Two new accessories for the Freeman Technology FT4 Powder Rheometer provide cosmetics manufacturers with the means to automatically test the quality of powder compacts.

A new hardness tester measures the strength of the powder compact at a range of positions. This delivers information about hardness and uniformity, properties related to the flow and bulk properties of the unpressed powder and the conditions imposed during pressing. The versatile hardness tester can be used on compacts of different diameters.

The second accessory enables the automatic assessment of "Payoff", the ease with which powder can be transferred from the compact to the applicator. Applied stress and shear rate can be varied for each test, representing a range of application conditions.

For both accessories, a novel vacuum base on the FT4 allows the compact to be held firmly in position without the need for complex, intrusive and damaging mechanical fixings.

The FT4 Powder Rheometer from Freeman Technology provides automated shear testing, dynamic flowability and bulk properties measurements making it a universal powder tester for formulators, process engineers and QA specialists.

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