
4%-Xanthan gel
3
10
Pa
10
G' 10
G'' 10
10
10
blue: TruStrainTM
2
red: Standard oscillation CSD
1
0
-1
-2
10
-2
10
-1
0
10
Strain
10
1
DSO
%
0
raw
-50
-40
-100
0
2
tper
18
4
s
6
%
10
4
Pa
50
20
0
-20
3
CSD
%
50
raw
10
40
Pa
20
2
100
100
40
10
0
0
raw
raw
-20
 Perfect
Sinusoidal Strain
with TruStrainTM
-50
-40
-100
0
2
tper
4
s
6
Paper Rheologica Acta 2010
Performance MCR xx2
TruStrainTM, Low Torque, Small Deflection
Angle
2
CSD Test, TruStrainTM
CP25-1, P-PTD200, 25°C
4
10
10
nNm
Pa·s
3
Deflection angle
(preset): 0.22 µrad
10
1
SRM 2490 25°C
10
2
10
|*|
|*|
M
M
1
10
0
Torque:
2.5 nNm
1 Pas Oil, 25°C
10
|*|
0
Torque: 0.85 nNm
Deflection angle (preset): 0.55 µrad
-1
10
-1
10
10
0
1
2
10
10
10
Deflection Angle 
3
10 µrad 10
SRM2490
Strain: 10 to 0.1 %
Frequency: 0.1 Hz
Measurement point
duration
No time setting
Averaging:
Automatic
M
1 Pas oil
Strain: 100 to 0.001 %
Frequency: 1 Hz
Measurement point
duration
No time setting
Averaging:
Automatic
-1
10
4
Spec values
TruStrainTM: Min Torque 1 nNm
TruStrainTM: Min deflection angle (preset) 0.1 µrad
19
T-ReadyTM
Setting of sample temperature
Today the waiting time for sample temperature before test start is usually longer
then required to ensure that the sample reached the desired temperature.
Nevertheless there is still no proof that the sample has really reached the desired
temperature.
T-ReadyTM
• T-Ready ensures the desired sample temperature.
• Reduces and optimizes waiting times.
• Uses the TruGapTM hardware and functionality to detect sample temperature
equilibrium
20
T-ReadyTM Technology / Measurement
Hardware: TruGapTM temperature device and measuring system
2
Pa·s
0.2
80
µm/s
°C
0.1
1.6
0.05
1.4
0
Temperature Criteria:
If the lift motor does not move more
then 3 µm within the last 200 s a
constant temperature within the gap is
reached. Instrument shows on display
in green T-Ready.
70
65
60
-0.05
1.2

1
0.8
v
-0.1
55
-0.15
50
-0.2
45
-0.25
0.6
-0.3
0.4
-0.35
40
Less then 3 µm
movement within
200 s  TReadyTM
-0.4
0.2
0
-0.45
-0.5
0
50
Sample: Canon Silocone oil
Shear rate: 10 s-1
Measurement point duration: 5 s
T
The criteria can be set in the service
software. 3 µm within 200 s ensures
accurate temperature for all types of
measuring systems.
35
30
Display
25
20
100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 s700
Time t
Idea: Sample contacts the bottom plate and measuring system. As long as the temperature of the
sample, temperature device and measuring system is not in equilibrium the lift motor is in motion and
compensates the gap continuouesly according to TruGapTM measurement. At temperature equilibrium
the lift motor motion stops moving. This is recognized and the test is started automatically.
21
Mechanical Design / Frame
All Accessories for MCR xx1 also are usable for
MCR xx2
Innovations: Release Status MCR xx2
 Modern new instrument shape
 Higher maximum lift motor speed
 Improved instrument compliance and axial
compliance compensation
 Large colour display with soft keys
 More interfaces / USB interface
 Improved z-direction alignment
 Improved service access
22
Connections and Interfaces
Connections and Interfaces at the MCR xx2
 USB Connection for direct communication with computer
 Ethernet interface for direct or network communication
 4 analog outputs for triggering external devices
 3 inputs for reading external devices
 Thermocouple interface for temperature reading
 Pt-100 interface for temperature reading
 Serial port for communication with external thermostat
 Boards can be exchanged separately without removing the housing for better service access.
