Modular Compact

Rheometers MCR 72
MCR 92
With a rheometer, you can follow the change in your sample’s viscosity –
from one measuring point to the next. You instantly gain deeper insights
into your sample’s deformation, flow behavior and structure – so you can
change matters in your favor.
Starting out in rheometry, your two wisest choices are MCR 72 and
MCR 92 from Anton Paar – real rheometer “pearls”, streamlined for your
daily lab routine, easy to use in a Plug and Play fashion and available at
an accommodating price.
MCR 72 and MCR 92

See things change

The MCR series has opened more doors and created more
testing possibilities than any other rheometer in the world. In
keeping with this tradition, MCR 72 and MCR 92 now round
off the family as your “entry tickets” to the world of rheology.
To help you get rapidly acquainted with this exciting field and
all its possibilities, MCR 72 and MCR 92 come with a wealth of
application know-how and introductory materials you will only
find at Anton Paar.
 What can you do with a rheometer?

What is the difference between a viscometer and a rheometer?

Viscometers are fairly simple devices. They are based on mechanical

ball bearing or torsional spring bearings that rotate a measuring
system (e.g. a bob or a spindle) in a single direction. They are ideal
for fast and very simple tests and give only single-point results.

Rheometers reveal the full spectrum of a sample under the

conditions you define.

For example: you can see how the flow behavior changes over time Rheometer principles
and at different temperatures. Rheological measurements show you
the structure of a sample by providing insight into the viscoelastic
behavior. Rheometers are built to be much more sensitive than
viscometers. They have two measurement modes: rotational and
oscillatory. Accessories such as plates, bobs, cones, heating and
cooling chambers make it possible to study the sample’s properties
under a wider range of conditions. Rheometers are an excellent tool
for research, process and product development as well as for quality
control purposes.
Measuring systems

Test method Industry

Rotation Oscillation General

Will my paint have a nice glossy finish or will it show brush marks and drips?

One important quality factor of paint is the surface These curves show
a paint which sags
leveling and sagging behavior once it is applied, (red), a paint which
since a smooth, glossy and homogenous surface has trouble leveling
(green) and a paint
with no droplets or splashes is generally required. which has a good
The structural strength of the paint should not be finish (blue)

too high or too low, to be sure that the internal

structure recovers in exactly the right time period
to create a good finish. These characteristics are
often referred to as thixotropic behavior. When
developing or improving paint, the material’s
time-dependent rheological behavior has to be
balanced to get the required result.

A rheometer can simulate this behavior in

rotational mode using a structural regeneration
test (“3 Interval Time Test/3 ITT”).

Test method Industry

3 ITT Rotation Paints/Coatings

Is a single-point measurement sufficient to describe the flow behavior of my sample?

No, because a single-point measurement provides very

little information about the flow behavior of materials.

To describe a sample’s flow behavior you need a

rheometer. From just one measurement, rheometers single point
provide a flow curve which shows the behavior of a sample
under varying conditions, such as different shear rates and
temperatures.
dark chocolate
milk chocolate
white chocolate

Test method Industry

Viscosity curves of different types of chocolate compared to single-point measurements.

Rotation General

How can I determine the feel and long-term stability of my cream or ointment?

Long-term stability and the “feel” when a cream or

G�, G��
ointment is applied on the skin are important quality lg G�
criteria in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
Using a rheometer you can evaluate the elastic
lg G��
portion (G�) and viscous portion (G��) of a sample in an
amplitude-sweep test. The relationship between these
portions defines how strong the internal network of the
sample is, which affects long-term stability and the way
a cream feels on the skin when being applied.
lg γ

Cream 1 has a gel-like or solid structure because the elastic portion G� is higher than the
viscous portion G��.

G�, G��
lg G��

lg G�

Test method Industry

Amplitude
Sweep Cosmetics
Oscillation
lg γ

Cream 2 behaves more like a liquid as in this case G�� is higher than G�.

Is my slurry pumpable and flowable?

The processing and transport characteristics of slurries

are strongly dependent on their rheological properties.
With a rheometer you can simulate flow resistance in
pipes and see the result as flow and viscosity curves.
You can also determine the yield point in a flow curve
(controlled shear stress mode) which will help you solve 0

problems with slurries that are difficult to pump.

Test method Industry

These flow and viscosity curves show the rheological behavior of a slurry. The yield point τ
Controlled Shear
0

can be calculated from the flow curve (blue). The viscosity curve (red) gives information about
Stress Test Building Materials/Mining the flow behavior of a slurry when being pumped through pipes.
Rotation
Welcome to the World of Rheology

Rheological measurements can give you so much more

information about your products – but where to start and
how to interpret the results?

