This document lists measured performance data for the MSBKDT‑100ASWISS tap density tester. The instrument follows ISO3953, USP Chapter 616 Method 2, and EP Chapter 2.9.15. All values are from factory testing under standard conditions.

Technical Specifications

• Model number: MSBKDT‑100ASWISS (also MSBKDT‑100BSWISS, MSBKDT‑100CSWISS, MSBKDT‑100DSWISS)

• Sample weight capacity: ≤500 g

• Sample volume capacity: ≤250 ml (100 ml / 250 ml graduated cylinders, USP)

• Number of graduated cylinder: 1, 2, 3 (please chose any one)

• Single vibration count range: 0‑99999 (error <1 per 10000)

• Motor torque: 0.86 N·m

• Vibration amplitude: 1‑15 mm, continuously adjustable in integer steps

• Maximum vibration frequency: 300 rpm (0‑300 rpm adjustable)

• Repeatability error: ≤1%

• Accuracy error: ≤1%

• Power supply: AC 220V ±10%, 50Hz, 40W (optional 110V)

• Relative humidity: <85%, no condensation

• Environmental requirements: clean, smoke‑free, dust‑free, vibration‑free, electromagnetic‑interference‑free

• Dimensions (packing): 400×400×560 mm (MSBKDT‑100ASWISS)

• Gross weight: 21.3 kg (MSBKDT‑100ASWISS)

• Graduated cylinders supplied: 25ml, 50ml, 100ml, 250ml

• Display: membrane keypad with micro‑computer control

• Printing: thermal printer with 57.5±0.5mm paper

Key benefits for powder testing laboratories

The specifications above produce measurable improvements in powder characterization workflows. Each point below connects a feature to a practical outcome.

Compliance with multiple international standards – The instrument meets ISO3953:2011, USP 616 Method 2, EP 2.9.15, ASTM B527, and DIN ISO EN 787/11. A single device serves pharmaceutical, metallurgical, and general powder testing without revalidation.

Wide amplitude adjustment for different powder types – Amplitude is adjustable from 1 mm to 15 mm in integer steps. Coarse metal powders settle better at higher amplitudes. Fine pharmaceutical powders require lower amplitudes to avoid oversettling. The operator dials the correct setting for each material.

High precision with five significant figures – The computer automatically keeps five significant figures, accurate to four decimal places. Apparent density and tap density calculations are consistent to 0.0001 g/cm³. Batch‑to‑batch comparisons become meaningful.

Auto save and intelligent data entry – Press the OK button once. The instrument saves weight, tap number, volume, and test reference number. Information persists after shutdown. Decimal points are automatically shielded during tap number input. The operator does not need to adjust to an integer manually.

Repeatable tap numbers with self‑stop – The user sets a target tap number up to 99999. The instrument stops automatically when the count is reached. For powders that stabilise early, the operator can determine the minimum tap number N and then run 2N taps for final measurement. Results show the actual vibration count, preserving experimental authenticity.

Common frustrations with tap density measurement – and how this instrument solves them

Pain point: Inconsistent results due to manual tapping.
Hand tapping varies in force, height, and frequency between operators. The MSBKDT‑100ASWISS tap density tester (a motorised instrument with adjustable amplitude and frequency) delivers identical tap counts, amplitude, and speed every run. The 0.86 N·m motor torque ensures sufficient force for dense metal powders. Repeatability stays ≤1% across different users and shifts.

Pain point: Loss of test data when power is interrupted.
A laboratory running a 30‑minute tap sequence loses all progress if the power flickers. The same MSBKDT‑100ASWISS tap density tester (with auto‑save memory for weight, volume, tap number, and test ID) stores every entered parameter. After a power loss, the operator resumes from the stored data. No re‑weighing, no re‑measuring volume, no lost hours.

Pain point: Difficulty selecting the correct cylinder size for a given powder.
Using a 250ml cylinder for a low‑density, low‑mass powder gives poor accuracy. The MSBKDT‑100ASWISS tap density tester (supplied with 25ml, 50ml, 100ml, and 250ml graduated cylinders) includes a selection table based on powder weight and apparent density. A powder of 10g with ρ ≤0.8 g/cm³ goes into the 25ml cylinder. A 100g powder with ρ ≥1.0 g/cm³ goes into the 100ml cylinder. The operator follows the table and gets accurate results every time.

Pain point: No printed record of test parameters for audit trails.
Regulated industries need a paper trail for each density measurement. The MSBKDT‑100ASWISS tap density tester (featuring a built‑in thermal printer with green LED indicator) prints a test report showing weight, tap number, volume, calculated density, and test reference number. The printer self‑check function confirms correct operation before printing. The report goes directly into the batch file.