23
New Intuitive Colour Display
Colour display
 New, intuitive, well-organized colour display controlled with
soft keys.
 The display employs the same functionality as a touch
screen but without the risk of damaging the screen with
dirty fingers when working with samples like e.g. asphalt or
paints
Users have just to press a few buttons at the display instead of do some
handling in the software.
Network control of the instrument gets even more interesting because
sample and instrument preparation does not require computer interactions.
24
MCR xx2 Specifications
Units
Bearing
MCR102
MCR302
MCR502
Mechanical
Air
Air
Air
250 µNm
50
10
10
100
1
1
Min. Torque rot
nNm
Min torque osc.
nNm
Max torque rot/osc
mNm
200
200
200
230 (300)
Torque resolution
nNm
100
0.5
0.1
0.1
Deflection angle (preset)
µrad
1 to ∞
1 to ∞
1 to ∞
1 to ∞
Internal angular resolution
nrad
12
12
12
12
Min speed (CSS)
1/min
1.0E-05
1.0E-05
1.0E-07
1.0E-057
Min. speed (CSR)
1/min
1.0E-03
1.0E-04
1.0E-06
1.0E-06
Max speed
1/min
3000
3000
3000
3000
Time const speed (66%)
ms
10
10
10
10
Time const. Angle (66%)
ms
10
10
10
10
Step time speed (99%)
ms
30
30
30
30
Step time angle (99%)
ms
30
30
30
30
Min. angular frequency
rad/s
1.E-03
1.0E-05
1.0E-05
1.0E-05
Max. angular frequency
rad/s
628
628
628
628
N
-
0.01 - 50
0.005 – 50
0.005 – 50
1
0.5
0.5
Normal force range
Normal Force resolution
25
MCR52
mN
MCR xx2 / Options
MCR52
MCR102
MCR302
MCR502
TruGapTM
TReadyTM
yes
yes
yes
yes
TruRateTM
(adaptive controller)
yes
optional
yes
yes
TruStrainTM
no
optional
yes
yes
DMTA,Tack, Squeeze,
NF
no
optional
yes
yes
LAOS, Raw Data
no
optional
(TruStrainTM required)
optional
yes
ToolmasterTM
Temperature Range
Accessories
26
Measuring systems and accessories
-150 to 1000°C
all excl. DORA
all
Special MCR xx2
DSR302
MCR302/
WESP/WSP
WESP
Full functional instrument.
Display on the right side.
 Flange ensures parallelity
 Lift motor full functional
 More space underneath the instrument
27
DSR
Rheometer head with
seperate electronics
WSP
Full functional instrument without flange.
Display on the right side.
 Lift motor full functional
 More space underneath the instrument
Summary of the Evolution
2004
MCR xx1
2011
MCR xx2
Innovations
- State of the art electronics
- T-ReadyTM
- Piezo Axial Actuator
- USB connection
- Thermocouple interface
- Colour display with soft keys
- Sample/Test preparation over display
- CTD180 with Digi Eye
- Universal optical devices
Innovations
- ToolmasterTM
- TrugapTM
- LAN Interface
- CTD450 with Digi Eye
- First Rheo-SALS System
- First Interfacial Rheology System
- First Tribologie System
- High Throughput Rheometer
Improvements
- Improved EC Motor technology
(Minimum torque: 10 nNm)
- Temperature stabilisation of air bearing and normal force sensor
- Space-saving instrument concept and innovative design
Extension of the modular concept
12 Temperature control systems
16 Special Accessories
28
Improvements
- State of the art high speed electronics
- Digital current sources
- TruStrainTM
- TruRateTM
- Improved complience compensation
- Faster lift motor
- Improved adjustments for torque, normal force and opt.
encoder (Minimum torque: 2 nNm)
- Space-saving instrument concept and innovative design
- More interfaces
- Improved service access
- Improved CTD controller
Extension of the modular concept
13 Temperature control systems
17 Special Accessories
Accessories MCR xx2
One Instrument - Many Combinations
29