To help you on your way to becoming a rheology expert,

Anton Paar gives you access to a wealth of practical
information on the www.world-of-rheology.com website.
Here you can browse through entertaining eLearning
courses, download application reports for your industry,
register for a free webinar or read through the “tips and
tricks” sections.

Introducing Joe Flow, the virtual rheology expert

Let Joe Flow, our virtual rheology expert, be your guide to the exciting world of rheology.
He will first guide you through the online course “Basics of Viscometry” to provide you with
the basic knowledge of liquids in flow. Then you can learn about the basics of rheology
and gain knowledge which will help you in your daily work.

Joe Flow’s book “Applied Rheology – With Joe Flow on Rheology Road” explains the laws
of viscosity and elasticity and provides tips for avoiding errors in your measurements. This
is a good reference for everyone starting out in rheology.

Further training
Anton Paar offers seminars and webinars to help you acquire the know-how
you need to get the most out of your rheometer. Thanks to Anton Paar’s global
network of subsidiaries and sales partners you will find almost every course in
our program offered in your area and language.

Your knowledge database

Are you interested in “time- and frequency-dependent measurements
on printing inks” or the “rheological characterization of cheese”? These
application reports and hundreds of others are available for a wide range of
applications and samples on the World of Rheology website. They form a
huge database of rheological know-how at your disposal.
The outstanding features
of MCR 72 and MCR 92

Designed for your application

MCR 72 is equipped with a ball-bearing motor and

provides measurements in rotational and also for special
applications in oscillatory mode. MCR 92 provides
measurements in both rotation and oscillation and has
air-bearing motor technology. There is a wide range of
accessories available for both models so you can build
the setup which perfectly suits your application.

Unmatched reproducibility

Reproducible settings are essential for obtaining reliable

and reproducible results. MCR 72 and 92 feature
a motor-driven elevation mechanism and SafeGap
(Austrian Patent AT 517074) technology, which ensure
that the setting of the measuring gap is always identical
for every measurement and exactly reproducible
every time. Furthermore, the slow and precise setting
minimizes any influence on the sample’s structure.

Easy fitting of measuring systems

When changing between measuring systems,

QuickConnect gives you great ease-of-use. This quick-
fitting coupling allows one-handed connection of the
measuring systems, and ensures fast, convenient system
changes without the use of a screwing mechanism.

Most accurate temperature control

Temperature has the biggest influence on rheological

measurements. To counteract this MCR 72 and MCR 92
can be used with several air-cooled Peltier temperature
units. These CoolPeltier™ units with an integrated fan for
counter-cooling are an accurate, fast and energy-efficient
alternative to liquid-circulator counter-cooling systems.
25 years of experience in one motor

The air-bearing-supported synchronous EC motor of

MCR 92 deploys a frictionless synchronous movement
of the rotor inside that enables the most sensitive and
therefore most precise movements. Whether investigating
solids or low-viscosity liquids your results are accurate
across a wide viscosity range.

Clear view of the sample

TruRay is a unique lighting concept which gives you a

clear view of the sample and measurement surface. This
is especially important when filling the measuring gap.

Automatic tool recognition

and configuration

Toolmaster™ is the only completely contact-free

automatic tool recognition and configuration system
for rheometers. It recognizes measuring systems
and temperature control units as soon as these are
connected to the rheometer so you don't need to enter
this data manually.

Step-by-step software

The intuitive RheoCompass™ software helps you find

the templates you need, customize test and analysis
definitions, export your data and much more. You are
guided through your first rheological measurements
with predesigned but individually adaptable templates,
including integrated videos for extra support.
 Your application - Anton Paar solutions

Application Typical samples Measuring procedure Test types

Paints & coatings Architectural paints Viscosity Viscosity curve (ROT)

Wall paints Yield/flow point Amplitude sweep (OSC)
Automotive paints Thixotropic effect 3 Interval Time Test (ROT/OSC)
Printing inks and pastes Structural decomposition & regeneration Frequency sweep (OSC)
Sedimentation/stability

Food Chocolate Viscosity Viscosity curve (ROT)

Ketchup Yield/flow point Amplitude sweep (OSC)
Mayonnaise Thixotropic effect 3 Interval Time Test (ROT/OSC)
Dairy products Structural decomposition & regeneration Frequency sweep (OSC)
Sauces Sedimentation/stability

Polymers Polymer solutions Viscosity Viscosity curve (ROT)

Polymer melts Temperature behavior Amplitude sweep (OSC)
Frequency sweep (OSC)
Temperature test (ROT/OSC)

Petrochemicals Drilling fluids Viscosity Viscosity curve (ROT)

