Softening Point Tester

1. Product Overview

The Softening Point Tester is designed to determine the softening point of bitumen, asphalt, resin, and other thermoplastic materials. The instrument is widely used in petrochemical, coating, adhesive, and polymer industries for quality control, R&D, and standard compliance.

The test is based on the Ring-and-Ball method (ASTM D36, ISO 4625, GB/T 4507), where a steel ball is placed on a material sample in a brass ring and heated at a controlled rate. The temperature at which the ball touches the lower plate is recorded as the softening point.

2. Applications

Determination of the softening point of asphalt, bitumen, and resin

Quality control in coating, adhesive, and construction materials

Research and formulation of thermoplastic materials

Compliance with international standards ASTM D36, ISO 4625, GB/T 4507

3. Working Principle

A sample of the material is placed in a brass ring.

A steel ball is positioned on the sample surface.

The apparatus heats the sample at a controlled rate in a water or glycerin bath.

The temperature at which the steel ball touches the bottom plate is recorded as the softening point.

4. Technical Specifications

5. Operation Instructions

Prepare the sample and fill the brass ring uniformly.

Place the steel ball on the sample surface.

Fill the bath medium (water or glycerin) to the appropriate level.

Turn on the heating system and set the controlled heating rate.

Observe the steel ball carefully; record the temperature when the ball touches the lower plate.

Repeat the test at least three times and take the average value as the softening point.

6. Notes & Precautions

Ensure the bath medium is clean and at the correct level.

Avoid air bubbles in the sample during pouring.

Calibration should be performed using standard reference materials.

Test should be performed under ambient temperature 23 ± 2°C and relative humidity 50 ± 5%.

Do not touch hot surfaces; handle with care to avoid burns.