Paul N. Gardner Co. Inc. released its Melt Flow Indexer, a table-top unit that tests the melt flow resistance of thermoplastics. The instrument comes pre-assembled with all necessary components, including a spare barrel and die, weights, piston rods, tungsten carbide dies, a die ejector, replacement cut-off knives, a cleaning tool, a charging tool, a level meter, a guide bushing, a filling funnel, two cylinders and a die cleaning tool. Its built-in microprocessor maintains temperatures within ±0.4 degrees Fahrenheit, accurately controlling for temperatures between 248 to 842 degrees Fahrenheit with a rapid ramp-up to the set temperature point. The adjustable built-in scraper mechanism, controllable to ±0.01 seconds, automatically cuts off excess material at preset intervals. The Melt Flow Indexer’s multi-line LCD display and tactile-feedback membrane keypad allow fast, accurate input of test parameters and provide continuous display of settings during testing, the company says. This product conforms to all national and international melt flow resistance standards, including BS EN ISO 1133 and ASTM D 1238, and retails for $5,305, it adds.