Slurries and muds Yield/flow point Amplitude sweep (OSC)
Crude oils Thixotropic effect 3 Interval Time Test (ROT/OSC)
Lubricants and greases Structural decomposition & regeneration Temperature test (ROT/OSC)
Temperature behavior Frequency sweep (OSC)
Sedimentation/stability

Resins Resins Viscosity Viscosity curve (ROT)

Adhesives Temperature behavior Temperature test (ROT/OSC)
Glues

Pharmaceuticals Salves and ointments Viscosity Viscosity curve (ROT)

Pastes and creams Yield/flow point Amplitude sweep (OSC)
Emulsions, dispersions and Thixotropic effect 3 Interval Time Test (ROT/OSC)
suspensions Structural decomposition & regeneration Frequency sweep (OSC)
Sedimentation Thermal loop test (OSC)
Long-term stability Temperature test (ROT/OSC)
Temperature behavior

Cosmetics Shampoos Viscosity Viscosity curve (ROT)

Shower gels Yield/flow point Amplitude sweep (OSC)
Lotions and creams Thixotropic effect 3 Interval Time Test (ROT/OSC)
Hair gels Structural decomposition & regeneration Frequency sweep (OSC)
Toothpaste Sedimentation Temperature test (ROT/OSC)
Nail polish Temperature behavior Thermal loop test (OSC)
Makeup Long-term stability

Temperature device Temperature range Materials Measuring systems Heating rate Cooling rate

P-PTD 200/AIR/18P -5 °C to +200 °C Up to Up to

40 °C/min 40 °C/min

H-PTD 200/AIR/18P -5 °C to +200 °C Up to Up to

40 °C/min 40 °C/min

C-PTD 150/XL/AIR/18P +5 °C to +150 °C Up to Up to

7 °C/min 7 °C/min

Measuring systems

Cone-plate Parallel-plate Concentric-cylinder Double-gap Stirrer

Specifications Units MCR 72 MCR 92

Bearing - Ball Air

EC motor (brushless DC) with high-resolution optical encoder -
Rotation mode -
Oscillation mode - (1

Direct strain controller -

Direct stress controller -
Maximum torque mNm 125 125
Minimum torque, rotation µNm 200 1
Minimum torque, oscillation µNm 200 1
Torque resolution nNm 100 100
Angular deflection, set value µrad 1 to ∞ 1 to ∞
Angular deflection, resolution nrad 614 614
Step rate, time constant ms 100 100
Step strain, time constant ms 100 100
Minimum angular velocity (2 rad/s 10 -4 10 -4
Maximum angular velocity rad/s 157 157
Minimum angular frequency (3 rad/s 10 -3 10 -4
Maximum angular frequency rad/s 628 628
Minimum speed (CSS/CSR) rpm 10 -3 10 -3
Maximum speed rpm 1500 1500
Maximum temperature range °C -40 to 400 -40 to 400
SafeGap (Austrian Patent AT 517074), normal force limiter during gap setting -
TruRay, dimmable illumination of sample area -
Connections USB, Ethernet, RS232, analog interfaces, Pt100 port
Dimensions mm 380 x 660 x 530 380 x 660 x 530
Weight kg 33 33
QuickConnect for measuring systems, screwless -
ToolmasterTM, measuring system -
ToolmasterTM, measuring cell -
CoolPeltierTM, Peltier-controlled plate system with built-in cooling option that
°C 25 below ambient but not lower than -5 up to +200 (4
requires no additional accessories for counter-cooling
Actively Peltier-controlled hood that requires no additional accessories for
°C -5 to +200 (4
counter cooling
CoolPeltierTM, Peltier-controlled cylinder system with built-in cooling option
°C 15 below ambient but not lower than +5 up to +150 (4
that requires no additional accessories for counter-cooling
Virtually gradient-free (horizontal, vertical) temperature control -

Electronic trim lock for the measuring system -

Automatic gap control/setting, AGC/AGS -

Rheometer software:

Test designer -

Report designer -

User management -

Also available as EDU Edition (for educational institutions only):

- MCR 72 or MCR 92 plus accessories

with a special academic discount
- Free EDU Package and EDU Student Packages
including lab equipment and educational material
as well as office supplies and giveaways

Note:

1) Depending on sample properties.

2) Depending on measuring point duration and sampling time, practically any value is achieved.
3) Set frequencies below 10 -4 rad/s are of no practical relevance due to the measuring point duration >1 day.
4) System temperature, sample temperature may vary. For measurements at very high or low temperatures a calibration in the sample gap is recommended.

Legend: included
© 2016 Anton Paar GmbH | All rights reserved.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
D56IP001EN-C