Pain point: Graduated cylinders break easily during installation.
The glass cylinder must be secured without cracking. The MSBKDT‑100ASWISS tap density tester (with a polyurethane washer, screw cap, and silica gel pad assembly) protects the cylinder from metal‑to‑glass contact. The washer sits on top, the pad at the bottom. The cap screws down slowly until fixed. The assembly then drops into the guide bearing hole. Breakage rates drop to near zero.

Which powders and industries use this tester

Metal powders – iron, aluminium, silver, zirconium, nickel, tungsten, tin, zinc, molybdenum, magnesium, copper, alloy powders, metal oxides.

Non‑metal powders – talc, kaolin, calcium carbonate, coal, phosphor, brucite, calcite, wollastonite, tourmaline, diamonds, barite, fluorite, zeolite, boron carbide, graphite, quartz, gypsum, bentonite, diatomaceous earth, zirconium silicate, corundum, mica, clay, titanium dioxide.

Other powders – soil, dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, abrasives, paints, food additives, catalysts, cement, sand.

Primary industries served – pharmaceutical quality control (excipient and API density), metallurgical powder manufacturing (metal powder shipping and processing), ceramics and advanced materials research (powder packing optimisation), food and feed additive production (flowability and packaging density), academic powder technology laboratories (teaching and research).

Physical installation and daily operation

Assembly: Place the polyurethane washer and screw cap over the cylinder. Insert the silica gel pad at the cylinder bottom. Screw the cap down gently until fixed. Insert the assembled cylinder into the guide bearing hole. The tapping washers (1mm, 2mm, 5mm) stack to set amplitude. Total washer height equals amplitude. Default is 3mm (1mm + 2mm).

Weighing and input: Weigh the sample up to 500g. Turn on the unit. Press the WT key. Enter weight (max 5 digits). Press OK.

Tapping: Press TAP NUM. Enter the desired tap count (0‑99999). Press START. The instrument vibrates at the set frequency (0‑300 rpm, adjustable via knob). When the count completes, the unit stops automatically. For powders of the same type, determine the minimum tap number N where volume no longer changes. Then tap for 2N times. Metal powders typically need 3000 taps.

Volume reading and calculation: If the powder surface is level, read directly. If uneven, average the maximum and minimum readings. Press VOL. Enter the volume. Press CAL. The computer calculates ρ = m/V and displays the result to four decimal places. Press PRINT to obtain a hard copy.

Maintenance and troubleshooting

Daily care: Clean the cylinder with a tube brush or acetone (dry thoroughly before use). Lubricate the linear bearing regularly with light machine oil. Check the ground cable occasionally.

Power requirements: Supply voltage should be between 200V and 240V. Use a precision purifying AC power supply if the laboratory has unstable voltage or impulse disturbances. Do not turn the power off and on within 5 seconds.

Printer paper replacement: The instrument uses thermal paper of width 57.5±0.5mm. When the green LED flashes, paper is out. Turn off the unit. Press the round button to open the paper cabinet. Remove the old tube. Load new paper with the thermal side facing up. Close the door. Pull the paper end out from the slot. Turn on the unit. The green LED stops flashing.

Common fault resolution:

• No display: check power switch or replace fuse

• No tapping: verify speed adjuster is on, turn knob clockwise, reset tap number if at zero

• Printer does not work: install new paper or check paper orientation

• LED shows Err 0: WT or VOL is zero – re‑enter values

• LED shows Err 1: WT is zero – re‑enter weight

• LED shows Err 2: VOL is zero – re‑enter volume

Ordering information

Model MSBKDT‑100ASWISS ships with:

• Main instrument with micro‑computer controller

• Speed‑adjustable motor and vibrating assembly

• Four graduated cylinders (25ml, 50ml, 100ml, 250ml)

• Polyurethane washer, screw cap, silica gel pad

• Set of tapping washers (1mm, 2mm, 5mm)

• Thermal printer with initial paper roll

• Membrane keypad with display

• Power cord (220V standard, 110V optional)

• User manual with calibration certificate

Other models in the series:

• MSBKDT‑100BSWISS: fixed 3mm amplitude, similar specifications

• MSBKDT‑100CSWISS: single graduated cylinder, lighter weight (11kg packing)

• MSBKDT‑100DSWISS: additional features (refer to supplier)

Optional accessories available on request: spare graduated cylinders, additional tapping washers, thermal paper rolls (pack of 10).