Innovation That Keeps You Moving from Engineering Excellence

4News

Machinery, Plastics, Electronics

Analytical solutions in the laboratory

February 2015

When it comes to engineering, the smallest detail determines the suc-

cess or failure of an innovation. Dana Holding Corp., a major supplier

in the automotive industry, turned to METTLER TOLEDO to help them

understand the impact of water content in grease in their mechanical

products.

Innovation That Keeps You Movingfrom Engineering Excellence

14News

Machinery, Plastics, Electronics

Analytical solutions in the laboratory

able for the analysis. A long time user of various METTLER TOLEDO balances and happy with the service provided as well as durability, she wanted to see what solu-tions were offered.

Automated error-free calculations An external extraction technique was suggested as the grease cannot be inject-ed directly. This method requires multiple steps, including complex calculations performed by the operator which are prone to error. Amy decided to purchase the C30X Karl Fischer Titrator to sim-plify this method and make it error-free. The built-in External Extraction method guides the operator through every step of the titration procedure and automates the complex calculation. The One Click® op-eration is simple and fast to learn, mak-

Boasting 15 technical centers and nearly 100 major facilities across the globe, Da-na is a major contributor to keeping the world moving with its innovations. Re-cruiting the best engineers, Dana knows that innovation comes from knowledge and research: their battery cooling plates for electric cars, lightweight tandem ax-les, and active warm-up systems transfer-ring wasted heat to the engine, adhere to Dana’s goals to drive performance and efficiency.

Looking to quantitatively determine water content in grease to further understand the impact it has on their mechanical products and support regulations re-quired by customers, Amy Zyski, Materials Engineer at the Maumee, Ohio office was tasked with finding an instrument suit-

2 METTLER TOLEDO Machinery, Plastics, Electronics News 14

Karl

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Publisher Mettler-Toledo AG Laboratory Division Im Langacher CH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Production LAB Division MarketingGlobal MarCom Switzerlandwww.mt.com/lab-segmentnews

Subject to technical changes. © Mettler-Toledo AG 02/15 Printed in Switzerland.

ing it well accepted amongst engineers with little laboratory experience.

Room for expansionWord spread of the new laboratory instru-ment and it was quickly used for water content of other products and for other projects. Different types of grease were an-alyzed as well as axle lubricants. However, some of the new products were unsuitable for direct injection: they contained oxida-tive additives that caused side reactions with the iodine generated by the Coulo-metric titration; secondly, the toluene sol-vent used to prepare samples is harmful to health. A technique that heats up the

sample to measure the evaporated water content was ideal as no solvent is needed. The Stromboli Oven sample changer was suggested and purchased with LabX® ti-tration software to further support Dana’s research and projects.

“The Stromboli quickly paid for itself by allowing our engineers to spend more time on their projects and avoid the ex-traction steps. Removing toluene from the lab led to safer operations, chemical and waste cost savings, as well as being more environmentally friendly.” said Dana Combs, COTC Materials Laboratory Supervisor.

Through hard earned engineering knowl-edge, Dana Holding Corp. keeps the world moving with its innovative products. Through innovative solutions, METTLER TOLEDO supports Dana’s journey.

Text: Matthew Eby, Titration Product Manager

www.mt.com/titration

Axle and engine of a truck

3METTLER TOLEDO Machinery, Plastics, Electronics News 14

TMA/SDTA

Modern packaging materials consist of several, bonded, thin polymer

films forming a multilayer film. Thermomechanical Analysis provides

insights into the thermal properties of each layer for QC purposes.

Multilayer Film PackagingCharacterized with TMA

Multilayer films, as thin as 0.1 mm, used for goods packaging must be tested for quality control purposes. The new TMA/SDTA 1 characterizes the layers of these films by studying melting temperature, polymer identity and layer thickness.

TMA applied to polymer layers To perform this experiment, the TMA measurement conditions were optimized for the better resolution of dimensional changes (steps in the curve). The TMA/SDTA 1 heating rate was fixed at 5 °C/min and a force of 0.1 N was applied to obtain precise information about the different layers, the nature of the polymers and the thickness of each layer. In order to do this, the TMA ballpoint probe was in di-rect contact with the sample in penetra-tion mode.

Evaluation of the first derivative of the TMA curve (Figure 1) yields peaks at 106, 118, 178 and 189 °C which are com-parable to those measured using a DSC instrument. The double peak obtained for PE-LLD cannot be resolved; it indicates that the multilayer film contains two separate layers of PE-LLD of similar thickness. The evaluation of the three PE layers up to 150 °C is difficult because the peaks overlap one another.

However, this method is the only one that measures the melting point and thick-ness of the layers simultaneously.

