Hydramotion, a leading manufacturer of process viscosity sensors, has announced the release of ViscoMelt, the company’s next generation of melt flow analyzers. Powered by a breakthrough new sensor technology, Scorpion, it delivers the entire viscoelastic picture of thermoplastics in real time, relating directly to MFI, IV, and molecular weight. These were measurements previously only accessible in the laboratory, or with expensive, heavy and slow mechanical equipment.
“Scorpion isn’t just a new twist on old technology. It’s an entirely new approach to wave mechanics that allows resonant technology to provide a new level of detail previously only achieved by its laboratory counterparts,” said John Rowe, CMO, Hydramotion. “The design philosophy was to bring traditional lab-level insight for thermoplastics straight to the production line, with a simple, easy-to-use device that is small and lightweight with no maintenance costs. We’re excited to announce that we’ve now achieved this.”
Melt flow data reveals a lot about how well a melt will process and perform. A real time view of this information enables operators to spot any deviations or quality issues early and respond with corrective measures. This is particularly important in LDPE or HDPE packaging applications for films, wraps, bottles or containers, where variability in melt flow index can have significant effects on clarity, strength, and barrier performance. Inline monitoring helps manufacturers maintain consistent quality, increase line efficiency, and reduce waste, all while supporting sustainability and circularity goals.
With the evolving demands of the packaging industry, this technology has never been more relevant. Sustainability targets and packaging regulations are increasingly driving demand for recycled materials like rLDPE and rHDPE, which put pressure on processors to maximize quality and throughput while navigating variability in recycled input streams, all amid rising costs in energy, raw materials, and labor.
The breakthrough technology is designed to be an inline replacement for current capillary or lab-based technology. The solid-state design means it is easy to maintain, with no gearboxes, melt pumps, or other moving parts, and fits seamlessly into standard thread ports on extruders and narrow bore melt pipes. Extended length options are also available for tank installations.
“Our new ViscoMelt analyzer is the perfect solution for upgrading your existing capillary or lab-based technology,” continues John Rowe. “The plug-and-play installation allows you to replace existing equipment easily, without additional investment or infrastructure rework.”
