Quantachrome Instruments has announced that Diapac has switched to using Quantachrome's Autotap for its packing density/tap density measurements on high-density powders.
The powders are custom-blended for 'wear applications' such as oilfield drilling bits, mining tools, and milling equipment hardfacings.
Diapac's chief metallurgist explained the importance of tap density (TD) in terms of powder blend characteristics, and said: 'Particle size distribution and packing density (TD) dictate the trade-off between wear resistance and toughness in the resulting metal matrix composites.
'We're always trying to increase wear resistance without sacrificing toughness, and both are sensitive to packing density (TD).'
Regarding the benefits that the Autotap brings to his department, he added: 'What initially appealed about the Autotap was the rotation during tapping - our blends often have fine 'clingy' components, and we are often maximising packing density, hence our materials can have high repose angles, and the 'climb' in the cylinder we used to get was more than we liked as we knew it cost us accuracy.'
On the practical side, the technicians noticed how quickly and easily placing and removing the cylinder was in comparison with the previous machine.
Diapac said that between not having to tap the cylinder side to level the powder bed, and not having to work the shroud mechanism, its technicians do not break nearly as many expensive certified cylinders.
The Autotap conforms to ASTM B527 (standard test method for determination of tap density of metallic powders and compounds) and a number of other international norms, and is available in one- and two-sample versions.
It is used in a variety of industries including catalysis, pharmaceuticals, pigments and food.