Text: Matthias Wagner, Thermal Analysis Product Manager

www.mt.com/TMA

Figure 1: TMA curve and its first derivative measured at a heating rate of 5 K/min and a force of 0.1 N.


Moi

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Switzerland-based Victorinox must uphold its reputation with every “Original Swiss Army

Knife” they produce. METTLER TOLEDO moisture analyzers play a critical role in ensuring

that incoming goods, such as plastic granulate, contain the correct moisture content and

help Victorinox create durable, high-performing knives.

Moisture Analyzer Assures Qualityof Iconic Swiss Knife

Karl Eisener founded Victorinox in 1884 and it has been delivering knives to the Swiss Army since 1891. Throughout its 130-year history, the company has re-mained true to Swiss values for manufac-turing precision and product excellence, crafting just over 100,000 Swiss Army knives, multi-tools and kitchen/home-use knives each year.

Critical moisture contentVictorinox carefully tests each and every batch of plastic granulate they receive to ensure moisture content accuracy. More than 15 tons of raw materials are stored at once and up to 1,000 kg batches are

dried daily. This front-line quality con-trol also includes tests for color and ther-mal properties. If an incoming load of granulate does not pass the quality con-trol tests, it is withheld from production.

Secondary testing occurs when a cus-tomer order is received. At the point of or-der, granulate is sampled from the dryer and tested again. If moisture is off or if, in other words, the plastic contains too much moisture to achieve the required density and hardness, the granules go back to the dryer. If moisture content and other quality specifications are met, then the granule batch is fed automatically

into the injection molding machines that produce Victorinox knife handles with their characteristic cross and shield logo.

Easy-to-use equipmentVictorinox works with six different plas-tics, each with its own drying method for moisture analysis. METTLER TOLEDO moisture analyzers have been the key to fast heating and precise temperature control to ensure unsurpassed precision and highly reliable moisture content re-sults.

Additionally, the analyzers used by Victo-rinox are easy to program with individu-


Injection mold for Victorinox Swiss Army Knives

al drying protocols. This is essential, as a single person prepares samples, changes tooling and manages seven injection-molding machines per shift. Pre-pro-grammed drying-method shortcuts are easily identified by the material number.

Ensuring product qualitySince deciding on METTLER TOLEDO moisture analyzers, Victorinox has been able to guarantee material moisture con-tent so that, if there’s a problem with in-jection molding, moisture content is al-ready eliminated as the potential cause. With this improvement, Victorinox has been able to cut down on the number of discarded batches and speed up produc-tion by as much as 10 %. This pleases Peter Anderhub, Victorinox’s injection molding team leader, “Our goal is to ensure that the material is of the high-est quality before going into the injection

molder. METTLER TOLEDO’s moisture analyzers help us to reach our target.”

Text: Claas Boerger Moisture Analyzer Product Manager

www.mt.com/moisture


Bala

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Balance users in manufacturing plants are under increasing pressure to raise productiv-

ity. However, they need to ensure quality and traceability of manufactured parts, through

quality control tests and diligent documentation processes. Connectivity and data man-

agement options on MS, ML and ME balances simplify and speed-up daily weighing

tasks.

Balance Connectivity FeaturesBoost Productivity

Piece counting and check weighing met-al and plastic components with a balance on the factory floor are fast methods for quality control and inventory checks. Weighing thousands of small parts indi-vidually simply isn’t practical, but weigh-ing a large quantity of items against a reference value can quickly provide fac-tory floor workers with the number of parts in a variety of applications, such as goods receiving, warehousing, pro-

duction or shipping. Likewise, weighing a known number of items is a fast way to spot problems with production quality.

The data challengeHandling the paperwork associated with such weighing tasks is a separate chal-lenge for factory workers. Considerable time is spent documenting the results of these tests and care must be taken to en-sure all weight values are written down

accurately and recorded correctly against sample and batch IDs. MS, ML and ME NewClassic balances offer a range of con-nectivity and data management options to help simplify and speed up these tasks.

From balance to PCMS, ML and ME NewClassic balances have a built-in application, PC Direct, which transfers the numerical value displayed on the balance directly to any

BalanceManager is available free at www.mt.com/balancemanager


open Windows-based application on a PC, such as Excel. This direct transfer completely eliminates the possibility of manual transcription errors. For more comprehensive data management op-tions, LabX Direct balance software can automatically transfer additional process information, such as sample and user data.

Wireless possibilitiesThe new Bluetooth RS232 serial adapters enable the wireless data transfer from a balance to a printer, PC or tablet. Remote connection from the factory floor to a printer or PC in the office is perfect for quality managers to monitor production processes. Factory workers no longer need to worry about documentation.

