A refreshingly modern and inviting operating environment led independent, commercial materials testing laboratory NSL Analytical Services (Cleveland, US), straight to the Mastersizer 3000 from Malvern Instruments when it came to choosing a laser diffraction particle size analyzer to extend testing capabilities.

“The software really is the shining star of this product,” said Brian Bacher, Technical Specialist at NSL. “It makes the Mastersizer 3000 feel radically different from other systems on the market and a really great instrument to use. I especially like the live trends which make it so quick and easy to compare data sets,” he continued.

NSL provides physical material testing to multiple verticals including the aerospace, ceramics and powder metallurgy industries. Particle size and particle size distribution are critical, performance-defining variables for many. In the past, NSL met the associated need for particle size analysis through an out-sourced service but with growing demand, the decision was taken to bring this increasingly important analytical method in-house.

“Our customers need particle size and particle size distribution data to optimize their products and the processes used to manufacture them” continued Mr. Bacher. “We made the decision to invest in our own laser diffraction particle size analyzer to ensure fast and efficient turnaround in the face of growing demand. Throughout the research and purchasing process, we assessed at least five to six different systems before selecting the Mastersizer 3000,” he concluded.

The Mastersizer 3000 was the newest laser diffraction system assessed by the NSL Analytical Services team, a factor that was most evident from the software interface. Recently celebrating its second birthday, the instrument sets the standard for laser diffraction particle sizing. With a small footprint and dynamic range of 0.01 to 3500 microns it efficiently delivers precise and robust wet and dry particle sizing for the broadest selection of sample types. The innovative software was designed from the outset to ease the analytical burden and ensure that users of all levels could achieve reliable measurement. It includes features that inform method development and transfer as well as making it straightforward to verify measurement stability in real time.

Adds Bacher, “Malvern came recommended by colleagues in the industry but it was the features of the Mastersizer 3000 itself that sold us on the instrument. It enables us to meet our customers’ needs for particle size information in an efficient way and has met our high expectations. We’ve been running for a year now without any reliability issues and with minimal running costs. Most importantly we produce data that can be trusted.”

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