Parallel Plate Rheometry

Mechanical Execution

A thin disk of sample material sits between two flat circular plates where the bottom plate remains stationary while the upper plate oscillates. When parallel plate rheometry begins, sensors track the resistance of the fluid to the constant torque applied by the motor. These calculations show the exact point at which a resin starts to thin out and when it begins to gel and harden.

Monitoring these parameters ensures that batches from different suppliers have consistent behavior when they enter the production environment. Variation in this test typically hints at an improper mixture ratio or aged material that will not flow correctly between copper traces.

Process Limit

Accurate results require the maintenance of a specific gap height between the plates that is significantly larger than any particles inside the sample. If the gap is too small, large fillers inside the epoxy will jam, resulting in false high readings of viscosity.