Coesfeld's ECO Vicat series enables clean, oilfree determination of the VICAT softening temperature through direct-contact heating. The test ends automatically as soon as the test needles penetrate 1 mm into the specimens. Results are stored on the PC and the instrument cools to the pre-set starting temperature.
An intelligent controller detects faults such as a specimen being fully pierced or specimens starting to melt. The standard 10 N or 50 N weight loading is applied fully automatically, with no need for the operator to handle weights. Thanks to the integrated weight set and automatic lifting, the system runs fully automatically; a safety-interlocked housing ensures safe operation.
- Direct-contact heating — zero oil vapor or dust emission across the entire temperature range
- Weight sets for Methods A and B integrated into the instrument; positioned automatically during measurement
- Measurement procedure runs entirely through Coesfeld WIN software
- Integrated air cooling or optional expandable water cooling — fast measurement throughput
- Two models with 3 (ECO-Vicat 300/3) or 6 (ECO-Vicat 300/6) stations
- A test setup used in industry for 20+ years and accepted by international standards
Oilfree VICAT Measurement
Specimens are heated by direct contact, eliminating the need for any heat transfer medium that could vaporize at high temperatures or spread into the environment as fine dust. This test setup is explicitly permitted by international standards, and has been industrially tested and accepted since Coesfeld first introduced it more than 20 years ago.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature range | +20 °C – +300 °C, resolution ± 0.1 K |
| Temperature gradient | 50 K/h, 120 K/h or freely selectable |
| Starting temperature | Freely selectable |
| Inductive position sensor — resolution | 0,001 mm |
| Inductive position sensor — accuracy | Better than 0.01 mm |
| Integrated weight set | 10 N ve 50 N |
| Compressed air | 5–10 bar (6–10 bar) |
| Cooling connection | 1/2" |
| Interface | RJ 45 |
| Electrical connection | 230 V, 50/60 Hz, 800 VA |
Model Comparison
| Parameter | ECO-Vicat 300/3 | ECO-Vicat 300/6 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of stations | 3 | 6 |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | ~400 x 750 x 700 mm (open) / 400 x 750 x 620 mm (closed) With automatic sample feeder: 1200 x 750 x 1150 mm | |
| Weight | 51 kg | 64 kg |
| Electrical connection | 230 V, 50 Hz / 240 V, 60 Hz — 800 VA | |
| Cooling | Cooling water coil; with optional water circulator, ~25 min from 300°C to 23°C (at 10°C cooling water) | |
Accessories
| Accessory | Description |
|---|---|
| Automatic sample feeder | Used only with the 6-station model; for fully automatic, uninterrupted operation of the ECO Vicat instrument, including a magazine for up to 120 specimens (10x10x4 mm), sized 1000 x 800 x 600 mm and weighing 30 kg. |
| Water circulator | For connecting to ECO Vicat instruments; ~25-minute heat exchange time from 300°C to 23°C at 10°C cooling water. |
| Small compressor | For supplying compressed air, maximum 10 bar pressure. |
| Position calibration kit | For calibrating the LVDT position sensor. |
| Temperature calibration kit | For calibrating the integrated temperature sensor. |
| Cutting pliers | For preparing 10x10 mm VICAT specimens. |