Simple, Economical Viscosity Control for Printing Applications including Coatings, and Adhesives

Brookfield Engineering, the world leader in viscosity measurement offers, simple in-line viscosity control for industrial applications. The AST-100 is available with single and multi station controllers for applications including printing ink, coatings and adhesives.

The AST-300SY single station viscosity controller is designed for use with the Brookfield AST-100TSY system to control viscosity and temperature, interlock with other process devices, and accurately control fluid viscosity in a variety of applications.

The AST-300SY is a precise, programmable controller with timed closing intervals. Its intuitive screen layout allows for quick selection of setup and menu items. At a glance, set point and alarm status are displayed as are viscosity in cP, mPa.s, cSt or cup-seconds, and temperature in C or F. Additional features include:

• Viscosity trending
• Feed pump interlock
• Multi-level password protection
• Viscosity high/low alarms

The NEW AST-400SY multi-station controller exhibits the same features with the ability to control up to 10 units.

Both controllers work with the AST-100TSY viscosity sensor to provide consistent viscosity control for your process needs. Whether you are using inks, coatings or adhesives, the AST-100 can help maintain the quality of your product to meet your customer’s needs.

It’s a matter of maintaining optimum coverage

A problem with ink film that’s too light is easily seen; but ink film that’s too heavy cannot be detected by the eye. Once mass-tone is achieved, ink film does not change as it becomes thicker. To the unaided eye the top of a .001" thick film will appear little different from a film of the same ink .0001" thick. Without sophisticated viscosity control it’s possible to waste a lot of expensive ink. The same is true of other coatings and adhesives as well.

Brookfield's AST-100 Automatic Viscosity Control maintains ink/coating/adhesive thickness at correct levels throughout the run.

This is an automatic control system that continuously senses viscosity, transmitting a signal when additional solvent is required, thus preventing wasteful material buildup.

Sensitive control is the key

Control of the slightest change in viscosity makes all the difference to successfully applying material – particularly in the low viscosity region of the thin inks currently in use. The Brookfield Ast-100 has a simple, rugged design that allows it to maintain accurate control at low viscosities. With an economical price, no moving parts, and no calibration required, other viscosity control systems can’t match it.

For more information on the sanitary AST-100 with single station or multi-station control, visit the Article Webpage.