The Mastersizer 3000+ Lab provides a cost effective, entry level particle sizing experience which can be upgraded as required. 

• Particle size range from 0.1 - 1000 µm
• Manual dispersion units only
• Basic Mastersizer Xplorer software, with updates and bug fixes only
• Upgrade option to Mastersizer 3000+ Pro or Ultra

From our bench to yours - at a fraction of the cost

• Get access to top-tier lab instruments
• Expert maintenance by our experienced team
• Full support with installation and training*
• Same warranty as a new system
• Fast shipping

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The Mastersizer 3000+ Lab uses the technique of laser diffraction to measure the size of particles. It does this by measuring the intensity of light scattered as a laser beam passes through a dispersed particulate sample. This data is then analysed to calculate the size of the particles that created the scattering pattern.

A typical system is made up of three main elements:

• Optical bench:  A dispersed sample passes though the measurement area of the optical bench, where a laser beam illuminates the particles. A series of detectors then accurately measure the intensity of light scattered by the particles within the sample over a wide range of angles
• Sample dispersion units (accessories): Sample dispersion is controlled by a range of wet and dry dispersion units. These ensure the particles are delivered to the measurement area of the optical bench at the correct concentration and in a suitable, stable state of dispersion
• Instrument software:  The basic Mastersizer Xplorer software controls the system during the measurement process and analyzes the scattering data to calculate a particle size distribution

Powder flowability

Powder flowability is important in maintaining manufacturing efficiency for many processes. Inconsistent powder flow can directly affect product quality variables such as the content uniformity of pharmaceutical dosage forms, or may lead to process variability as powder feed inconsistencies change the effectiveness of particle size reduction processes. Powder flow is a critical consideration in the manufacture of sintered products using additive manufacturing or 3D-printing techniques. Here, poor flow during powder bed deposition may lead to variations in powder bed density, resulting in defects that reduce the strength of the finished part.

Particle size and particle size distribution analysis are critical to understanding the flow properties of a powder, since these characteristics help predict how particles within the powder will pack and lock together. Powders that have a large particle size with a narrow size distribution tend to exhibit good flowability. Those with a small particle size, or a broad particle size distribution, tend towards poorer flowability because of the greater surface area of contact that exists between the particles and the ability of the fine particles present to fill the voids.

Packing density

The packing density of particles influences the success of many processes, including mold-filling in ceramic and metal component production, powder coating, and the solids loading of suspensions. The way that particles pack together is a function of both their size and size distribution. Larger particles pack less efficiently than smaller ones, creating bigger voids. Broadening the particle size distribution improves packing efficiency by allowing smaller particles to pack the spaces between larger ones. Minimizing voidage is crucial to producing flaw-free sintered components. In powder coating, close packing enables efficient melting at lower temperatures, giving more time for cross-linking reactions between polymer particles for a better finish.

Particle packing also influences the rheology of suspensions, principally their viscosity. A mix of large and small particles has the least impact on the viscosity of the system because of their greater packing efficiency, a phenomenon that can be exploited to increase the solids loading of suspensions such as paints and ceramics.

Stability

The stability of suspensions and emulsions used and produced in industries such as pharmaceuticals and foods is important in ensuring product efficacy, acceptability, and success.  Dispersion stability and gravitational separation are both key elements.

Dispersion stability: Achieving a stable dispersion requires control of the forces of adhesion and cohesion that exist between particles within a medium. These forces can lead to flocculation of emulsions or the creation of agglomerates within suspensions and powders. The risk of poor dispersion stability increases with decreasing particle size and can significantly impact processing. It may lead to powder conveyance issues within manufacturing processes, or problems with final product performance, such as the formation of agglomerates that give rise to imperfections in coatings and paints. Particle size and particle size distribution analysis is used in the management of dispersion stability risk and to identify the impact of stability problems on product performance and acceptance.

Gravitational separation: Improving the stability of a suspension or emulsion to gravitational separation relies on balancing the gravitational pull on the particles, a function of particle size and density, with the up-thrust of the suspending fluid, which depends on viscosity. In emulsions, particle size analysis is used to assess the likelihood of creaming, to which larger droplets are prone, and to monitor stability to flocculation and coalescence over time. Since droplet size and the degree of flocculation may also affect characteristics such as the mouthfeel of a food or the viscosity of a drink, particle size should be measured routinely when optimizing and manufacturing emulsion formulations.

