Carbide Powder Supplier DiaPac Switches to Quantachrome Tap Density Machine

Boynton Beach, FL, September 18, 2009 --(PR.com)-- DiaPac LLC, a Houston-based tungsten carbide processor, has switched to using Quantachrome Instruments' Autotap for their packing density, or tap density, measurements on high density powders which are custom blended for 'wear applications' such as oilfield drilling bits, mining tools, and milling equipment hardfacings. Their Chief Metallurgist explains the importance of tap density (TD) in terms of powder blend characteristics: "...particle size distribution and packing density (TD) dictate the tradeoff between wear resistance and toughness in the resulting metal matrix composites. We're always trying to increase wear resistance without sacrificing toughness, and both are sensitive to packing density (TD)."

Regarding the benefits that the Autotap brings to his department, he goes on to say "compared to our other TD machine, which has been the standard in our industry for as long as I know of (20+ years?), what initially appealed to me about the Autotap was the rotation during tapping – our blends often have very fine 'clingy' components, and we’re often maximizing packing density, hence our materials can have high repose angles, and the 'climb' in the cylinder we used to get was more than we liked; we knew it cost us accuracy."

On the practical side, the tecnicians performing the TD test also noticed an improvement: "... they noticed immediately upon switching instruments how quickly and easily placing and removing the cylinder was in comparison to the other machine," and "...between not having to tap the cylinder side to level the powder bed, and not having to work the shroud mechanism, we don’t break nearly as many of those expensive certified cylinders any more."

The Autotap conforms to ASTM B527 (Standard Test Method for Determination of Tap Density of Metallic Powders and Compounds) and a number of other international norms, and is available in one- and two-sample versions. It is used in a wide variety of industries including catalysis, pharmaceuticals, pigments and food. Product details at http://www.quantachrome.com/density/autotap.html Product image at http://www.quantachrome.com/images/Autotap340.png

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The DiaPac companies supply a variety of superabrasive and tungsten carbide materials. These materials, coupled with their extensive industry experience provide a wide range of abrasive and wear solutions for the shop or field. DiaPac is also the industry leader in recovering diamond and tungsten carbide materials from spent tools, sludges, and swarfs, allowing the recycled materials to be utilized as cost effective solutions to customers' operational challenges. DiaPac LLC is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. www.diapac.net/index.html

Quantachrome Instruments, founded in 1968, is a world leader in the design and manufacture of analytical instrumentation for characterizing properties of powders and porous materials, specializing in multi-sample-station instruments and state-of-the-art data reduction methods. This ISO 9001:2008 registered manufacturer offers renowned scientific support. Dedicated to providing the highest quality scientific instrumentation and product lifetime support, Quantachrome has more than 50 sales, service and distribution offices worldwide. www.quantachrome.com Quantachrome will be exhibiting at the Advanced Ceramics and Composites Conference and Expo in Daytona Beach, Januray 2010.