Consistent processesConfiguring, adjusting or cloning the same settings to all balances ensures process consistency. The free Balance-Manager software defines all balance set-tings on the PC and then transfers them to any designated MS, ML and ME bal-ance. Quality managers can rest assured that the same processes on different balances are consistent and production managers are happy that considerable time is saved by not having to adjust all balances manually whenever a change is required.

Text: Olivier Rey NewClassic Balances Product Manager

www.mt.com/newclassic

Find the Perfect Balance In Just 4 Steps

EasyFinderTM balance-selection tool ensures you get the balance or scale that meets your process requirements – all in just four clicks.

1. Select your working environment2. Enter your largest weight3. Enter your smallest weight

(or choose readability)4. Define the accuracy you need

Compare selected products side-by-side and download a free GWP® Recommendation provid-ing documented evidence that the instrument meets metrological, environmental and regulatory requirements.

www.mt.com/easyfinder

Labo

rato

ry A

utom

atio

n Anne Swapped her Journal for LabX Be Next in Automating Your Worklflow

Anne is a Laboratory Manager whose lab performs a wide va-riety of analyses, mostly for quality control purposes. Recently, Anne was tasked with finding a way to automate these analyses, optimize operators’ time and ensure traceability and compliance with the rising regulations.

Anne concluded that the key needs were related to integration, either of instruments, systems, or reports, and automation of analyses, workflows, and data. She decided to adopt LabX in her laboratory to address these challenges.

Today, her instruments are connected, methods started with just one click and lab journals replaced with a secure database.

Smooth, error-free workflowOn the instrument, step by step guidance directs the operator. All work is ensured to be in accor-dance with internal SOPs

Full data managementAll information is automatically stored in a secure database to ensure traceability. See, store or print results in a customized report at any time.

Tailored set upDevelop and implement SOP com-pliant application methods ready for use on the relevant instrument. Define the roles of individual users and set-up the daily task list.

Power Your Bench with LabX® Software

Instrument connectivityLabX connects Mettler Toledo instruments to a single software. A unique interface means less training and more efficiency.

Learn more a bout LabX www.mt.com/LabX


Prod

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www.mt.com/dsc

Superior sensor robustnessThe DSC 2 features a new FRS 6 Sensor with anti-twist protection. This guar-antees that the sensor is consistently in the right position in the furnace.

Accurate and ReproducibleEnthalpy Measurements

The new DSC2 performs more accurate and repro-

ducible enthalpy measurements thanks to its sen-

sor’s increased robustness. A new, smaller sample

pan also makes crucible positioning more secure

while the sample robot eliminates operator error.

Easier sample positioning The new, smaller 25 µl crucible con-tributes to good results whatever its position ona the sensor.

Versatile modularityIrrespective of initial instrument con-figuration choice, maximum accuracy and precision are built in. It is easy to add other options later as and when required.


www.mt.com/InMotion

Maximum throughputDesigned to maximize throughput in the minimum of space, InMotion au-tosamplers increase productivity with-out sacrificing laboratory bench space. The innovative robotic arms of the Pro and Max series reach into the sample tray to optimize space.

Put Your Lab InMotionTM

for Flexible and Efficient Analyses

Automation in today’s laboratory has high demands for a variety of

samples and workflows. Automation no longer means just analyzing

one sample after another. Autosamplers assist with making workflows

more flexible and efficient by eliminating process orders and sample

data transcription errors.

Modular and tailoredEvery lab and sample has its own de-mands. Build an autosampler accord-ing to sample requirements with mod-ular boards for extra pumps, CoverUp™ system for protecting samples and op-erators and water bath sample trays for temperature control.

Flexible workflowsIntuitive and flexible instrument pro-gramming allows sample workflows to be tailored to specific requirements. Whether using PowerShower™ to clean components or more thorough sequenc-es to clean and recharge electrodes, In-Motion is here to assist.

www.mt.comFor more information

Mettler-Toledo AGLaboratory DivisionIm LangacherCH-8606 Greifensee, Switzerland

Local contact: www.mt.com/contacts

Know-How

Straightforward Routine TestingMinimize Risks and Costs

www.mt.com/RT-balances www.mt.com/RT-pipettes www.mt.com/RT-moisture

Testing laboratory instruments periodically is not only a way of complying with regulations but also the key to obtaining accurate and reproducible results.

Routine testing can be, however, a tedious and complex task. Our whitepapers provide you with rec-ommendations about when and how to perform a routine testing on your instruments – among other good practice tips!

Step-by-step guidance for eased instrument routine testing

Balances Pipettes Moisture Analyzers

Documents

Innovation That Keeps You Moving from Engineering Excellence