Viscosity and flow

The viscosity and flow of suspensions and slurries depend on different physical properties, including particle size and particle size distribution. If particle size decreases (for a constant volume fraction) and/or the size distribution increases, the sample viscosity will increase and the sample will flow less readily. Viscosity is important for many applications such as paints, cosmetics and battery manufacture. Take batteries, for example, where the battery electrodes are fabricated by applying a slurry of particles in suspension to metal foil. If the slurry is too viscous, this can lead to difficulties in the coating process.

Dissolution rates

Dissolution rates of materials are influenced by the specific surface area of the particulates. Increasing the specific surface area of particles by reducing their size accelerates the dissolution process. This correlation is especially important in pharmaceutical products, where dissolution directly impacts the bioavailability of a drug substance. Agrochemical and detergent manufacturers must also manage particle size to control the dissolution and release rates of active components within a formulation.

Ease of inhalation

Ease of inhalation is an important criterion, both for preventing human inhalation of harmful particles and for optimizing drug deposition in the respiratory tract. For all orally inhaled and nasal drug products (OINDPs), particle size is a critical parameter, with clear size ranges specified for deposition and retention in the nasal cavity and for penetration to different areas of the lungs. In contrast, manufacturers of products such as cleaning materials and hairsprays must control fines to prevent inhalation, making particle size analysis essential to safety testing.

Reaction rates

Reaction rates in solid systems are often a function of the specific surface area of the particles involved. The finer the particles, the larger their surface area to volume ratio, which promotes higher reaction rates. This is important in industries as diverse as cement, where particle size impacts the speed of hardening of cement products, and catalyst production, where particle size must be tailored to optimize reaction rates or ensure the effective scavenging of pollutants, and battery manufacture, where particle size must be controlled to balance between power density, charge times and battery durability.

Optical properties

Optical properties such as the light scattering ability of particles are exploited by paint, coatings and pigment manufacturers. The way a particle scatters light depends on its size, so manipulating the size of particles in a surface coating influences performance parameters such as hue and tint strength, product coverage and gloss.

Consumer perception

Consumer perception  of products such as foodstuffs is often influenced by particle size. For example, the particle size of coffee, and the extent to which it is ground, impact both the flavor released and the time required to brew. A fine particle size in chocolate gives a smooth mouthfeel, frequently perceived as superior to a grainy texture.

Curing properties

The curing properties of materials such as cement are affected by particle size. The curing qualities, and resultant compressive strength of cement, are increased as the particle size decreases due to the increase in surface area. Laser diffraction measures the particle size distribution, which is just as important as average size. If two cement samples have the same average size or surface area then the sample with the narrower size distribution will have a higher compressive strength.

General

Optics

Detector

Size

Configure the Mastersizer 3000+ Lab for your application and requirements with our range of configuration options below: 

Smart Manager

Unleash the potential of your data

Until now, instrument data has too often been stuck in manual records, spreadsheets or site-specific servers. By connecting your Mastersizer 3000+ to our Smart Manager and continually analyzing instrument data in the cloud, you can unleash its full potential. This is just one of our digital solutions that are part of Malvern Panalytical's Smart Manager.

Smart Install

Get your new Mastersizer 3000+ up and running faster when you choose to smart install. 

With comprehensive resources to help you quickly and safely set-up and verify the performance of your new instrument, there’s no need to wait for an engineer to do it for you. What’s more, smart install presents a new training opportunity as you receive full access to exclusive training material. 

How does it work?

When you follow the step-by-step video instructions, you could be up and running within 90 minutes of delivery of your new Mastersizer 3000+. 

You don't need any specific skills or knowledge to perform a smart installation. Simply follow the instructions provided. 

Everything needed to get started is provided with your new instrument – all you need is an internet connection to access the online training. 

Exclusive e-learning content

Resources to get you up and running quickly and with confidence include:  

• detailed video guides walk you through installation and set-up;
• 15-months  access to the Essentials e-learning course, which is provided at no extra cost;
• a comprehensive user manual.

Find out more about smart install.